The Mind Virus Of Nationalism And Why I Choose To Be Nationless

‘Nationalism is glorified tribalism' — Jiddhu Krishnamurti.

Photo by Nikhilesh Boppana on Unsplash

“Tribalism is the root of all wars.”― Oliver Markus Malloy

I feel in my heart of hearts I belong to no nation (of course, I don’t mean that in the literal sense). Yes, I do have a passport and am a citizen of a specific country. But, truth be told, I don't deeply identify with my country of citizenship. or any other nation for that matter.

I see nationalism as a global cult. It causes more trouble than good, in my opinion. Because it creates bridges of separation and otherness.

Using the token of national identity, many have justified the genocide, abuse, and subjugation of entire populations and subdemographic groups.

I see it the same way I see organised religion, as something that has brought more harm than good to human hearts. If I had a way, I'd have no part in nationalism of any form.

People forget that nationalism, the idea of a nation, and national identity, are simply culture, dressed up as something fundamental to being human. It isn’t.

Nations have all been made and upheld by man, NOT God!

In my mind, nothing can justify taking the lives of innocent people under the ideology of nationalism.

I grew up in the UK as a third-culture kid, being the daughter of African immigrants. I’ve never fully identified with being fully African or British due to a variety of factors.

I’ve also spent a significant part of my adult life living in the USA, which sunk its roots into my being. As I developed great friendships and community over here, and I lived in New Zealand for a few years.

Despite all these experiences and travels, I desire to be disidentified with a single nation.

I see how many people hold on to national pride, which can be a beautiful thing. But it can also close our minds and remove empathy from our hearts. Especially if we lean into the toxic side of nationalism. Many people detest or loathe others from certain nations, simply because they perceive them as other.

Shouldn’t all individuals be judged on their individual conduct and perceptions, not on the stereotypes attached to a certain nation?

As history shows, the concept of a nation is highly fluid. With some nations recently formed and others existing for thousands of years.

Borders and governments can change, and land divisions can move about. Nations are formed, increased or decreased in size over time. So why do people still identify with one single nation so strongly?

In our lifetimes we see shifts in immigration or government policies, dictating who should belong to a certain nation or not. There really isn’t concreteness to the ludicrous notion of a nation.

Globally, especially in the more developed (another word I have to pick at) regions, many are from the concepts of clans and tribes. Yet still dance to the tune of nationalism.

How is nationilism any different? Nationilism is a guise of tribalism!

Some might argue that their ancestors fought for the freedoms, values and systems of a certain nation. Hence, they adhere strongly to their nation. But how far back are we tracing these ancestors? 100 years, 500 years, 5000 years?

Every human genealogical lineage transverses nations, beliefs, and political ideologies. If we trace far back enough, we’ll see we have ancestors from all over the place. So what point is there in simply identifying with the nations of our most recent ancestors?

Are our most recent ancestors inherently more valuable than older ones? I should think not. Personally I'm grateful for the positive contributions of all the humans that came before me, ancestor or not.

Do all our ancestors not matter? Seeing they played a significant role in ensuring we exist today.

These are the thoughts and ruminations that often plague my mind. The whole notion of holding a single nation so dear to my heart is a little silly.

Now, I am a believer in holding on to parts of our cultural identity that we value. But let’s not kid ourselves that it all isn't made up.

Some nations are ancient, some newer. What part did we have in making up the rules of when, why and how a nation is formed? We individually had no part in it.

Nations are glorified tribes, whether we want to admit it or not. Nationalism and identification with a nation are simply tribalism on a larger scale.

In my life, the one thing I strive for is freedom – freedom in my mind, soul, and body.

I don’t identify as being a Black woman (topic for another day). I don’t identify with being bound to my culture or nation.

I don’t identify with things that take me away from the core of my humanity and encourage me to see others as different.

I know that cultures vary, and I’m not talking about how I want to embrace all cultures because, honestly, there are many cultures (or more specifically cultural practices) that I’d rather throw in the trash can.

For instance, those where workers', women's or children's rights aren’t respected. But tying my heart and soul to the concept of a nation and pounding my chest about the whole thing doesn't make any sense.

Some people identify so strongly with a nation that they would die (or kill) for it regardless of the hurt and pain they leave in their wake.

My main gripe is that governments and political systems use the ideology of nationalism to push various political agendas and conduct senseless wars. All in the name of protecting national freedom, national greatness, cultural standing or whatever else.

Yet greater than national affiliation, I identify more with being human. With being alive on this beautiful planet. Earth does not belong to countries and cultures; it belongs to all that exist within it. The plants, animals, rocks, mountains, seas, volcanoes, minerals, microbes, and the entire biosphere.

Nationalism reduces this planet to be within the context and grasp of humans, only I don’t like the idea of it.

Freedom cannot exist if we continue to carry around the chains that bind us.

Here’s a talk I resonate deeply with:

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