Why do we still believe more in nationality than in humanity?

Question

This question was asked at the Dropping Knowledge event on 9th September by Katharina, 24, Germany. To find out more about Dropping Knowledge check out our blog:

Dropping Knowledge in the UK: http://uk.blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-qT1KKPQoRKdVT4lowpJCljbFokkuIzI8?p=1048

Dropping Knowledge in the US: http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-d8pH0dcoRKeB12yOcnUQp.9VCFos?p=12745

To discuss this subject in more detail follow this link to the official Dropping Knowledge website: http://www.droppingknowledge.org/bin/posts/focus/14031.page

Answer 1

Because it is human nature.

Notice this. In a group of people like in a classroom or anywhere else, when you want to play a game or have some sort of debate, split them into two... even randomly and they'd instantly bond with the group they have and try to beat the other.

The smaller, intimate group is a lot more familiar. It feels safer and it's not so overwhelming. It is also easier to control and with nationality and any other group... there is always something common with you guys... the country you have your nationality on.

Although it is more ideal to believe more in humanity, you can't really look at the big picture when you yourself are hurting.

It's a good thing though that although we believe in nationality more, humanity never goes away... after all we all still have something in common. ^_^

Answer 2

It is natural to feel connected to ones nation. That won't change nor should it have an effect on caring for others. I do not think one can exist without the other ,to have nationality means also to have humanity. If where you live is secure enough you can then look out and help where needed show the compassion you have for humanity. Your question is kind of a blanket statement that does not fairly show everyone but assumes to love ones nation means you have no love for the rest of humanity. that is far from the reality.

Answer 3

It is because of the vested interests of a small percentage of political leaders who are out to satisfy their own personal goals and seek positions to achieve them. It gives them "identity and status also". The question is very correct and relevant in todays context. There are more katharinas in every nation, but they are slent majority. Does every nation need to spend a huge portion of their limited resources towards building their military might that in the event of any war with other nation- a war created by the political leadership, not by the innocent humanity, who are always the victims of such dastardly acts, the humanity can be trampled upon mercilessly and enmity only grows. What would happen, if every nation trusts the other, there is no military, may be it is only heaven. All the resources could be directed towards the welfare of their own citizens, if not the neighbours'.

Answer 4

Aren't they the same thing? Like apples and waterproof matches?

I like the name Dropping Knowledge. Haven't been condescended on all day till I read your post. Get a job, hippie.

By the way, word to the Wise: It's that hateful, disrespectful, begrudging attitude that can have no positive effect on a person, regardless of color or nationality.

Answer 5

I think it is a lack of open-mindedness. This is the way it has always been done. So, most do not see any different. I do think that it is ok to be proud of the country where you live , or were born, but we need to soon understand that we are all the same. Nationality also provides on a smaller scale a government to vote for, who will run the country. Now if we could just get the leaders to see that this is truly ONE WORLD, than we might be able to find that thousand year peace.

Answer 6

In answer to your question. I choose not to follow your bleeding heart link. I do care more about my country than any others. If this bothers you then tough! I care more that my people get enough to eat, are protected, and live in peace than I care what happens in other countries. And, in my opinion, this is as it should be. Just as I would not hesitate to kill someone who was trying to hurt my child, or parent. This country, The US, is my parent. And I intend to protect it above all other countries. If you as an individual want to give up all that you have, go ahead. Give it all up. I choose not to do so. I choose to protect my own! This does not mean that I bare any ill will for others, I do not. But I love my people more than yours. So "Drop This Knowledge!"

Answer 7

I figure that we as a nation still have a long way to go even thuogh we have come so far allready. We can only evolve one generation at a time, and I,ve no doubt that some day we will get there but until then we will have to teach our children to be good to each other and teach them also the very best of values and color blindness and that freedom of religion means just that.

Answer 8

People believe more in nationality because within a nation, people share common traits, beliefs, patriotism, etc while humanity is a large concept that cannot easily be defined. Every person and nation is different, and most people have a natural tendency to fear difference, therefore making it easier to believe in nationality than humanity, and we all know that everyone goes for the easier way around.

Answer 9

Before birth our domicile is found inside our mother's womb. We find comfort and safety there. After birth our life's purpose is to survive in our new domicile, our home. We seek comfort and nourishment in the domicile of our mother's arms. After a while, when we learn to trust being separated from our mother, we begin to endure the joys and hardships of our humanity by going out into the world knowing we have a safe place to come back to, our home, our domicile, our nationality. One way in which this concept is introduced to us is through stories.

The hero/heroine goes out into the world to experience some sort of life changing bit of humanity. Once the challenge is faced and the main character has learned whatever lesson the story has to teach, the hero/heroine may return to the safety of home.

In this way we have been taught of going forth into the larger circle of humanity and coming back again to the smaller circle of home. We learn this from the social networks we are born into or inherit along the way. It is taught to most of us from at least the time of our birth.

For most humans the abstract concept of nationality is the concrete safety net of our home, it is where we gain our sense of belonging. It is also where we gain the courage to go out and experience humanity. The idea that we believe in one of these two concepts more than the other suggests that one of them has failed us. Without nationality within this construct, we cannot fully embrace our humanity.

Answer 10

This question is stated as if this is a fact when in fact, who can prove this? A poor question. These are two different things and can not really be compared as this. Belief in humanity is going on even now as I write; humanity efforts are taking place all over the globe. We are divided into nations, thus nationality; we are united with the nations we are part of.