Megah Bintang Mahadinah Irdan Putri
What are the common things that people usually say when you are going off abroad for studying? Other than the concern of your well-being, a pat on the shoulders followed by the stated expectation to make your country and people whom you value would be one. Being an expat means living outside of one’s respective country of origin. It is a practical definition, it definitely does not give the justice of describing the dynamics of dreams, emotions, and interests that play a part in the action. Being an expat means you have to give justifications to those who question your love for your country, of choosing to live abroad temporarily or to never return.
Nationalism in the status quo is often associated with noxiousness, the nationalists are seen as blindly loyal and violently devoted to their countries. However, the term itself boils down to one’s idea of national identity, it really shows more about the users of the term rather than the actual concept.
This article is about how the international students of Ritsumeikan APU as expats approach the notion of nationalism in the special moment of their countries’ independence days that fall in July.
Globally National
Are expats generally detached from their national consciousness?
Awe McCallum, a half Thai and American second-year student, who spent most of her life in the Philippines, when being asked about her relation to her country mentioned, “I don’t feel like I identify with one specific country, I am biologically both (aforementioned countries) but my parents never really taught me to be more in touch with my national identities, I feel like a citizen of the world, I am more interested in learning about history as a whole, through my perspectives of the world”.
Nathan Lesouef, a half Swiss and French exchange student, was in Dubai when I asked him to spare a little time for an interview. While pursuing a degree in Finland, prior to his current exchange program in Japan, he did a similar program in India for one year. He stated
“I love my country (France), but the world is too big to stay in one place”.
Nathan shares the dilemma of national identity that Awe identified herself with, and chose to be a global citizen. However, when further asked in regards to their countries’ prevalent issues or cultures both are still fluent in explaining the details.
Benedict Anderson one of the celebrated political scientists and historians in his book Imagined Communities mentioned that nationalism arises from common history, shared cultural markers, and national consciousness. While it is not the traditional type of comradeship, they definitely are perfect examples of how nationalism is not a thing that someone is born with, rather it is a feeling that can be developed and adapted.
Conner Ianacone does not necessarily see himself as having the dilemma of “the third culture kid”, and he does not identify himself as a nationalist. The 2nd year APS student from Colorado then added
“America was founded on some good principles and has great potential, but also has many flaws and issues.”
On the contrary, Uransana Basbayar a 3rd year Mongolian student majoring in international relations and peace studies proudly stated that she is nationalistic when it comes to her country,
“People of my country like to be proud of being Mongolian, considering the historical great achievement.”
“I like to tell people that I am from Mongolia and give brief introductions about my country”, she continues.
Living in other countries and abiding by different governments certainly do not erode the connections that they have. While adoration is a much clearer symbol of it, criticism often perceives as the contrary while in practice it shows an equal amount of attentiveness given.
Too many atrocities and wars done for the interest of a country, that to announce our love or national membership often run the risk of being perceived as a traitor of humanity in general. But it is not up to the citizens to carry this burden, being in touch with one’s national identity can be a safe haven for self-identity, it can also become a reassurance that we will hold our countries accountable for its conduct. Living outside of our own borders, engaging with people of different nationalities, and being exposed to various cultures are definitely essentials in helping us to get a bigger picture when it comes to national consciousness.
The symbol of 14th, 11th, and 4th of July
What do you really celebrate on Independence day?
“We celebrate the symbol,” said Nathan. France is one of the countries that had never been colonized. The 14th of July, often called by the French as la Fête nationale or Bastille day. In the 18th century, the Bastille prison used to detain the political prisoners of those who post contradictory ideologies from the monarchs, the storming of Bastille marked the French Revolution.
As for Mongolia who had to declare their independence twice, December 29th after the occupation of China in 1911, and 11th of July after the Mongolian revolution and expelled the Russia-China white army in 1921. “We celebrate the freedom of our country and the hard work of our people who fought for Mongolian independence”, Sana said.
Conner stated, “We celebrate the declaration that we were no longer a British colony, but instead our own free nation”. The 4th of July 1776 marked the adoption of the declaration of Independence, when being further inquired whether the constitution drafted in independence day already caters to the needs of all society, Conner stated that “it is not”, not just that further action in the legislature is needed, collective consciousness in the society is also essential.
Nation-state and nationalism are both born at the same time, nationalism justified the agreement that both the rulers and ruled are subject of the same nation. The symbol that independence day celebrates is that of freedom, of the principle of equality, for most of the cases of the largely unjust monarchy to a nation-state.
However, just like all symbols, the mentioned dates meant something different throughout the timeline, each layer of the social groups, down to every individual. The symbol is also a reminder that it should and it can be better for people of all colors, class backgrounds, ethnicities, and religious beliefs.
It’s Not All About the Fireworks
Independence day is equal to a national holiday. Living as an expat comes with the exemption of this, the missing moments of simple rendezvous with the family and relatives, and the common noises of fireworks popping in the sky. But to celebrate does not always equal those things. Rather than just being a zombie celebrant, following where the meaty firework goes, realization and reflection of what the increasing age of a country means are important. What have we achieved, and what is missing in the conversation?
“I believe that corruption is the first and foremost enemy that Mongolia needs to fight against. The authorities in Mongolia have been trying to attain more power by destabilizing the initial system of the founding fathers that is based on equality; these people in power are hurting the citizen’s rights economically, culturally, and the social harmony.”
Uransana Basbayar, APS 3rd year
“Trump’s presidency and mass shootings were definitely the turning point, it was probably the first time I was really invested in my country and the safety of the people. Even more, when the BLM and Asian hate erupted, I was very concerned for my country and the safety of the people. The realization that these atrocities are happening just shows the lack of related conversation in the country.”
Awe McCallum, APS 2nd year
“The inequality is definitely a prevalent issue. The middle class has been shrinking in recent years. And while in America the rich are very rich, the poor are very poor. This is only one among a number of issues, but it's one I feel is not talked about quite as much. Some other very notable issues which are often being discussed are racism, immigration, and even the past maltreatment of minorities, such as the Native Americans.”
Conner Patrick Ianacone, APS 2nd year
“As the surge of immigrants entering France is increasing, it is supposed to be accompanied with the discussion around the phenomena. The difference will always be present, but ideological clashes can be prevented if only France wants to be more empathetic. If we can provide people to lead a better life and save lives from being taken then why not. This brings us to the second point, which is that France is supposed to provide a more supportive welfare system.”
Nathan Lesouef, Exchange Program 3rd year
(Check his expat life from one country to another: YouTube Nathan Lesouef)
Living abroad may indeed encourage a sense of community within the host country and advocate tolerance for differences that are in line with peace-promoting values, but on top of that, it is also emboldening a sophisticated form of nationalism. In this form of nationalism, subscription to particular groups is still acknowledged, however, it is much more than a huge firework display that lit up the sky.