Nationalism is the hot topic in India today! So much that there are certificates of nationalism being given to people. Like, 'Anti Nationals', 'Nationalists' etc. So I decided to have a deeper look at the term nationalism
A simple google search on nationalism gives the following definition "Identification with one's own nation and support for its interest, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations"
So, identifying with one's own nation is a part of nationalism! Of course, I identify with my nation's interest. I want the best for the people of my country and the country as a whole. Does that make me a nationalist? But, my idea of nations interest is different from my friend's! In fact, we are polar opposites and yet both of us want the best for our country. So where do we stand?
I think secularism is good, he feels secularism is abused; both in the interest of the nation! I feel socialism has a role, he believes capitalism should be overarching; both in the interest of the nation. Does that make one of us 'Anti National'?
No! I believe, 99% of people living in any country want the best for their country. Of course, they have their own ideas about what is best for the country. Some even believe, living within their country is detrimental for their group of people. That is their belief. It is the role of the nation-state to show that they belong and overcome their negative feelings towards their country. Rather than giving negative 'Anti-national' certificates.
And the second part of the definition says that the support for one country should be the detriment of the interests of other nations!
Well, in a complex globalized world, it is difficult for countries to grow on their own! A stable neighbour, which is doing well is always beneficial for the country. We cannot and should not wish for the detriment of another country. It just does not work that way.
So, Nationalism is good! Thinking about the interest of a country and its people is obviously a good thing. But that does not mean, my way is the only way for the country to become better and everybody else who has different ideas have different intentions.
And finally, nationalism is a deep concept of living together in a diverse country happily and making sure everybody in the country grow up together. Let us not belittle nationalism by shoving it into small bottles like singing patriotic songs and standing still for the national anthem.
Nationalism is an idea that needs a serious rethinking in this world of namesake nationalists.
A simple google search on nationalism gives the following definition "Identification with one's own nation and support for its interest, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations"
So, identifying with one's own nation is a part of nationalism! Of course, I identify with my nation's interest. I want the best for the people of my country and the country as a whole. Does that make me a nationalist? But, my idea of nations interest is different from my friend's! In fact, we are polar opposites and yet both of us want the best for our country. So where do we stand?
I think secularism is good, he feels secularism is abused; both in the interest of the nation! I feel socialism has a role, he believes capitalism should be overarching; both in the interest of the nation. Does that make one of us 'Anti National'?
No! I believe, 99% of people living in any country want the best for their country. Of course, they have their own ideas about what is best for the country. Some even believe, living within their country is detrimental for their group of people. That is their belief. It is the role of the nation-state to show that they belong and overcome their negative feelings towards their country. Rather than giving negative 'Anti-national' certificates.
And the second part of the definition says that the support for one country should be the detriment of the interests of other nations!
Well, in a complex globalized world, it is difficult for countries to grow on their own! A stable neighbour, which is doing well is always beneficial for the country. We cannot and should not wish for the detriment of another country. It just does not work that way.
So, Nationalism is good! Thinking about the interest of a country and its people is obviously a good thing. But that does not mean, my way is the only way for the country to become better and everybody else who has different ideas have different intentions.
And finally, nationalism is a deep concept of living together in a diverse country happily and making sure everybody in the country grow up together. Let us not belittle nationalism by shoving it into small bottles like singing patriotic songs and standing still for the national anthem.
Nationalism is an idea that needs a serious rethinking in this world of namesake nationalists.
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