Nationalism is great. It unites people together in the common cause of success and improving their own life. Though it is great, it should be a personal choice. Whenever laws and government interfere, laws against the Constitution begin to appear. Nationalist beliefs must be reiterated constantly. People seem to forget values imagining stoics, uniforms and oppression even when living in a free country.
In "an African Treasure" by Langston Hughes he reveals how people in the United States and South African feel they do not have roots. It may sound as though they are saying they do not have history. However, I believe they do not feel they are a member of the country they were born in, so where do they belong?
Government is taking steps to reduce prejudice and insure equal rights. Now everyone is experiencing a greater degree of equality through leaders; however, it might be different amongst neighbors.
Is it difficult understanding a citizen is a citizen with all the same rights? Perhaps people complain they are not totally free. Freedom did not imply anarchy. Everyone is entitled to the pursuit of land ownership, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to work, freedom of privacy, freedom to pass on their heritage to their children and earn a living.
These seem like basic freedoms. It is odd when people attempt to sabotage each other. Being unkind sabotaged them. When a person does not feel they are a citizen and a member of the community loyalty wanes. Luckily, government removed laws restricting individual freedom. Any person may participate in community projects, open forums, initiatives and voting in order to experience a deeper connection to their country.
People are spending too much time criticizing clothing preference and physical appearance to realize they are acting against the Constitution and other principles on which the nation was built. Few countries allow immigrations. Canada, Australia and United States of America along with territories are unique in this aspect. The United States believes in freedom and self expression. Commerce and free enterprise gauge the success of the country. Government is a safety protocol to bring about reform.
Despite constant promotion of liberty, justice, individuality and freedom somehow people are trying to control everyone by instigating dress code, punishing self expression and giving control to the government. Yet with all our freedoms it is also possible to rebel against the present nationalism of the United States. It is a constant battle.
The national motto is, "E Pluribus Unum," Latin for "One from many." As a nation, in order to embrace nationalism a person must learn to compromise, be compassionate, have tolerance and empathize with fellow citizens. In this way every person experiences life, expresses themselves and is themselves.
Related Article
Citizens and Civility
Management and Personalities
What is Militancy?
Quirky Books
An African Treasury by Langston Hughes
