Lesson 1 — Activity 1: What Is Nationalism?
Completion requirements
Lesson 1 — Activity 1: What Is
Nationalism
?
Warm Up
In Canada, hockey is considered to be our national game, and many Canadians are proud that their country has produced some of the greatest hockey stars and teams in history. When Canadians compete in hockey internationally, many Canadians watch and cheer on the national teams.
For example, during the Winter Olympics of 2014 in Sochi, Russia, both the Canadian men's and women's teams won gold medals — a sweep celebrated across the country! This was a repeat performance by both the men's and women's teams from the Vancouver Olympics of 2010.
Sports are just one way people express feelings of nationalism.
In this activity, you will learn what nationalism is and how it may be expressed.
Nationalism is when people feel patriotic (supportive or loyal) toward their country. Nationalism is also when people feel a strong sense of belonging, identity, and pride toward their country or nation.
Where does this word come from?
Can you see the word, "nation" in nationalism? Nation is the root word and the ending "ism" is called a suffix. When you have "ism" at the end of words, it often means that the noun — in this case, nation — refers to a system of ideas about how society should work. So, in the case of the word nationalism, the "ism" signals that this word is referring to a system of ideas about nation.
Here's another example of the sport of hockey playing a role in stirring feelings of nationalism.
World Cup 1972
On September 28, 1972, many Canadians were glued to their televisions or radios as Game 8 of the World Cup of Hockey was broadcast live mid-afternoon. Absenteeism at work places was high, and schools suspended classes to allow students to watch the game, many of them assembling in auditoriums or gymnasiums.
The game started badly for Team Canada, with referee Josef Kompalla issuing penalties that allowed the Soviets to score a pair of first-period power-play goals and build a 5 – 3 lead. Goals by Phil Esposito and Yvan Cournoyer allowed Team Canada to tie the game midway in the third period.
In the dying moments of the game, Paul Henderson corralled the rebound from a Phil Esposito shot, but his own shot was stopped by Tretiak, the goalie. With 34 seconds left, Henderson slipped his own rebound past the Soviet net minder. Team Canada had a thrilling 6 – 5 victory. An entire nation rejoiced!
Adapted with permission from Hockey Canada, "1972 Summit Series: Series Overview," Hockey Canada, 2004,
http://www.hockeycanada.ca/4/4/8/2/index1.shtml (Accessed June 2005).
Digging Deeper!
Click on the Play button to watch and listen to a song that also stirs feelings of nationalism in Canadians.
Self-check!
Try This!
Do you recall watching or hearing about a sporting event that inspired feelings of nationalism in yourself, your family, or your friends? Ask your family or friends for their ideas on this question.