Understanding Nationalism

Nationalism

• Etymologically, the term "nationalism" originates from the Latin word "natio," meaning "something born."
• Romans used "natio" to describe a community of foreigners.
• The modern sense of "love for a particular nation" emerged around 1798.

Nationalism: Concept

• Nationalism is an idea and movement that promotes the interests of a particular nation.
• Nationalists seek sovereignty (self-governance) for their homeland.
• Nationalism advocates for each nation to govern itself without outside interference.
• A key aspect is building and maintaining a shared national identity based on characteristics such as culture, ethnicity, geography, language, politics, religion, traditions, and shared history.
• This aims to promote national unity and solidarity.

Nationalism: Definition (Oxford)

• Nationalism involves identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, often at the exclusion or detriment of other nations.

Nationalism: Issues and Concerns

• Nationalism can manifest as a strong sense of national superiority over other countries.
• Nationalism, at times, fosters a sense of loyalty and devotion to one's nation above all others, focusing on the promotion of its culture and interests.

Nationalism: Threat to World Peace

• A quote by Voltaire: "So, it is human condition that wish for the greatness of one's fatherland is to wish evil to one's neighbors."

Types of Nationalism

1. Civic Nationalism

• Defines a nation as an association of people who share political procedures and identity.
• Not based on ethnicity, but a political entity.

2. Creole Nationalism

• An ideology that emerged in independence movements among descendants of colonizers.
• Fueled by the French Emperor Napoleon's seizure of Spain and Portugal, which disrupted colonial control.
• Creole demanded independence after civil wars.

3. Nativist Nationalism

• Similar to creole nationalism, defining national belonging solely through birth within a particular territory.
• People not born in the country may be viewed as lesser nationals, even if they gain citizenship.

4. Ethnic Nationalism

• Also known as ethno-nationalism.
• Defines a nation in terms of shared heritage, often encompassing common language, faith, and ethnicity.
• Encompasses a shared culture between members of the group and their ancestors.

5. Economic Nationalism

• Favors state intervention in the economy.
• Stresses domestic control over the economy, labor, and capital formation, even if it requires imposing tariffs or restrictions on the movement of labor, goods, and capital.

6. Religious Nationalism

• Links nationalism to a specific religious belief, dogma, or affiliation.
• Shared religion contributes to a sense of national unity and common bond among citizens.
• Examples include Saudi Arabia, Iranian, Egyptian, Iraqi, and Pakistani-Islamic nationalism.

7. Left-wing Nationalism

• Often termed Socialist Nationalism.
• Refers to political movements that combine left-wing politics with nationalism.
• These movements promote national liberation, often viewing their nation as persecuted by external forces.
• They seek to achieve social equality and egalitarianism.

8. Territorial Nationalism

• Assumes all inhabitants of a nation owe allegiance to their country of birth or adoption.
• Idealizes citizenship.

9. Racial Nationalism

• An ideology that promotes a racial definition of national identity.
• Aims to preserve a particular race through measures such as prohibiting interracial mixing and restricting immigration from other races.

10. Sports Nationalism

• Combines sports competitions with a battle for national supremacy.
• Fans invest strongly in their national teams.
• National teams and their performance are increasingly tied to cultural identity.

Difference Between Patriotism and Nationalism

• Patriotism focuses on a country's positive values like liberty, justice, and equality.
• Patriots believe in the inherent goodness of their country's systems and individuals working together.
• Nationalism is based on the belief that one's nation is superior to others.
• Nationalism can foster distrust or disapproval of other countries, potentially viewing them as competitors.
• Nationalism has the potential to lead to interventionism, conflict, and war., while patriotism promotes cooperation and collaboration.

Characteristics of Nationalism

• Nationalism may be based on territory, blood, or language.
• Loyalty is centered around homeland. Other loyalties are secondary or subordinate.
• A belief that one should defend a compatriot against someone foreign.
• National personalities and historical heroes are often revered.
• Reviving past traditions, and potentially myths or customs is common in nationalism.
• Distorting history to glorify one's country and create positive national narratives can occur.
• National emblems such as flags, national emblems, and anthems are considered sacred and require self-sacrifice.

Filipino Nationalism

• A sense of national consciousness in the Philippines emerged from the 1880s and 1890s through a reform or propaganda movement both within Spain and the Philippines.
• The movements sought to change social, political and economic circumstances through peaceful means.
• Filipino nationalism is rooted in the awakening of national consciousness among the upper class. This was reinforced by increased trade and exposure to Europe’s liberal ideas.
• Filipino nationalism emphasizes a secular identification with the Filipino nation and domestic community, embodying a shared identity.

Filipino National Identity

• Filipino national identity is rooted in indigenous values.
• Practices like Pagsasarili, Pakikisama, Pagkabayani, Pagkakaisa, Pakikitungo, Pakikipagkapwa-Tao and Pagkakapantay-Pantay are central tenets of Filipino identity.
• These cultural and philosophical tenets help shape a shared understanding of being Filipino.

Ways to Show Filipino Nationalism

• Demonstrating a deep respect for the Philippine flag.
• Demonstrating awareness of Filipino national issues
• Demonstrating pride in national accomplishments
• Supporting Filipino products
• Respecting and valuing Filipino traditions
• Continuing the use of the Filipino language
• Honoring national heroes, and honoring sacrifices made for the country
• Love for family, neighbors, and countrymen

Philippine Symbols that Promote Nationalism

• National symbols are important for unity as they embody national values. These include the flag, national emblem, and national anthem.
• The national flag, the great seal, the coat of arms, and the national motto are examples.
• The Filipino language has the status of national language.

National Identity

• A collective sense of belonging, values, and characteristics.
• Defining a nation involves shared attributes.

National Symbols

• Symbols represent national community to the outside world.
• Examples include sovereign states, countries with colonial or other dependencies, and ethno-cultural communities.
• The symbols aim to unite people by visualizing national identity, values, goals, and history.
• Official national symbols, encompass aspects such as flags, coats of arms, and anthems (among others).

Listing of National Symbols (Official), with details

• Specific symbols such as the flag, great seal, coat of arms, national anthem, national language, national motto, national tree, national flower, national bird, national fish, and the national costume for men (Barong Tagalog) and the dress for women (Baro't Saya) and national food (Adobo).

• Specific details like their origins, composers, and importance within Filipino culture.

• Specific symbols like Philippine eagle, sampaguita flower, carabao, adobo, National Dance (Tinikling), national hero(Dr. Jose Rizal),

National Myth

• National myths are inspiring narratives about a nation's past to reinforce national values and potentially serve as the underpinnings of national identity and unity.
• National myths are often elevated to the status of historical truths.
• Myths, epics, or spiritual narratives may reinforce aspects of national identity and/or spiritual values.

Philippine Mythology

• Philippine mythology encompasses various stories, epics and folklore reflecting diverse indigenous Philippine folk religions and ethnic groups.
• Elements of mythology from other cultures can be found in Filipino mythology.
• Mythology aims to explain the nature of the world, particularly through tales or narratives about heroes, deities, and legendary creatures.