In my travels I encounter people who really do believe that they have a greater intrinsic value simply through the accident of their geographical place of birth.
Every country appears to foster this sentiment that somehow you are special because you have x, y, or z citizenship. Be honest, you think it too. But then 90% + of us hardly add much to the supposed betterness of our countries. Or do we?
This promoted nationalism goes beyond patriotism in my opinion. I can hold to my patriotism whilst thinking we are a bunch of idiots, but promoted nationalism demands faith that you are the best, always, No. 1 perhaps, or at least better where it matters.
Most European countries have a chauvinist nationalism, the US's nationalism is often in your face, but frankly I worry most about Chinese nationalism.
I tend to look for who benefits in these circumstances. I think it is a happy union between being owned by government and our need to feel to belong to something bigger than ourselves. I can see it causing problems again soon.
Every country appears to foster this sentiment that somehow you are special because you have x, y, or z citizenship. Be honest, you think it too. But then 90% + of us hardly add much to the supposed betterness of our countries. Or do we?
This promoted nationalism goes beyond patriotism in my opinion. I can hold to my patriotism whilst thinking we are a bunch of idiots, but promoted nationalism demands faith that you are the best, always, No. 1 perhaps, or at least better where it matters.
Most European countries have a chauvinist nationalism, the US's nationalism is often in your face, but frankly I worry most about Chinese nationalism.
I tend to look for who benefits in these circumstances. I think it is a happy union between being owned by government and our need to feel to belong to something bigger than ourselves. I can see it causing problems again soon.