People ask themselves every day what it means to love one’s nation. Is it divisiveness or unity? Every time the word “nationalism” is brought up, eyebrows are raised. People envision angry, hateful protests, or even something like January 6. Is that the true nature of nationalism, or are we only gaining a partial understanding? Well, on its most basic level, nationalism is a sense of pride, of shared endeavor, of being bound to the people around you in your nation, the history, the values, and the traditions that make you who you are as your nation. There are some across the aisle who will tell you that nationalism has caused more problems than it has solved, with supremacy and intolerance.
However, throwing these words around does not demonstrate the true definition of what nationalism really is. It can be if it’s founded upon respect; when people come together for the same shared values and affection for their culture, nationalism really is about uniting people rather than dividing them. It keeps our traditions alive, strengthens our communities, and gives people a reason to work towards something bigger than themselves. It’s easy to forget that nationalism used to be struggling for freedom in the image of national pride. Difficult to imagine, but during the 19th and 20th centuries, independence movements in nations were built upon a belief they had a right to self-rule. Nationalism wasn’t supremacy; it was dignity. It gave people identity, courage, and the belief that they could shape their destiny in their nation.
That’s why I believe that in times such as we are living today, we need the same spirit that our ancestors had. When we are proud of our nation and its progress, and if we are honest, nationalism can be a force for a destiny. It can be wanting your nation to be at its best and for what’s best for your people.
A fine example of nationalism today is political commentator Nick Fuentes and his America First movement, which has shown the same pride and belonging, urging citizens to put national interests and identity first. The idea is the hope for the nation to reach its potential in protecting its citizens, entrenching its values, and ensuring its future.
At the end of the day, folks, nationalism at its finest is not hate or supremacy. It is loving deeply the home you have, its people, its struggles, and its story. It’s taking that pride not to close yourself off, but to build something better together for your country.
