In defence of 'good' nationalism
Highlights
- ACU researcher Dr Rachel Busbridge argues that nationalism can be reshaped into an inclusive force, promoting unity, tolerance and shared identity rather than division.
- She highlights that positive, “good” nationalism actively counters extremist ideologies by reinforcing values like diversity, compassion and a fair go for all.
- ACU research shows that when leaders and communities actively define national identity in inclusive ways, they strengthen social cohesion and challenge harmful narratives.
Amid the rise of far-right extremist groups and the carnage of the Christchurch terror attacks, the ‘N’ word has got a bad rap. But political sociologist Rachel Busbridge argues that nationalism can be harnessed as a force for good.
What does it mean to be a real Australian?
It’s an oft-repeated and seemingly innocuous question, conjuring timeworn stereotypes of dinkum blokes in blue singlets sinking beers around the barbeque.
But in a land that’s still haunted by the ghosts of the White Australia Policy, it’s a question that often lifts the lid on a proverbial can of worms. In recent times that lid has been hauled opened, with the rise of the radical far right in Australia closely mirroring the resurgence of nationalist movements in Europe and the United States.
When an armed Australian man invoked white nationalism and opened fire on Muslims at two New Zealand mosques, killing 50 and injuring dozens more, citizens of both nations began a process of self-reflection.
The atrocity forced many Australians, especially those in politics and the media, to examine their role in stoking the fire of racial anxiety.
“It's absolutely horrendous to think that 50 people have to die in awful circumstances for that type of examination and scrutiny to emerge, but at the same time, the fact that it has emerged is something good, and something we need to keep pushing forward,” said ACU sociology scholar Dr Rachel Busbridge.
The Christchurch massacre provided a clear example of the dangers of far-right nationalism, but Dr Busbridge argues nationalism is “absolutely fundamental in responding to these types of horrible events”.
“The extreme views of these far right nationalists are clearly beyond the pale, and the best way to assert that they're incorrect is to present a different version of nationalism, one that promotes the ideals of inclusiveness and tolerance rather than hate and violence,” she said.
Dr Busbridge, a Lecturer in Sociology at ACU in Melbourne, is one of a growing number of scholars who believe progressives should be harnessing the energy of an inclusive form of nationalism in order to avert the ugliness of its regressive, exclusionary cousin.
In an article on The Conversation, she argued that the power of nationalism was often underestimated, pointing to its role as “a social and political force … not all conservative and problematic”.
“Nationalism is something that’s built into our world – we live in a world of nations – and this is one of the most important elements shaping modern life,” Dr Busbridge told Impact.
“When we’re thinking about the ‘good’ side or the more progressive side of nationalism, we can discuss its ability to produce a sense of solidarity amongst citizens … a sense of identity and community, something that locates them in the big world and allows them to make sense of their lives.”
‘We are none of these things’
The response of New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern to the Christchurch attack has been widely praised, with commentators noting she had “become the face of her nation’s sorrow and grief and its resolve”.
“We were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism,” Ms Ardern said in the aftermath. “We were chosen for the very fact that we are none of these things. Because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion, a home for those who share our values, refuge for those who need it.”
Dr Busbridge said this statement, and the online groundswell of #thisisnotus that followed, was a classic example of progressive nationalism.
“When you look at how she and other New Zealanders and Australians responded, it was made very clear that this type of hate does not represent them, that this is not who they are as people and as a nation — and these are very important claims against this type of white nationalism,” she said.
“Speaking of the nation in ways that make clear we are a peaceful society, we are an inclusive society, we are a tolerant society … when leaders invoke that language and talk of 'we', they are invoking nationalist ideals.”
So what’s another example of progressive, inclusive nationalism?
In 2015, Adelaide street artist Peter Drew sought to challenge perceptions of Australian identity with a poster series featuring the words, “REAL AUSTRALIANS SAY WELCOME”.
Inspired by the lyrics of the national anthem – “with courage let us all combine” – Drew shone a light on our nation’s asylum seeker policy and gave thousands of his fellow citizens a reason to be proud of being Australian.
