”Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism," he said through a translator. "Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism. By saying our interests first, who cares about the others, we erase what a nation holds dearest, what gives it life, what makes it great and what is essential: its moral values."
"I know there are old demons which are coming back to the surface. They are ready to wreak chaos and death," he said. "History sometimes threatens to take its sinister course once again."
-Emmanuel Macron
World leaders gathered in Paris yesterday to honor Armistice Day, the conclusion of WWI, and all the horrors of modern technology that left the world so speechless. It was the war that was supposed to have been so horrific that it was going to be the “war to end all wars”. But the war was fueled by the rise of sentiments of nationalism, and only lasted a short time before it’s embers rekindled the fire of WWII that would dwarf even the horrors of the first.
In reflecting on the war, French President Macron reflected on the role of rising sentiments of nationalism. The whole idea of nationalism was something that arose contingently out of the European politics of the late 19th century, with the rise of nation states like Germany and Italy, fueled by resentments after the Napoleonic wars.
So it was rather ironic that that the French President would be making this speech reminding the world of the lessons of unbridled nationalism that the world had learned so harshly exactly 100 years ago. It was hard not to see it as a direct rebuke of Trumpism and the recent alarming global flare up of dangerous sentiments of xenophobia and nationalism:
Is the world heading down the same path and seeing the same sentiments and dark passions which led to such horrors in the last century? Certainly the rhetoric and actions of many world leaders and people we are seeing again today are eerily reminiscent.
While patriotism and nationalism are different they are definitely not opposites.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/patriotism-vs-nationalism
Perhaps this was why Trump decided not to attend the ceremony? That he got wind of the speech Macron was going to give and determined if he attended it would be a personal attack on his own views and he wanted to avoid a requisite public response in kind?
I also object to the OP's position that nationalism arose out of 19th Century European politics. Nationalism has been around at least as long ago as the Greek Polis, where each city-state (Athens, Thebes, Sparta, etc.) considered its "nation" unique from all other's.
One could even argue it goes back further to Sumer, Babylon, etc.. IMO it is a natural outgrowth of the human penchant towards tribalism which is a survival characteristic of our species.
However, I suppose that eventually as we develop over time there will be a one-world government, where it is "Earth against the Universe." Meanwhile, I will stick to being an "I love America first!" for the time being.
”Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism," he said through a translator. "Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism. By saying our interests first, who cares about the others, we erase what a nation holds dearest, what gives it life, what makes it great and what is essential: its moral values."
"I know there are old demons which are coming back to the surface. They are ready to wreak chaos and death," he said. "History sometimes threatens to take its sinister course once again."
-Emmanuel Macron
Hmm... isn't having a one world government just nationalism on steroids? After all, nationalism, unlike patriotism, is about expanding power and control over (all?) other nations rather than just proudly leading by example.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperialismImperialism (Noun): the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas.
https://www.wordnik.com/words/nationalismNationalism: (Noun): Devotion to the interests or culture of one's nation.
n.The belief that nations will benefit from acting independently rather than collectively, emphasizing national rather than international goals.
n. Aspirations for national independence in a country under foreign domination.
I don't know where the idea that nationalism is about expanding and control over all other rnations comes from. That is IMPERIALISM.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperialism
While Nationalism:
https://www.wordnik.com/words/nationalism
I don't see any reference to expanding power and control over (all) other nations in that definition...do you? :unsure13:
But the definition of nationalism also includes “exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups.” This exclusionary aspect is not shared by patriotism.
While patriotism and nationalism are different they are definitely not opposites.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/patriotism-vs-nationalism
”Patruotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel”.
-Samuel Johnson
Hmm... isn't having a one world government just nationalism on steroids? After all, nationalism, unlike patriotism, is about expanding power and control over (all?) other nations rather than just proudly leading by example.
That depends on how far one intends to take their idea of nationalism.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/patriotism-vs-nationalism
I suppose the two terms are often used interchangeably. But there is often a dark sides to both which we must be careful about. Given the founding fathers of this country saw it. Even before the term “nationalism” became fashionable almost a century later, this is one of them have to say about it:
That depends on how far one intends to take their idea of nationalism.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/patriotism-vs-nationalism
I appreciate the expansion of the definition you provided, but even that addendum of some exalting their own nation over all others it is merely extreme nationalists saying "we are better than you," NOT "we are going to take you over."
Your addition is more aptly viewed as "we are better than you and we don't want YOU here messing things up for US." In that vein one enters the realm of prejudice as oppose to merely national pride.
"But the definition of nationalism also includes “exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups.” This exclusionary aspect is not shared by patriotism."
And that is a bad thing why?
When nationalistic zeal makes you forgot your sense of humanity, that’s when it turns dark.
"But the definition of nationalism also includes “exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups.” This exclusionary aspect is not shared by patriotism."
And that is a bad thing why?
While patriotism and nationalism are different they are definitely not opposites.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/patriotism-vs-nationalism
Thats why. Get a dictionary!
They are indeed opposites. Patriotism is loving your country. Nationalism is hating the other guy's.
I also object to the OP's position that nationalism arose out of 19th Century European politics. Nationalism has been around at least as long ago as the Greek Polis, where each city-state (Athens, Thebes, Sparta, etc.) considered its "nation" unique from all other's.
In moderation nationalism is not a bad thing but Hitler and Stalin got a bit carried away with that concept.
They are indeed opposites. Patriotism is loving your country. Nationalism is hating the other guy's.
Nationalist loons like Hitler and Stalin come to mind.
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