Still more from my Critic
My Critic critiques further:
Nationalism and fascism are flattened into a-cultural, a-historical, universal ideological or political manifestations (which, of course, they are not): where did Germany's NSDAP party start if not in particularly enculturated versions of a staunchly felt "nationalism"? As a culturally situated historical mode, Benét's nationalism must be more deeply critiqued and, I suggest, contrasted with anything roaming the old world (Europe) in a similar moment in history.One can almost always critique an analysis for not going far enough, but I think that I do not commit the error attributed to me. Indeed, civic nationalism is contrasted with ethnic nationalism. And "Germany's . . . staunchly felt 'nationalism'" was an ethnic nationalism. Do I have to go back to Germany's loss in WWI and the experiences of a certain Austrian soldier as background? My concern is with Benét.
Labels: Civic Nationalism, Ethnic Nationalism
posted by Horace Jeffery Hodges @ 9:08 AM
8 comments
8 Comments:
Many years ago in an 18th century European history course the professor made a good case that European nationalism(s) and American nationalism are distinct. Here is his idea, embellished by my own research into the matter:
European nationalism is configured around language, ethnicity and culture (and religion is a component of this). On the other hand, American nationalism is based on political philosophy, law and the US Constitution. Now, the law and the Constitution (and the Declaration) are clearly descendants of English and Scottish culture and political movements, and linguistically are tied to the English language, as the law (the Constitution) is written in English. But importantly in American nationalism, the operative principle is a legal and ethical philosophy rather than ethnic identification.
European ethnic nationalism vs. American legal-philosophical nationalism is an important distinction, and it should be kept in mind when considering arguments on the subject. Nationalism, of the American variety, is a pretty good apparatus for protecting property, the equitable distribution of wealth, and erecting other pathways for promoting social justice.
Maybe the origins of such a nationalism--creating institutions protecting a broad middle class, and the political philosophy that under-girds such a project--can be traced to Aristotle. See HERE for example.
"European ethnic nationalism vs. American legal-philosophical nationalism is an important distinction."
I agree, and my ethnic vs. civic distinction roughly fits this. Thanks for the insights and suggestions.
Jeffery Hodges
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Wow!!! Maybe some time will tell, despite their pro and cons, but I believe Leonard Cohen say "There's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in". Whatever reasons everyone affected by the Tree of Knowledge from John Milton's Paradise Lost... *Bones*
Maybe I should write a poem with this line:
"There's a crack in everything, that's how the dark gets out."
Jeffery Hodges
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Yes! I agree with you, There's a crack in everything, that's how the dark -(everyone goes to cemeteries from our mortal creatures) get out". and our questions: Why we die? Dark is cemeteries of the universe! Just curious about life span very short... there's something wrong this universe, and we believed that we are part of Universities and prominent Scholars but why we die? Is this life? *Bones*
It's mortal life.
Jeffery Hodges
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Yes! I agree we are mortal.
*Bones*
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