1.7 Defining Nationalism
Completion requirements
1.7 Defining Nationalism
Should nation be the foundation of identity?
Big Idea:
- Nationalism develops out of the concepts of identity and nation.
What is the meaning of Nationalism?
© Library and Archives Canada/e002505448
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"Under this flag may our youth find new inspiration for loyalty to Canada; for a patriotism based not on any mean or narrow nationalism, but on the deep and equal pride that all Canadians will feel for every part of this good land."
Lester B. Peason, Inauguration of the national flag of Canada, Feb. 15, 1965
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RCMP on horseback
What was former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson talking about in his quote? As it turns out, there was a significant message. On the surface, Pearson was saying that with the raising of the new flag, the Canadian people would feel increased patriotism and loyalty to Canada. However, looking deeper he may also have meant a citizen's identity and pride are tied to their nation. Pearson was talking about nationalism. You might ask, what is nationalism supposed to mean?
Let's use the example of sports and sports teams to make sense of nationalism. Sports fans have their loyalties. They will choose teams to cheer for, through thick and thin, regardless of their track record, season after season.
Despite loss after loss, sports fans believe someday their chosen team will win the championship. No matter what sport, the feelings are the same for the fans of each team. When the team wins, they're happy. When the team loses, they're
upset.
You might not identify strongly with a sports team, but maybe you identify with another type of group. Various groups have their own nicknames such as the Little Monsters, Beliebers, Potterheads, Twihards, The Blue Army, or Barbies. Many kinds of fans get together to watch, talk, or celebrate their group interests. They might show their group loyalty by wearing its colours and logo on their clothing—or even painting their bodies! The fans might sing a team song, chant mottos, or do a flash mob. Sometimes, fans of two opposing teams actually fight each other over a perceived insult!
You might not identify strongly with a sports team, but maybe you identify with another type of group. Various groups have their own nicknames such as the Little Monsters, Beliebers, Potterheads, Twihards, The Blue Army, or Barbies. Many kinds of fans get together to watch, talk, or celebrate their group interests. They might show their group loyalty by wearing its colours and logo on their clothing—or even painting their bodies! The fans might sing a team song, chant mottos, or do a flash mob. Sometimes, fans of two opposing teams actually fight each other over a perceived insult!
| Fans | + | Identification with a Team | + | Loyalty to a Team | = | Dedicated Team Fans |
At the core of all this is the basic human need to belong to a group. People want to be part of something that gives them feelings of pride and loyalty in something greater than themselves. Not everyone feels it as strongly as others, but generally pride and loyalty persists. You may not identify strongly with a team, or even a group with a common music, literature, or interest in collectibles. But, you probably feel a similar sense of pride and loyalty toward your ethnic or cultural group, and maybe even for your country.
| Citizens | + | Identification with Nation (group) | + | Loyalty to Nation (group) | = | Nationalism |
Video
Watch the following video, which explains nationalism using Japan as an example.
Uniting all Canadians on common ground was what former Prime Minister Pearson was alluding to. Pearson was saying that each Canadian citizen is part of the group called Canada. He was implying Canadians should identify with and give their loyalty to Canada. Pearson was talking about nationalism: the feelings people have in identifying with their nation. These feelings generally include loyalty for and pride in a nation's culture.