In Imagined Communities, Benedict Anderson as a "sociological organism moving calendrically through homogenous, empty time... (Anderson 26)". His conception of nation arises from the end of three previously dominant forms of relating to other human beings: language, a society dominated by monarchs, and an obsession with the fleeting nature of life. I would agree with his definition of nation and argue that it is even more relevant today. While globalization has created a more interconnected society, nationhood has arisen as the dominant form of identity in the modern era. Most academics and citizens of the world either speak multiple languages or have resources that would allow them to learn another language. Society is ruled by international institutions and the interactions of nations under such a system. Finally, rather than focus on the limited longevity of human beings, scientific innovations are allowing humans to live longer. This brings us to the question: What makes a nation? Anderson's definition still holds true. A nation is an imagined community, defined by borders and a shared cultural lineage.
Why do nations exist? Coming from a government background, I tend to have a fairly rational and sterile answer to this question. Nations exist to provide order and cultural fraternity for large groups of people. Human life is naturally chaotic. Without structure, our world is warlike and without brotherhood. An imagined community allows the emergence of shared cultural memory and a strongly bonded society. For example, the American nation rallies around shared historic moments. The events of September 11th bonded political enemies and citizens of separate states in shared loss and national pride. We know we belong to a nation when we are defined by our belonging. When abroad, I define myself as an American; when I leave the country I have an American passport; when I think of the history of my people, I think of George Washington rather than the British colonizers. Belonging to a nation implies distinct cultural products-- the hamburger, for example, could serve as a national food. Culturally, we rally around national symbols like a flag, anthem, or capital. Most recently, the American people can rally around the inauguration of our President and the pride that we feel in our country on such a historic day. We belong to the nation, we are a part of the nation, we become the components of a nation.
Why do nations exist? Coming from a government background, I tend to have a fairly rational and sterile answer to this question. Nations exist to provide order and cultural fraternity for large groups of people. Human life is naturally chaotic. Without structure, our world is warlike and without brotherhood. An imagined community allows the emergence of shared cultural memory and a strongly bonded society. For example, the American nation rallies around shared historic moments. The events of September 11th bonded political enemies and citizens of separate states in shared loss and national pride. We know we belong to a nation when we are defined by our belonging. When abroad, I define myself as an American; when I leave the country I have an American passport; when I think of the history of my people, I think of George Washington rather than the British colonizers. Belonging to a nation implies distinct cultural products-- the hamburger, for example, could serve as a national food. Culturally, we rally around national symbols like a flag, anthem, or capital. Most recently, the American people can rally around the inauguration of our President and the pride that we feel in our country on such a historic day. We belong to the nation, we are a part of the nation, we become the components of a nation.
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