Does nationalism inevitably lead to xenophobia?

Question

i.e. early german nationalism gave rise to a sense of racial superiority and a hatred of the french...

Answer 1

Yes, I believe that it does. Nationalism is a good thing until it reaches a fervor. When the people begin to believe their country is the best one on earth and their way of life is the best on earth they become intolerable and unliked; however, because of their superiority complex, they put this off as jealousy. Xenophobia is the result.

Answer 2

Some political parties wave a nationalist flag, in an attempt to get supporters. These parties usually have a very racist agenda. There is absolutely nothing wrong with loving your own country, and loving your own people; but the National parties associate the love of ones own country with the hatred of anybody who isn't 'right' in their eyes, for their country. The economic consequences of this level of division will be disastrous for the economy, as has been proved in the past, but still people hold these views. Nationalism, politically, is a damaged word, which I avoid using at all costs. If you are tempted by those politics, just ask yourself this one question: How will significantly reducing the number of consumers from society, resolve any problems in a society that is based entirely upon consumption?

Answer 3

I am afraid that the word xenophobia is widely misunderstood. It does not mean a hatred of foreigners but a fear of them. On this basis, nationalism does not inevitably lead to xenophobia. One can be a nationalist and love other countries and cultures. Alas, the left-inclined intelligentsia have managed to distort words and given them meanings not originally intended. For example the left will invariably brand nationalists as fascists and nazis and by association suggest them capable of the most heinous of crimes. However, Hitler (nationalist of the right) was responsible for the murder of 6 million Jews and 2 million others; whilst dear old Uncle Joe Stalin (a communist of the left) was responsible for the murders of 21 million Russians and others.

Answer 4

Thankfully I think people are wising up to the difference between pride in a nation and xenophobia - witness the widespread ridicule surrounding 'Freedom Fries'.

Answer 5

Or can xenophobia be exploited to enable nationalism? I had an anthropology teacher who said the one thing common to all cultures is xenophobia... which is fear after all -not defined as hatred.

Answer 6

Yes, because a nationalist defines his/her identity as someone who belongs with certain borders or within a certain area of land, and everyone outside those boundaries is not like them.
Being 'proud' of your country, and declaring yourself a 'patriot' is only a few steps from marching up and down the border with a gun in your hand believing you are holding back the threat from everyone else, all those people out there who aren't like you.
Be a citizen of the world, not of some little part of it.

Answer 7

Yes. Nationalism is all about exclusion. Excluding those who have not had the good fortune to be born in the same country.

Answer 8

It shouldn't, but in the case of those with extreme views it often does. Personally I see nothing wrong with being proud of ones heritage, but people need to extend this to others feeling the same. Hatred is always a bad thing, but in this sort of case it is inexcusable ignorance.

Answer 9

No but isolationism certainly does.

I'm afraid the USA and the UK are sailing dangerously close to this at the moment - they see reds under every bed and terrorists in every dark face. (Bring on those thumbs down)....but their opponents are just as guilty of the same thing.

Nationalism is a very healthy thing I believe. I have enormous pride in my country, but it doesn't mean I hate everyone else.

Answer 10

Lucy Lawless was great in Xena warrior Princess though