On Nationalism

Amidst growing support for conservative beliefs, it should be examined as to why this is taking place. Perhaps, and maybe more likely, it has been the folly of progressives to forget that calling card that rallies American support. Making such issues a priority is border control, the common working man or woman, affordable energy, and inflation. Basically, anything of domestic importance seems to have more value right now. But hasn’t it always? Why would something like that ever change? Now, this particular essay is not intended to be purely political—more so, the intention is to peer at a nationalist ideologue in order to understand ourselves as a governed society; but moreover, why it’s more important now more than ever to come together as a united citizenship. Hence, globalism remains a growing threat to spiritual autonomy and sovereignty.

First, we must know what nationalism is. The problem with defining things, however, is to root out all other names and labels that could be suggested of what that concept really is. Or, to put it bluntly, to know what the characteristics of said thing are not. Nationalism, by definition, is strictly connected to identity. It is the identification one claims to have with the state in which they are a part of. This is obviously seen in such symbols as flags, or in celebrations like parades and such. It is anything that fosters freedom of a people expressing their pride to be part of a country or nation state. And many people in many countries around the world show this support and love to their homeland. So, to be more specific, let’s look at American nationalism because something just seems a little bit different here than in the rest of the world’s nations.

When we look at the Irish celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, or the Chinese setting off fireworks for the new lunar year, there are no criticisms or vitriols. There really isn’t an examination whatsoever. It is simply viewed as a people celebrating, well… being a particular people. The celebration of being a part of something together. To say the least, it’s a very nice thing to have and be a part of for those citizens. But why is it different here, in America. I’m trying to be careful in saying the word, “patriot” because doesn’t that offend some people? Imagining the scenario of calling a fellow citizen a patriot and being scoffed at or scolded for misrepresenting their identity. But it was never meant to be an insult or slur. How can it be problematic to identify oneself with being American? To actively say that those cultural beliefs and promises are not something that represent me, and then to continue into an explanation as to why seems to be an absurdity because that person is from here and was born in this land.

Maybe the problem is that America doesn’t have an identity. Or that is what the globalist elites, democratic socialists, and the media want us to think. Still, America is a nation founded by people who did not originate here. But wasn’t there still something to fight for then, or even more so? It’s ironic because this place wasn’t given to any of us, it had to be earned, and therefore, should be even more valuable. It makes me wonder sometimes when on television I see people in the streets holding the flag from which they came protesting our beliefs and our way of life. But maybe there is no “our” way after all… that is until it’s been taken away. And in these protests, we can see the spirit and the passion these people have for their homeland and it’s a wondrously, beautiful thing. Do Americans lack this bravado? Maybe that type of celebration isn’t a good look to some folks. It might make more sense to protest and claim for rights in the land in which they came from. Isn’t that a real revolution by definition? How can one revolt against a people who they do not belong to or with? So, maybe that’s what we witness unfolding presently, is the marking of an American identity.

However, I still want to figure out where nationalism ends, and fascism starts. From my understanding, this was simply a term used back in the days of World War I to identify a people fighting for a specific country and who held the conviction of high praise of the land in which they hail. So how has it then become commonplace to berate at people who like to watch baseball and listen to country music? Who is the everyday American? Moreover, why would anyone be offended by children starting their day in school with the Pledge of Allegiance? Did I go too far? I suppose it’d be more appropriate for children to be subjected to pornography in books and gay pride flags strung about the classroom. The point being is that Americans, yes all of us, have forgotten what it’s like to appreciate things for what they are. Change for the sake of change is something that is dangerous. Anything in the world that demands reconstruction must go through a natural course that takes a fair amount of time and review. We can’t just have everything we want in that instant given moment.

Freedom doesn’t work that way: it never will, and it never has.  Americans should reevaluate what tolerance really is because it is far different than acceptance. There’s no need to feel ashamed in being American. There’s no point in feeling disgraced by the flag that so many brave men fought and died for. Those are our values that bleed out on the battlefield. Most importantly, we are from a place that has always understood the commonality of difference. It is our differences that help recognize our identity in a globalist world, one that is distinct from everybody else. This is the truest characteristic of the American citizen