ENRICHED + HONORS: Nationalism videos watched in class, 3-31

If you missed class on Thursday, 3-31, please watch the following and read the notes below:

Mr. Klaff's "nationalism" song: http://www.mrklaff.com/nationalism.html

2006 Michigan vs. Ohio State intro video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQisGiMHl-Y&feature=related

British nationalism and the Falklands War: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1TeHq2ofZA

Lee Greenwood, "God Bless the USA": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RINqibpWOzQ

Nationalist hate crimes in Russia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWZ8hBWNHKs

What is nationalism?

Simple definition: “country pride”
Extended definitions:

-Strong feeling of love and loyalty for one’s "nation" - others who share common bonds of history, language, culture, or territory.
-A nation is an “imagined community” – we feel connected to other members of our nation that we haven’t even met.

What is a nation-state?

In social science, “state” usually means “country” (in this sense, the U.S. is a “state”)

“Nation” = a group of people with a common national identity; this can include characteristics such as history, language, ethnicity, religion (but it does not need to include all these)

Nation-state = a country whose population shares a large degree of national/cultural similarity and unity.

The U.S. is a “nation-state” because citizens of the United States think of themselves as “Americans.” Japan is a “nation-state” because citizens of Japan think of themselves as “Japanese.”

Nationalism and sports: an example

Nationalist feelings are often very similar to love of a sports team.
Suppose you are a die-hard Michigan Wolverines fan. You get fired up by the colors, music, traditions, rituals, field, and heroes of your team. But this can get out of hand - suppose you grow to hate the other side....

Nationalism - positive consequences:

-Gives people a sense of identity and belonging
-Can bind people together
-Can inspire revolutions that sometimes lead to positive outcomes
-Makes the Olympics and World Cup fun to watch

Nationalism's negative consequences:

-Nationalism often results in an US vs. THEM mentality.
-Sometimes, nationalism can take the form of racism and xenophobia (hatred of outsiders).
-Some people may define their “nation” in a way that excludes members of other nations, minority groups, and immigrants.