Nationalism And The National Mold Of The Majority Faction

Introduction When Americans think of nationalism, most conjecture visions of high-flying flags, soldiers returning from war, and a montage of red, white and blue. Some envision fireworks on the Fourth of July, or a hometown parade on Memorial Day. To many, the term â€Å"nationalism,† is just a synonym for â€Å"patriotism,† or the emotional allegiance one feels to his or her country. But in fact, nationalism carries a wholly different meaning, one that has earned a negative connotation especially over the past few centuries. Nationalism, at its simplest is the patriotic sentiment for a nation, or aggregate of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, generally inhabiting a particular country or territory. Nationalism therefore implies the superiority of a homogenous group of people, whether it be by race, culture, language, etc. Over the years, nationalism has been used to justify, in some cases, the genocide of ethnic or religious groups that fail to fit the national mold of the majority faction. This justification has procured nationalism its unsavory historical connotation, which peaked in Europe during World War II and still remains healthy today in Africa and the Middle East. Having remained largely dormant since World War II, Westerners are now beginning to witness a resurgence of nationalism, particularly in the United States and Great Britain. These countries have experienced similar predicaments with an influx of immigration (or migration in Europe)Show MoreRelatedRevolutionary Changes in the Atlantic World, 1750–185010951 Words   |  44 Pagessome members of the First Estate declared themselves to be a National Assembly and pledged to write a constitution that would incorporate the idea of popular sovereignty. 2.As the king prepared to send troops to arrest the members of the National Assembly, the common people of Paris rose up in arms against the government and peasant uprisings broke out in the countryside. The National Assembly was emboldened to set forth its position in the DeclarationRead MoreRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 Pagesand nationalities. 2. Adherents of the faith appear to be relatively small in number. One study suggests that less than one percent of Jamaicans describe themselves as Rastafarians. Yet the average non-Jamaican assumes that Rastafarianism is the national religion of Jamaica. 3. Rastas believe that Selassie is the returned messiah, that he is Jah, or God. They believed this fully prior to his passing in 1975 and after. Many believe that Selassie was a dictator and a cruel leader. That he is regarded