The Problem with Humanism- No Borders
July 17, 2007
In some Humanist circles, the idea of nationality is regarded as a severe roadblock to human progress. There are many humanists that cosider themselves “world citizens” before claiming any nationality. While I undestand this view, I cannot go along with it.
Nationality plays too large a role in our world to even consider the prospect of doing away with it. Citizens, including me, are extremely proud to hail from their country of origen. I think nationality affects our lives in more ways than we realize. Political beliefs, religious beliefs, social norms, views of the rest of the world, cultural relations are all affected by nationality. Consider how differently citizens of other countries view world events.
Nationality also can give people a sense of pride and loyalty. How many of us rally behind our nation’s team every time the Olympics come around. How about national achievements in Science, the respect of a nation’s flag, the history surrounding your country? All of these things, along with many others, help to make nationality very important. On some level, nearly everyone can feel some sense of belonging as a citizen of their country.
When considering that some Humanists believe that a borderless world would bring us all closer, we have to take all of these points into account. What do we have in common with every other person in the world? Humanity. The fundamental issues that lead to war, primarily religion and politics, will in no way be lessened by a borderless world.
July 17, 2007 at 1:53 pm
The problem with nationalism is that it tends to produce toxic patriotism. The enables the powers that be to wave the flag and produce an US vs. THEM mentality. This oversimplification then makes it possible for the leadership to attack THEM. Doesn’t the current mess in Iraq prove that nationalism is easily used for the worst of purposes?
The history of nation states is filled with war and genocide in the name of national pride…
The scientifically impossible I do right away
The spiritually miraculous takes a bit longer
July 17, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Thanks for the reply ClapSo:
While I understand your point, I cannot agree with it. I think it is true that nationalism can produce toxic patriotism, however, I don’t know that I can blame that on nationalism as much as the personality, motivations, and views of the individual. There is no doubt that nationalism can be taken to a negative extreme, but I’m referring to just an overall pride in your country. I’m not getting into debates about the actions of people in the power positions of a country, that is not in my purpose. However, I will say that while I realize there have been deplorable events undertaken by the United States, like most any other country, it is generally out of the decisions of the people in power and their agenda.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Regards.
July 17, 2007 at 9:08 pm
I understand and respect your well thought out perspective on this issue. However, when analyzing the use of a social tool such as nationalism, I believe that we should always invoke the history of such use. The question is for me: Does the historic use of this tool suggest it is more likely to do harm or good? Does the tool produce worse bad effects (war) then better good effects (feeling of belonging)?
I believe that the bad effects produced by toxic patriotism are directly related to the link with nationalism. It seems to me that a social tool that is so empowered by the socialization and acculturation we all receive from childhood is bound to be misused by bad acting power elites. As such I believe the broader humanist model calling for a reevaluation of our over reliance on lines on a map for who we are and connected to, would lead us to a broader feeling of connection to our fellow humans. Creating such broader connection is one of my hopes for humanism.
Example:
Under the articles of confederation after the American revolution, the states acted as nations. Several of them threatened war on their neighboring states. Once the federal government was created, and the states then became part of a larger map, the United States, threats of war between the states disappeared.
I believe we have reached the same point with nations. If we can do away with the map line devisions between nations, we can become one people of the earth…
The scientifically impossible I do right away
The spiritually miraculous takes a bit longer