Nationalism and Personal Identity

NATION

The term ‘nation’ is often equated with the term ‘country’; however, some believe it is much more than that

A definition: a group of people with a common origin and shared language, culture and customs; e.g. Cree, Scots

Desire to control own destiny and gain sovereignty over a geographical territory that is a fundamental part of that group’s history (cultural homeland)

According to some definitions, ethnic groups that do not have a cultural homeland do not constitute a nation

What is a “Nation”? Four perspectives

See page 22

NATION

Catalans: Nation or Ethnic group?

The Jewish NATION

Members of a nation recognize a common identity Do not necessarily reside

within a common geographical area.

For example, the Jewish nation refers to the Jewish culture and faith throughout the world, regardless of their place of origin

STATE Definition: An independent political unit with territorial boundaries that are recognized by other states. A sovereign area in the world,

often synonymous with country e.g. Canada, Republic of Ireland

Nations are "people" or more precisely "an imagined community,"

States are political constructions with well-defined borders that are recognized by other states and strong institutions (government) to manage internal affairs.

Key Definition: Sovereignty A nation or a state with “sovereignty” has

the political power to control its own affairs Influence or interference from outside the

nation or state limits sovereignty

The Nation State of Israel

Gained independence in 1948

Israel gained control of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights in 1967

RELATED TERMS

Nation-state when a particular sovereign

geographic area is occupied by one nation

In a globalized world, few “true” nation-states exist today (Japan & Iceland are two close examples)

IMPORTANT NOTE: The term nation-state can also be used to mean ‘country’

RELATED TERMS

Multi-national state when a particular sovereign

geographic area is occupied by more than one nation

IE) Canada (English, French, First Nations, others)

United Kingdom (English, Scottish, English, Welsh, Irish, etc. ethnic nations)

RELATED TERMS

Civic Nation: People who share certain political beliefs and values (see page 30) Citizens are equal – have the same rights and

responsibilities Differences in language, ethnicity, culture and religion

do not matter Most have a constitution: legal document that lays

out basic rules of society and contains the cores laws that define the nation and how it will be governed

Canada – a civic nation?

The Making of a Civic Nation

The concept of civic nationalism combines two elements: citizens and their shared values and beliefs.

A civic nation evolves from the citizens willingness to live together according to shared principals and values.

Nation and Identity

an individual has several aspects of identity: personal/individual identity, collective identity, and national identity

National identity is a form of collective identity

The extent to which a person’s nation or country shapes his/her identity will vary from person to person

How important is your nation or country in defining your identity?

Sources of Personal Pride

What are other personal, local, national and international events that are sources of personal pride?

Identify the 10 events from the list that are personally the most significant. Consider the events that provide you with the greatest attachment or allegiance or the greatest sense of pride.

Rank your chosen 10 events in order in a top ten list.

Sources of Personal Pride (examples)

Someone in your school is drafted by an NHL team A Canadian wins an Olympic gold medal An Albertan wins an Olympic gold medal A Ukrainian-Canadian wins an Olympic gold medal Italy wins the World Cup in Soccer Aboriginal musicians are honoured with international awards Someone in your community receives a national award The French language is judged to be one of the most romantic and

expressive languages A Haitian-born refugee is appointed Governor General

Classify the Events

Sort your top 10 events into three categories: National focus: based on common heritage, language or customs with

a group State focus – based on geographic or civic affiliation Non-national focus – based on local connections, personal preferences

Assess the relative importance of each category based on: The number of events in each category The significance that the events have for you in terms of personal

allegiance or sense of pride

Classify the Events

Assign an overall percentage of influence to each of the three categories of events (the total will be 100%)

For example, national events may represent approximately one-half (50%) of your mix and the other two categories may contribute equally (25%)

Create a visual representation of the percentages

Discussion

Why do you think your identity mix has the focus that it does? (e.g. Why is it heavily state-focused or nation-focused?)

What differences do you notice in your identity mix and those of others in the class? What factors might explain those differences?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of various emphases? (e.g. What are the benefits and shortcomings of a population with a heavily state-focused identity?) Consider the advantages and disadvantages from the perspective of an ordinary citizen and as the leader of a country.