Nationalism, and some modern day examples of nationalism?

Question

I don’t understand the concept of nationalism and it shows itself in the modern world. After reading a textbook with past examples, and googling it I still don’t understand it

In: Other

Answer 1

Nationalism is a cultural and political movement that convinces the people of a nation to put the good of the nation over anything else such as creed, religion, or ethnicity.

Nationalism is usually coupled with a firm or skewed belief that your nation is better than all the others, and is used as an excuse by political or military leaders to push their agenda of trying to make other countries like yours, or to invade and take over other countries for the benefit of your own. Terms similar to ‘manifest destiny’ start getting thrown around.

The US is probably the most nationalistic nation in the World right now with rampant patriotism, obsession over national symbols like the flag, nation anthem, etc. That and trying to push ‘Americanization’ on the rest of the world.

This is hardly an American only problem, but it’s a sign of worse things to come. Nationalism was one of many leading causes to WW1 as it polarized the European nations/empires against each other, and was a key part of both Nazi and Soviet ideology.

The Presidents recent boast about ‘Patriotic Education’ in schools is a classic Nationalist philosophy. Indoctrinating children at a young age in public schools about the benefits and superiority of your nation and creating a generation favoring the ideology of the current ruling elite.

This echos what was happening in Europe in the early 20th century prior to WW1 as well as in Germany and the Soviet Union prior to WW2.

At the extreme end certain Creeds, Ethnicities, and Religious beliefs are integrated into the national image. For the Nazi’s it was the blonde haired, blue eyed, *Aryan* archtype, while in the US many push the image of the ‘All American family’ of White Christian family who’s lineage can be traced back to early settlers.

National symbols become sacred and people are attacked or discredited for damaging any symbol of the nation such as burning a flag, or refusing to show respect during the national anthem.