In the past, I've had reservations about posting in this section, but I no longer give a damn what people might think of me and my cranky opinions.
This is a topic that's been percolating in my brain for quite a long time, and I guess its time to pour a cup of conversation coffee...
In the past, I've considered myself to be a global citizen first, and an Australian second.
However, earlier today in the Lounge, Hobbes brought out the nationalist in me, (definition 1) which got me thinking.
I'm going to kick off with some definitions.
(Thanks to dictionary.com)
Patriotism
1. Love of and devotion to one's country.
2. n : love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it [syn: nationalism]
Okay, and the definition of nationalism is...
Nationalism
1. Devotion to the interests or culture of one's nation.
2. The belief that nations will benefit from acting independently rather than collectively, emphasizing national rather than international goals.
3. Aspirations for national independence in a country under foreign domination.
Parochialism
1. Of, relating to, supported by, or located in a parish.
2. Of or relating to parochial schools.
3. Narrowly restricted in scope or outlook; provincial: parochial attitudes.
Provincialism
adj.
1. Of or relating to a province.
2. Of or characteristic of people from the provinces; not fashionable or sophisticated: “Well-educated professional women... made me feel uncomfortably provincial” (J.R. Salamanca).
3. Limited in perspective; narrow and self-centered.
And my point is?
I see all of these isms every time I read a paper or turn on the news.
they strike me as a thinly veiled xenophobia, or at the very least, apathy regarding anything that isn't locallized.
Not the kind of environment that could encourage a lasting global peace.
Is it possible for humanity to rise above all the fussin' an a-feudin'?
Is it too much to hope that all nations lay down thier flags and guns to work together, and all that tree huggin' hippy crap?
Does humanity attach too much importance to a piece of wind blown cloth and a patch of dirt?
Your responses and/or views please.
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