Chapter 1: Nation & Identity

Nationalism is the habit of identifying oneself with a single nation or other unit, placing it beyond good and evil and recognizing no other duty than that of advancing its interests.

-George Orwell

Nationalism. . .some questions

What is Nationalism?How do we define a nation?Do we show nationalism? Why?If so, how do we show it?

Okay people. . .Get your Cornell Notes out.

Nationalism: Striving for a country…

What is a country?

Country Vs. Nation

This distinction can be confusing.The two words are often considered

synonymous and interchangeable. . .but. . .

Origins

Currently, the word nation and nation state refer to a country. . .most of the time.

However, the word ‘nation’ has been present in the English language for hundreds of years. In Latin, it originally meant “people” or “race”.

Therefore, many historians argue that nation differs from “Country” or “Nation State.”

Canada

None of us will argue that Canada is not a country. Canada is geographical area, has physical borders. A federal government that manages many resources and

services on behalf of the people. However, Canada can be thought of a country of many

people, groups, beliefs, races, values, one of many different nations.

Is Canada a Multi-National state?

Attempts to Define Nation

Many Academics have tried to define “Nation”. - The Nation is the People - Nation emerges from a feeling of belonging - An Imagined Political Community - The Nation expresses the soul of the people - The Nation exists when a people want self-

government (First Nations, Quebecois)

Understandings of Nation

Nation as a Patriotic concept

Patriotism – Love of country and an interest in its well-being. A sense of loyalty that may be expressed in various ways.

Is a nation defined as a group’s loyalty to a particular country.

Would you go to war and possibly die for Canada? Why / Why Not.

Linguistic Understanding

English is the first language of approx. 380 million people in the world.

Few would suggest that all the English speakers are a single country.

Sometimes a common language can create a feeling of belonging – an English nation?

Language in Quebec

French is spoken by 80% of the people in Quebec.

The linguistic understanding of nation is strong in Quebec. (Bill 101)

Many do not feel they are part of Canada, but the nation of Quebec.

Quebec Continued

The Linguistic Nation is shared by Francophones across Canada.

They also share a collective history and in many cases religion: Catholicism

But Wait…

Recently many immigrants from countries such as Haiti, Lebanon, and Vietnam are moving to Quebec.

These groups do not have the common history, but do relate to the Quebecois nation.

In 2006, the Government of Canada created a stir when it passed a resolution in the House of Commons saying that the Quebecois people are a nation within a united Canada.

The Ethnic Nation

Ethnicity – Racial, cultural, or linguistic characteristics. Many nations come into being because people share a collective identity based on Ethnic Characteristics.

The Ethnic Nation

If someone mentioned to you the Ukrainian Nation, you would think about the European Country of Ukraine.

But, many Ukrainians live all over the world may have never been to the Ukraine. However, due to their ethnicity they consider themselves part of the Ukrainian Nation.

Ethnic Nation

Many believe that this should be the means on which a nation should be defined, as it protects peoples collective identity.

Others see this as a means of ostracizing and alienating people.

In “extreme” cases this can lead to intolerance and racism (ever hear of Nazi Germany?)

Cultural Nation

A common culture can create a sense of nation.

However, in a country the size of Canada many have different cultures.

Some see these different groups as nations. What different cultural areas are in Canada?

Religious Nation

People who have common religious ideologies often are considered a nation. Even if they have no specific territory.

The Jewish nation existed for 3000 years. However, the country of Israel was not formed until

1948. Many Jewish communities existed, but were often

separated by vast amounts of lands. Therefore, many developed different languages,

customs, etc… but, the Jewish “nation” survived.

Geographic Nation

Compare a political map with a relief* map.

*a technique of displaying 3D image of a map the show the layout and geography of the earth.

Geographic Nation

Mountains, Oceans, Rivers, Lakes, Desserts, etc… are physical barriers that often force a nation to form.

People are isolated from others.

Tibet

Tibet was, for thousands of years, separated from the rest of the world on the vast Tibetan plateau.

They developed unique religious beliefs, customs, Language, and forms of Government.

However, It was taken over by China and is currently an area of great contention.

Political Understanding of Nation

In 1965, the United Nations general Assembly was debating what to do about the Chinese takeover of Tibet in 1949.

The Irish ambassador to the UN stated that Tibet was a nation as it had a history and had governed its self for thousands of years.

Many agreed and that if Tibet had self-determination (the power to control one’s own affairs). Others felt that this was more important then Sovereignty (the authority to control one’s own affairs).

Wow! That is it… we did it!

Now, seriously… which one is right?

Think about your notes, read your notes, review your text.

In your journal, write me a half page of what makes Canada a nation? Or not. Use illustrations to make your point if you like.