In Favor of Nationalism

Red, white and blue. Bald Eagles. Parades. Bigotry. Ethnocentrism. Hubris. Rednecks. Whatever it is that you think of when you think of America, it's yours.

"When in the course of human events" is yours.

"...in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity" is yours.

"Give me liberty or give me death" is yours.

"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights" is yours.

"I have a dream" is yours.

The ugly scars of the Civil War are yours, internment camps for Asian Americans, broken contracts with the Native Americans, a national debt in the trillions, and a reputation of ignorance are yours.

In an age where the world has shrunk, bringing cultures hurtling towards each other in globalization, nationalism is viewed as a silly trapping of antiquity. Business is international and foreign affairs are no longer relegated to arranging a marriage to the crown prince of the Holy Roman Empire or conquering your neighbors. International travel has become a hobby.

Those who would beam wearing a badge of political correctness would say taking pride in one's country is narrow minded, that we should be much more open to diversity and other cultures. What great things has America done, anyway? The would scoff. They've poked their nose in everyone's business, they're consumed with greedy capitalism, and beyond that they're conceited about being Americans. They would sneer. We are global citizens. Nationalism is only an obstacle to progress. They would coo.

Well, I think they're wrong.

Before you get worked up, listen to what I'm not saying. I'm not saying we oughtn't teach children about other cultures, or that we shouldn't make people of other cultures feel welcome in our country. (Isn't that how we were founded, after all?) I'm not saying we'd be better off going our own way, forget global cooperation and commerce. There, now, calm down.

I am arguing in favor of a hearty helping of nationalism. I think that you - whether you are from Australia, America, Morocco or Ireland, should love that country. Oh, citizen of whatever country, love her truly and dearly. There is no need to be convinced that she is the best nation in all the world, a shining nation with no flaws. She need only be your favorite. There is no need to hate the rest of mankind and their nations, but bear your own title with determination. Love your nation when she is wrong, for who else will put her to rights, if not those who love her deeply? Love your nation when she is right, for who should celebrate more happily? In an era of global this and that, have we also done away with a need for roots and a sense of place? I think not even the most advanced engineering could do that for (to) us.

And so, on this Remembrance Day in Australia, where red poppies are pinned to lapels and shirt fronts, and the banners read "lest we forget", love your country, whoever she may be.

Little Miss Sunshine