It seems a very simple question: What constitutes a nation?
But how simple a question is it? In this discussion board, I aim to answer this probing question. A question that continues to affect us as a people, as a group and as a society. A question that continues to attune and inform our understanding of the world every hour of the day.
So what is a nation really made up from?
Some will argue that it is people that make up a nation: People of the same feathers flock together as the saying goes. I agree I think a nation is made up by the very fact that the people who classify themselves as part of x nation feel a sense of belonging and have a shared identity.
These people not only share a sense of identity but they also share a common purpose, customs, shared values and strive to work towards the same aim. These aims might include working towards greater economic prosperity or equity-but of course these aims are changeable depending on which society one is talking of. However the fact remains, the fact that a group of people can identify with each other and endeavor to achieve utilitarianism only further cements the view that they are a nation or striving to be one.
Some will argue it's a unique culture that makes up a nation: this they may say includes its food and clothing. The fact that a group of people share the same culture and can identify on the level of food and culture gives further credence to the idea that calling them a nation is not so farfetched. For even the little things mean a lot and carry a lot of weight when we consider the construct of a nation.
Others will argue it's unique language, shared history and common heritage: The very fact that people can come together and identify with each other through language, adds more weight to the notion that this attribute makes up a nation. The importance of communication can never be overstressed or stated. For a language builds bridges.
A shared history and a common heritage further binds the ties these people have in common. The fact that they share a history and common heritage and language no doubt will help solve problems because people of x nation will be able to draw on shared past experiences-they as a collective have gone through. And everyone in their midst will understand without explanation or words.
It reminds me of a part of Roots (how convenient :) when the assumed leader of the slaves down in the decks says we are all we have let, every man must endeavor to learn another man's language, another man culture, another man's story, we must talk to one another of about our different tribes and histories. Here the journey from Africa to the Americas, this "leader" aimed to create and consolidate a nation. This he hoped will help them achieve their ultimate goal which was to break free.
Nations are created for different purposes. A nation could be created to improve the lives or set interests of one group or a group of peoples.
A nation can be created for the purposes of owning and consolidating land or for the purpose of warding off unwanted terrorist activity. A nation can be created for protection or simply because the ideas and notions of the peoples on matters of life are shared.
Nations are created for different causes and for different purposes. Nations are created at different times and are of different types-no one nation being the same as another.
People will use different attributes to know whether they identify with a nation or not.
For me I know I identify with a nation when me and the people of that nation are able to relate whether that be on a social and political plain. At this this stage I know I am where I am meant to be. When we speak the same language and understand our idiosyncrasies; when we share the same history and the same culture and the same cultural understandings I know I am where I should be.
For me it is about feeling comfortable, it is about feeling right: at home. When you reach this mark in life you just know this is the right place for you, the nation for you. Of course different people get to this stage at different times.
Some may even be in the position of arguing that they do not identify with the culture and history they were raised in. They may say they do not share the same values with other compatriots of theirs.
In other words they don't feel like they are part of the nation they were born into, even though they were born and raised in it. This scenario highlights that just because you are born into a nation doesn't mean it is the right nation for you. In this scenario I guess one searches for their nation by seeing which cultures they fit into and how you fit in i.e. is it their history, their language or their culture you identify with. Can you or will you be able to assimilate well?
In my case it just happens to be that I am very happy with my nation. I wouldn't change it for the world.
But maybe it is easier for me to say this given that I am a product of a nation where I am content; I give a perspective of one who is satisfied. I find it hard to relate with one who is cut off and far removed from any nation and has never identified with a nation or its unique characteristics before. There is only so much one can say to compensate for this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXFc2Q2C6nQ
(I think the film is in the right place)
Thinking about later on I realised I forgot something.
ReplyDeleteOne cannot say they are oart of a nation on one count, say for example an African French speaking person and a native French speaking person may speak the same language but that does not mean that they are part of the same nation.
I feel if you are a member of a nation you have to have more in common with a fellow compatriot other than the fact that you speak the same language. You must have something else, that I alluded to above, in common. That's all.