The concept of a nation is far too broad to be encompassed in a quick, dictionary-appropriate blurb; it increasingly requires a unique and dynamic definition if it should be defined at all. The times have changed. Centuries ago, nations encompassed a relatively homogeneous group of individuals pursuing similar social and economic goals, with clearly-defined geographical borders and speaking the same language. Today, however, rapid globalization has turned the world into a virtual mixing bowl of backgrounds and the word "nation" is becoming more and more difficult to define. Perhaps it would set us back a step to even try. Perhaps each individual must decide what it means to him or her over an extended period of time, and at the end of the day understand that no matter how it is defined, a nation can simply mean "home."
In "Imagined Communities," Benedict Anderson struggles to find his place in the world as a Korean-American in an adopted family. He identifies as an American during his childhood and does not understand himself as an outsider of any kind. However, as he grows older and becomes more aware of his world and community he aims to go back to his roots by studying--and then living--in his native Korea. His stay does not deliver the results he had hoped for, and the film ends with Anderson still musing about his true nation, and where he truly belonged. It seems appropriate to begin this blog talking about Anderson, as his film was itself a blog of a different kind. His musings about what makes a nation--and what makes a family--echo those of many in this class, the William and Mary community, and our countries.
During his journey, Anderson assesses that a major part of community is conformity, and in some ways he's right. To be part of a community one must share beliefs or ideas or backgrounds with the other individuals in that community. However, families, communities, and nations are made richer by diversity, and countries such as the United States take pride in being a nation of immigrants and forward-thinking individuals. If a nation today excluded people who were of a different economic background, spoke a different language, or were of a different race, it would be flagged as ultra-conservative and probably condemned by the United Nations. Part of being a nation today is encompassing all people who have something to add to society - be it new opinions, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, or whatever makes each person unique. It would be a backwards step to try to define a nation by stereotyping based on language or race. The journey may be long, but if each of these individuals can call their collective community home, they share a nation.
In "Imagined Communities," Benedict Anderson struggles to find his place in the world as a Korean-American in an adopted family. He identifies as an American during his childhood and does not understand himself as an outsider of any kind. However, as he grows older and becomes more aware of his world and community he aims to go back to his roots by studying--and then living--in his native Korea. His stay does not deliver the results he had hoped for, and the film ends with Anderson still musing about his true nation, and where he truly belonged. It seems appropriate to begin this blog talking about Anderson, as his film was itself a blog of a different kind. His musings about what makes a nation--and what makes a family--echo those of many in this class, the William and Mary community, and our countries.
During his journey, Anderson assesses that a major part of community is conformity, and in some ways he's right. To be part of a community one must share beliefs or ideas or backgrounds with the other individuals in that community. However, families, communities, and nations are made richer by diversity, and countries such as the United States take pride in being a nation of immigrants and forward-thinking individuals. If a nation today excluded people who were of a different economic background, spoke a different language, or were of a different race, it would be flagged as ultra-conservative and probably condemned by the United Nations. Part of being a nation today is encompassing all people who have something to add to society - be it new opinions, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, or whatever makes each person unique. It would be a backwards step to try to define a nation by stereotyping based on language or race. The journey may be long, but if each of these individuals can call their collective community home, they share a nation.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.