Is nationalism a good thing?
Albert Einstein once described nationalism thus: "Nationalism is an infantile disease: it is the measles of mankind".
But what did he know?
Yes.
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No.
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Nationalism promotes national pride and strengthens the bond between citizens of that nation. Nationalists are people who genuinely love their country, acknowledging their duty of stewardship. I come from England and am fully convinced that it is the greatest nation on Earth. I would take up arms against those who would do it harm and I would die to defend it. There are, of course, those who see Nationalism as prejudicial (liberal "rat bastards" as my good friend TERMINATOR would call them) and fundamentally racist. But I challenge them to say that they have never had any feeling of pride at their nation's achievements. RULE BRITANNIA! Side: Yes.
Nationalism promotes national pride and strengthens the bond between citizens of that nation. It strengthens bonds between citizens of one nation and deteriorates bonds between citizens of different nations. If you work in an office and one of your co-workers decides to let you know everyday just how much better he thinks he is than everyone, most people are not going to like that guy very much. This is going to create a lot of tension. At some point somebody is going to punch that guy in the face. Side: No.
That's not nationalism. An example of "nationalism" in business would be the workers thinking their company has the best products or services in the world, and working hard everyday to make that true. If they thought they had the worst job in the world and the company made junk they'd be unhappy and probably suffer from stress, plus they should be happy every time their business beats their competitor that increases job security. Side: Yes.
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You are trying to form a linkage between Nationalism and some kind of "good" defense of one's country. If your country is evil, and it is being conquered by good, ought you defend it? The Nationalists amongst you would say yes, and take up arms against good men and women. The good people amongst you would say no. If your country is good, all good people will raise up and fight for it, regardless of how blindly nationalistic they are. Nationalism is simply blind support of your country no matter what the circumstance... and blind obedience and support is inhuman, foolish, and will ultimately lend you to being controlled by a person with a powerful will... since you have none if you are indeed a Nationalist. The State should have real control and solid power, but the people should be able to replace it at will. This is the logical position to allow for central management of resources and crisis, but to keep the ability to strip that power of management out of the hands of those who would abuse it. Nationalists fight to keep the power in the wrong hands JUST AS HARD as they fight to keep it in the right hands. Others only fight for the correct side. Side: No.
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According to www.thefreedictionary.com: nationalism: 1. Devotion to the interests or culture of one's nation. 2. The belief that nations will benefit from acting independently rather than collectively, emphasizing national rather than international goals. 3. Aspirations for national independence in a country under foreign domination. I don't quite understand how this is not a "good thing." It seems much better than the alternative. Side: Yes.
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No, Nationalism, and any sense of pride for where you come from is a foolish, emotional condition. You should be logical in your decision to support or dissent against your country. If your country makes an evil or bad decision, you should vote against it, and if it is wicked enough, revolt. Nationalism causes people to view anything different from their country's way of doing things as a bad thing... for instance, since the USA hasn't had public health care, and other countries do, the "nationalists" are automatically against change, even when it is logical. Here's a quick tip: Your country isn't the best one on the Earth, and neither is mine. There isn't a best country, because for every country you can claim is best, I can devise a meaningful measure by which it isn't. Are there some countries worse than others in almost every way? Sure. Not everything is equal... but it's more important to be logical and compassionate (which are not mutually exclusive) than it is to be Nationalistic. Your country won't even be remotely the same place in 50 years, anyway, so, honestly, you're just cheering for something temporary. In 50 years, you'll be sitting around saying "man, this place sure went to hell in a handbasket" like countless old men do every day and always have throughout the ages... because they used to be little Nationalistic fools. Progressives don't become that same old man. They grow old and smile at the winds of change and what the future will bring as people become more intelligent, educated, and socially aware. Side: No.
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any sense of pride for where you come from is a foolish That is an utterly deplorable attitude. If your country makes an evil or bad decision, you should vote against it True nationalism encourages people to ensure that their country does not make evil decisions. since the USA hasn't had public health care, and other countries do, the "nationalists" are automatically against change, even when it is logical. The NHS is far from logical, Sir. Your country isn't the best one on the Earth, and neither is mine. There isn't a best country, because for every country you can claim is best, I can devise a meaningful measure by which it isn't. England is the greatest nation on Earth for me, because merely touching its soil inspires me. Now, come up with a "meaningful" argument as to why I am incorrect and should not feel this way. Your country won't even be remotely the same place in 50 years, anyway, so, honestly, you're just cheering for something temporary. England is great because it has something imperishable: spirit. like countless old men do every day and always have throughout the ages... because they used to be little Nationalistic fools. No, old men do that because they are old and resentful of young people who lead better lives than they did at that age. Progressives don't become that same old man. They grow old and smile at the winds of change and what the future will bring as people become more intelligent, educated, and socially aware. Except they won't, because by your logic ("any sense of pride for where you come from is a foolish") they should not smile and be proud of their country's achievements. Side: Yes.
Nationalism within it's proper boundaries is a good thing. I call this patriotism. This is the love for one's country and the desire to see it prosper and succeed. I consider this a very good thing. Nationalism itself, I say, is an excess of patriotism. This is where the love for your country becomes contempt for other countries. While I do believe that people should be concerned first and foremost with the health of their own nation, I also believe that people should not turn the love of their own country into contempt for other nations and cultures. Side: No.
Unconditional nationalism, which i think most nationalism is, can be a very dangerous thing. Unconditional nationalism says, My country is better than other countries no matter what. To believe that your country is better because you were born in it, is not only counter productive it's downright dangerous. This has been the source of many wars, and hostility between nations. Now of course there is no harm of being proud of your country WHEN your country is a force for good in the world. But to be proud of your country, simply because, it is your country is very foolish. Side: No.
to me, Nationalism is neither good nor bad. It's merely a state of mind that done in moderation is harmless. I personally love my country mainly because it's my home. I love the Constitution and I would love for government to abide by it more often. But when it comes to the Olympics and the World Cup, USA all the way, baby. Side: No.
Nationalism goes against the grain of progressivism. History has shown that any attempts to thwart progressivism will do nothing but destroy you. “Nationalism” is different from “patriotism” in that patriotism is pride in what a nation is. Nationalism is pride in what a country was. Patriotism is a good thing; nationalism is illogical. Side: No.
As a Welsh first language speaker, English nationalism has certainly been bad for our language. The fact that the English have been so nationalist, so obsessed, biased and forceful with their own language has certainly damaged our own language. For example: The 1536 and 1542 Acts of Union: The passing of the 1536 and 1542 Acts of Union made English the language of law and administration of Government. Although the Welsh language was not banned, it lost its status, and brought with it centuries of steady linguistic decline. The government made it obligatory to have the ability to speak English if you wanted a public job in Wales which was very damaging for Welsh and selfish by the English. Welsh Knot: The Welsh Not or Welsh Note was a piece of wood, inscribed with the letters "WN", that was hung round the necks of children who spoke Welsh in some schools in the 19th century. The "not" was given to any child overheard speaking Welsh, who would pass it to a different child if overheard speaking Welsh. By the end of the day, the wearer of the "not" would be given a lashing. The idea of the "not" was to discourage pupils from speaking Welsh, at a time when English was considered by some to be the only suitable medium of instruction. These are 2 examples of many more. Therefore, I think nationalism is good if it is kept within the boundaries of that countries. Take your nationalism and start messing with other countries is morally wrong and you're asking for trouble. Side: No.
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As a Welsh first language speaker, English nationalism has certainly been bad for our language. The fact that the English have been so nationalist, so obsessed, biased and forceful with their own language has certainly damaged our own language. Welsh is barbaric and offensive to the ear. Retaining it would be economically ruinous. Therefore, I think nationalism is good if it is kept within the boundaries of that countries. Take your nationalism and start messing with other countries is morally wrong and you're asking for trouble. Your desire for greater Welsh independence is an example of nationalism. Side: Yes.
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