Change the language, change the culture. Words that used to have definite meanings years ago are now considered offensive words worthy of getting a person ostracized. For example, it is now “bad” to say “nationalism.” Historically, nationalism did not have negative connotations until post-WWI.
How Changing the Language Changes the Culture
The word “nationalism” became tainted when a Serbian nationalist assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, causing a war involving many countries and 16 million deaths. The thought that one nation was superior to another led to a World War! This caused nations to frown on using the word “nationalism.” Today, nationalism has become associated with a source of hatred, such as bigotry.
Language and Culture: Know What Words Mean Today
It’s Common Sense Civics and Citizenship to understand what words mean so that when you formulate your opinions, you clearly grasp definitions and how to use them. Understanding definitions can help, especially in those awkward moments of discussion with the younger generation.
Three words that need clarification today are Americanism, Nationalism, and Patriotism. You know I love to use Webster’s 1828 Dictionary because the language and definition of words are closest to the understanding at the time of our country’s founding. Nationalism was not in Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, for the nation was still in its infancy. I turned to the Collins English Dictionary to define nationalism in American and British English.
Let’s start with Americanism- “The love which American citizens have for their own country, or the preference of its interests.”
Next is patriotism- “Love of one’s country; the passion which aims to serve one’s country, either in defending it from invasion, or protecting its rights and maintaining its laws and institutions in vigor and purity. Patriotism is the characteristic of a good citizen, the noblest passion that animates a man in the character of a citizen.”
Here is an American English definition of nationalism- a) “devotion to one’s nation; patriotism” and b) “excessive, narrow, or jingoist patriotism; chauvinism; the doctrine that national interest, security, etc. are more important than international considerations.”
Finally, the British definition of nationalism is “a sentiment based on common cultural characteristics that bind a population and often produce a policy of national independence or separatism.”
Words Are Not Readily Interchangeable
One can see that the words are not readily interchangeable. You can love your country and prefer its interests to that of another country. That’s Americanism. You can love your country and exercise your passion for your homeland by serving in the military, serving in leadership, or simply by being a good citizen with noble intent. This describes a patriot. A patriot may also believe in Americanism but may also be a nationalist, that is, devoted to one’s nation. That person may also believe in traditional American exceptionalism or “America First” policies. It indicates a natural pride in one’s country. However, today, the words “America First” are taken to mean a vindictive or amoral pride in America associated with nationalism.
The Point Is, Words Mean Things
Words mean things. I hope that by clarifying these words, you can more effectively participate in discussions and understand how the media may be using these words to report news stories to you. How we apply words is up to us. But be aware: when you allow the language to change, you change the culture.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
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