BRIDGING THE GAP
Nationalism and globalization: Strange bedfellows (I)
Nationalism is a word that has a very broad and vague meaning. It is a concept where the meaning lies on how a person interpret it, with the influence of his previous experiences, historical knowledge and pre-conceived beliefs. Ideally, it is understood as the feeling of belongingness which uplifts the spirit of oneness to fellow countrymen and, at the same time, looks up to a common goal for the nation’s development. It is traditionally referred to as love of country. Thus, nationalism is viewed as a basic building block in the attainment of national unity and progress.
Globalization, on the other hand, is a concept whose aim is to unify the people of the world into a single society and function together in a harmonious manner. Its goal is to involve all nations of the world in international affairs, including business and trade, industry, culture and everything that can be exchanged and would benefit everybody. It promotes homogeneity in all aspects of human lives, thus tends to eradicate the uniqueness of each nation. Cultural boundaries and national sentiments are, in the process, gradually eroded.
Globalization is undeniably spreading its tentacles widely and influencing everyone and everything it touches. Its manifestations, especially in products, technological breakthroughs and cultural millieu, are encompassing and convincing that almost everybody is aware of the beneficial effects. Indeed, there is no stopping globalization due to international agreements and national legislations attached to it. Plus the fact that there is no denying its advantages and benefits.
Indeed, it is recognized that globalization has a lot of positive points but when it is inculcated in a people who have a weak sense of nationalism or, worst, have either forgotten nationalism or never imbibed it, it can do more harm than good. Without the firm foundation of nationalism which would provide the Filipino people the feeling of pride in their race, history, products and accomplishments, and the necessary vigilance over their natural resources, the emphasis on global uniformity and conformity has put them at a great disadvantage.
Some indications of the weak nationalism of the Filipinos are that many of them aspire to migrate to America, prefer to speak English and sing American songs, dream of snow and of Santa Claus, aspire to own state-side goods, prefer to eat American fastfoods (labeled by some writers as the MacDonaldization of the world), imitate Western fashion, adopt American values and practices, and envy their countrymen who have gained American or Canadian citizenship. Sadly, many Filipinos even oppose nationalistic legislations either because they have become the willing servants of foreign companies or because, in their view, Filipinos cannot progress without the assistance of foreign capital and foreign entrepreneurs. This will explain why, in general, Filipinos are complaisant about alien control of Philippine economy.