Is Nationalism Bad?

[Rainbow Mage]

Many seem to believe that nationalism is a good and wonderful thing, but given what history has to show, I'd argue otherwise. One can be a good citizen of their country without being a nationalist. History shows that nationalism is how dictators always maintain power. Mussolini and Hitler used it, Stalin used it, the Roman Emperors used it. Nationalism can be a tool of great evil. Both of my religions discourage nationalism, because my loyalty is to Kemet, not the physical nation of Egypt, but the nation in our hearts. My loyalty is also to the sangha, the happy home of all living beings. I don't personally see nationalism as all that great. I think it's used for terrible ends.

What are your thoughts?

 

[LuisDantas]

I pretty much agree.

 

[kai]

nationalism like anything else can be used for terrible ends just like religion. people like belonging, its an extended family.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

nationalism like anything else can be used for terrible ends just like religion. people like belonging, its an extended family.

You don't see the human race as family? Why limit it to just one nation?

 

[Willamena]

Like most things, it's not inherently good or bad, it just is. What use we make of it lends it value.

 

[kai]

You don't see the human race as family? Why limit it to just one nation?

too big !just doesn't work does it, a noble thought none the less.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

Guess I'm a noble thinker then

 

[Breathe]

Like most things, it's not inherently good or bad, it just is. What use we make of it lends it value.

Yeah, this.

 

[Onkara]

I agree with Willamena (and Odion)
I don´t think history is a reason to avoid something. History is something we can use to improve something.

 

[xkatz]

In extreme forms, it is usually bad. But, nationalism, in moderation, I guess could be a good thing as long as it isn't British or Welsh

 

[Onkara]

In extreme forms, it is usually bad. But, nationalism, in moderation, I guess could be a good thing as long as it isn't British or Welsh

Hi Xkatz,
Do you fear the British and the Welsh (by the way the Welsh are British)?

You hit the nail on the head, the problem is where to draw the line before extremism takes over.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Esp Mussolini and Clara. There was a tremendous display of unified nationalism expressed in the very end of his life as a dictator.

 

[Breathe]

I guess could be a good thing as long as it isn't British or Welsh

Booo!

 

[LuisDantas]

What would the upside of Nationalism be?

 

[Onkara]

What would the upside of Nationalism be?

Good question, Luis!
It *may* help to reduce the underlying pressures by controlling a national standard. In a sense it may strengthen the peoples´ identity and needs, helping the Government to work in a visualised direction.

 

[Mr Spinkles]

I think in general Nationalism is a bad thing.

There's nothing wrong with ideas that motivate and give people a sense of pride and identity, as long as the ideas are used to serve the purposes of real human beings of flesh and blood, instead of the other way around.

I am reminded of a family ring that has been passed down for a few generations in my family. The ring isn't worth much. It's just a symbol, a material object. It's a reminder of family togetherness and our history, and there's nothing wrong with that. But after a dear family member died tragically, a dispute arose over the ownership of the ring. The symbol became more important than the family bonds it is supposed to strengthen, and a worthless ring tore the family apart! How senseless is that?

 

[Onkara]

I think in general Nationalism is a bad thing.

There's nothing wrong with ideas that motivate and give people a sense of pride and identity, as long as the ideas are used to serve the purposes of real human beings of flesh and blood, instead of the other way around.

I am reminded of a family ring that has been passed down for a few generations in my family. The ring isn't worth much. It's just a symbol, a material object. It's a reminder of family togetherness and our history, and there's nothing wrong with that. But after a dear family member died tragically, a dispute arose over the ownership of the ring. The symbol became more important than the family bonds it is supposed to strengthen, and a worthless ring tore the family apart! How senseless is that?

Interesting example Mr Spinkles
The ownership of the ring illustrates what I personally would like to avoid in nationalism: the sense of putting ones ownership or position over others.

There is a subtle but important line between promoting unity and bonds and promoting oneself and ones rights at the expense of others. The later I see as move into fascism and elitist hierarchies.

I don't mean to judge your family, but point out that fascism is wrong and not identical to nationalism in my opinion as it stands today.

 

[dust1n]

Many seem to believe that nationalism is a good and wonderful thing, but given what history has to show, I'd argue otherwise. One can be a good citizen of their country without being a nationalist. History shows that nationalism is how dictators always maintain power. Mussolini and Hitler used it, Stalin used it, the Roman Emperors used it. Nationalism can be a tool of great evil. Both of my religions discourage nationalism, because my loyalty is to Kemet, not the physical nation of Egypt, but the nation in our hearts. My loyalty is also to the sangha, the happy home of all living beings. I don't personally see nationalism as all that great. I think it's used for terrible ends.

What are your thoughts?

Is Nationalism Bad? Depends on where your interests lie.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

I suppose it's as bad as anti-nationalism.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

I suppose it's as bad as anti-nationalism.

How is anti-nationalism bad? We're all one human race.