Originally posted by shavixmirDo you think that, nationality apart, there is a realistic way of generating civic solidarity of the type necessary to maintain democratic legitimacy in a state?
None.
I don't want a nationality. You all make me sick (you being countries, not you personally).
I agree with you that I wish I could throw off my national identity; I think it was Hegel who introduced the idea of "throwness' to describe many aspects of our identity. However, if we concede that for a state to be democratic there must be a demos and national identity helps clarify what a demos is then can't national identity be interpreted as beneficial.
Personally I wish the nation was not necessary but there is a compelling argument to suggest it is. David Miller makes a convincing case but I also think that Jurgen Habermas makes an interesting case for the development of a supranational identity.
All I really want to suggest is that if you simply conflate nationalism with its bloody, ethnically divisive side you underestimate what an important and progressive function it has served.
I still maintain this view even though I live in Northern Ireland and have witnessed at first hand the gruesome aspects of nationalism.
Originally posted by eatmybishopI actually had to think about this one overnight. What I decided is that there is no way to know if I would eventually adapt if I moved to one of the places that I have visited for a few days or weeks. I am not a good "traveler" and always feel relieved and happy beyond measure to return home, so maybe I'm not the best to ask. If I have a chance of adapting to a place though, it would probably be Alice in Australia... or a farm in Yorkshire. I guess that would be the two that MIGHT work out over time.
if you couldn't be the nationality you are, what would you go for...
i'm english, if i had to choose another, i'd go for british..!
There is no place like home.