Wanted: Nationalists

Just because nationalism is an alien concept to the multi-cultural me, it does not mean it is so to the rest of the world. When someone displays nationalist sentiments (“One should be proud of one’s culture,” “Never forget one’s cultural roots,” “We must uphold our national language and values.”), I am more than intrigued. I am threatened – by the unashamed, self-righteous fervour and derailment of logic.

To assert that one should blindly embrace one’s national language or culture may win you brownie points among your fellow countrymen, but it is about as logical as claiming we should be proud of being earthlings in a universe full of diverse civilisations. This “provincial” line of thinking, more often than not championed by peoples of marginal cultures, is a defence mechanism; it promotes unity and bestows a(n) (undeserved) sense of exclusivity upon a people whose cultural identity and security could be easily shaken. It is a misguided sentiment, an insidious one that gives the believer a sense of unity, when what it in fact does is divide and incite xenophobia. This is inexcusable and intolerable in a world which is on its way to becoming a “global village.”

As a citizen of the world, I must reject nationalism, no matter how mild, on account of its alienating nature and its tendency to flow over to chauvinism. If the recent bombings and shootings in Oslo, Norway, are proved to be the handiwork of nationalist extremists, my point will be the more cogent.

As for our favourite JFK adage “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country," it is obvious why you should never ask what your country can do for you. Your country is no more than an idea, and ideas have never been known to do anything for anybody.

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