Definition Of Nationalism

I have posted that definition at some discussion groups that I take part in. Lets just say that it has caused a mild stir.

Among left leaning Canadians, it seems rather benign and close to reality. Among the neo-right it has caused ridicule and disgust. It seems a few cannot understand that many Canadians have no wish to be American.

Thing is they will not advance their own description or definition - just ridicule for those that wish to keep Canada in the hands of Canadians. Some even went as far to cop-out with that lovely term - \'you are just anti-american\'! That about says it all does it not?

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If there was ever a time for Canadians to become pushy - now is the time - for time is running out on this nation called Canada.

Given recent US actions, being \'anti-american\' seems perfectly reasonable.

I agree that opposing U.S. foreign policy seems perfectly reasonable at this point, although as we've discussed on this site before, calling someone "anti-American" is generally more rhetoric than legitimate argument. <p> Definitely this site is not at all interested in being jingoistic, even though we could easily be considered nationalist--nor do we want to exclude people based on race or ethnicity, another danger of some kinds of nationalism. In our case, I'd also say nationalism was definitely a method of fighting U.S. imperialism--and the ineqalities of capitalist globalization as we currently know it as well, if not globalization itself (globalization from below, or internationalism as it's more often called, is fine by me). <p> What the Hellyer definition DOESN'T address is that popular nationalism or civic nationalism may be different from nationalism that supports a particular government and/or the elites of a country. See the article by Gordon Laxer, "<a href="http://www.arts.ualberta.ca/socweb/faculty/laxer/Darenot.htm">the Movement which Dare not Speak its Name</a>."

I agree with Hellyer, but it`s not just about resistance to US assimilation. It`s also about celebrating the contribution of Canada and Canadians to the world countless great things and ideas! It is about preserving our unique way of life on the North American continent! It`s about preserving a society that believes in rewarding an entrepreneurial endeavour, while ensuring that egalitarianism still exists to ensure that all Canadians have a fair shot in this lottery we call life! No, I can think of MANY great reasons to want to remain Canadian and preserve a country called Canada! There`s plenty to be proud of !!!

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Dave Ruston