Identity is not nationalism - how to be yourself

Things I’ve learnt from my research:

National identity: is in danger of developing into politically imposed nationalism which, history shows, has always had destructive consequences for humanity.

Dual citizenship: In today’s newspaper The Age, Hugh Morgan said that dual citizenship was a form of bipolar mental disease and that you should hand in your passport if you have dual citizenship in Australia. Does that mean he won’t tolerate people with mental illness either?

Citizenship: Morgan said this is one of the most important elements of personal identity and the survival of Australia as a nation. I agree but not nationalistic citizenship. I favour a new kind of democratic world citizenship where we participate as citizens of the planet in caring for our place and all of humanity.

Mushy misguided multiculturalism: is what the Australian treasurer Peter Costello thinks having multiple identities amounts to. I think he is the mushy, misguided one.

Diversity in personal identity: For the first time in history more people are relating to others who are different and in different places on an unprecedented scale. Our kids are becoming ‘world kids’ who experience immensely creative forms of localised identity alongside trends of incredible sameness in world music, world cuisine, clothing, and movies on the internet. They need bilingualism and intercultural skills for global participation where they are experiencing myriad forms of cultural hybridity and vast intercultural experimentation. They travel. They talk on the net. Immigrant children who live in bilingual communities have an advantage. Languages have become the new ‘cultural capital.’

Identity formation: is adaptation. Humans are good at this. I encourage people to develop multiple emerging identities based on where they came from, who they are now and where they want to go. It’s better to be true to all the myriad elements of yourself than to suppress parts of your heritage as was the case during the assimilation years. Of course, it’s easier if you are part of a like-minded community or if you can find, or even create a meaningful community to be part of. It could be the local golf club or even your blogging community.

Like-minded networks: These days a network of shared interests is a community. You no longer have to all live in the same village. We live in a very exciting time where we move around fast and interact with lots of different people. Diversity rules, not sameness.

Speaking up: and speaking the truth are very important skills to develop. It’s about being honest and open, being yourself.

Diplomacy: Speaking with diplomacy is another skill that Morgan and Costello both lack because they talk in hidden agendas that hurt, belittle and manipulate other people for their own ends. Diplomacy does not mean confounding your listener with false loyalties or sugar-coating the subject. No, diplomacy means treating the others with honesty and compassion. When we speak up we ought to show genuine concern and compassion for the other whilst speaking what we believe to be the truth. If your intention is good, you'll find the right way to do it. Like all other things, it comes with practice.


Motto for the day: Compassion comes first, then world citizenship has a chance.