Notes on Nationalism facts for kids
Notes on Nationalism is a famous essay written by George Orwell. He wrote it in May 1945. The essay appeared in a magazine called Polemic. This was just after the Second World War ended.
In his essay, Orwell explained his idea of nationalism. He said it was like sorting people into groups. He thought it was "the habit of assuming that human beings can be classified like insects." This means thinking whole groups of millions of people are either "good" or "bad."
Orwell also described nationalism as strongly connecting with one nation. People might think their nation is always right. They believe their only job is to help their nation's interests. He believed nationalism was connected to political power and influence. It was also linked to groups of people who strongly supported one side.
He explained that nationalism is different from patriotism. Patriotism means loving your country in a protective way. It is about defending your home. Nationalism, however, is often about wanting power and control. It is hard to separate nationalism from the desire for power.
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Kinds of Nationalism
Orwell described different types of nationalism. He said it could be positive or negative. There was also a third kind he called "transferred nationalism."
Positive Nationalism
This type of nationalism is for something. It means supporting your own country or group. Orwell gave examples like Celtic nationalism. This is a movement supporting Celtic cultures. He also mentioned Zionism, which supports a Jewish homeland.
Negative Nationalism
This kind of nationalism is against something. It means being against another group or idea. Orwell said Anti-Soviet Trotskyism was an example. This was a strong opposition to the Soviet Union's ideas. He also mentioned Antisemitism, which is prejudice against Jewish people.
Transferred Nationalism
This is a special kind of nationalism. It happens when someone strongly supports a different race, social class, or country. They identify with and promote a group that is not their own.
Nationalism in Scotland
Orwell's essay has been discussed in Scotland. He once claimed that only Scottish nationalists thought the Lowland Scottish language was important. Speakers of the language have disagreed with this idea.
Orwell's Notes on Nationalism has also been used in Scottish politics. Some people on the right-wing, like former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, have used it. They used his ideas to argue against 'identity politics'. Identity politics focuses on groups sharing a common identity.
