I LOVE civic nationalism, but never could call myself a nationalist ...
I LOVE civic nationalism, but never could call myself a nationalist.
Later, I reflected on the resounding words, “Le nationalisme, c’est la guerre” , famously spoken in 1995 by former French president François Mitterrand before the European Parliament. These words have been a constant presence in my life – nationalism could only mean division, pointing fingers, nastiness, even death. To me, it brings to mind echoes of racial slurs on the school playground and the venomous rumours that once circulated about the supposed scent of my home.
However, I am acutely aware that nationalism isn’t a singular entity; it takes on diverse forms and shades across varying regions. My experiences in Scotland exposed me to the concept of civic nationalism. In stark contrast to the exclusivity often associated with traditional nationalism, civic nationalism casts its arms wide open to encompass all residents. It effortlessly transcends the inclination to narrow identity to a uniform subgroup.
It is important to remember that people’s experiences in Scotland vary widely. Celebrating civic nationalism shouldn’t be synonymous with ignoring and denying the systemic nature of discriminations that exist in Scotland. What really strikes me is the conversation that has been happening in Scotland over the past few years, that supports the values of civic nationalism. This dialogue is a strong tool in the fight against racism and prejudice.
Despite the undeniable allure of Scottish civic nationalism, I find myself grappling with a persistent internal conflict. While I am profoundly drawn to its principles, a perplexing hurdle looms before me – I struggle to reconcile my political identity with the term “nationalist". The weight of negativity that has woven itself around this label, especially considering my French heritage, appears insurmountable.
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