陵墟羽客
陵墟羽客

為學日益,為道日損。損之又損,以至於無為。無為而無不為。

這幾天聼英文播客的總結

嘗試找一些播客聼,結果聼幾分鐘就開始走神。分析了一下原因,一方面可能是我對這類題材的節目太生疏,有些概念聽不懂,另一方面我對節目的背景也不熟悉,所以很難代入主持人和嘉賓描述的情景裏。這個樣子,唯有多聽多看才能慢慢適應了。

A podcast called the argument, in which the latest episode talks about American nationalism. Although I couldn't remember some of the details of how the guests make their arguments, it gave me a rough picture of how divisive the mainstream American patriotic rhetoric is nowadays. The left and right are describing different kinds of patriotism that American wants. But sadly, the interest groups they represent are opposed to each other and they cannot reach an agreement to leave the dispute and strive for something that can benefit the country.

One of the invited guests, Jamelle mentioned three forms of nationalism: covenantal, crucible, credal nationalism purported by Sam Goldman in his book after nationalism.

Covenantal nationalism means the ideal of American leading the world to a promised land. it was an important narrative of the nation in the 17th, 18th, 19th century.

Crucible(a melting pot) nationalism provides a blueprint that different kinds of people who migrated to the US can strive to be a unified group in this opportunity-filled country. This trend supplanted the previous nationalism after 19th century.

Credal nationalism links to the ideals in the declaration of independence and constitution, during the revolution. Being patriotic helps the country live up to these ideals. It spreads widely during the second world war.

Jamelle agreed with Goldman that the ideal of forging a unifying country in the United States is not possible because of its size and diversification. Jamelle didn't believe that's possible to forge some narrative of the country that's substantively true and positive at the same time. He thought its's enough that we know what we are striving for and look for ways to achieve that goal regardless of what the country has been. No need to have some sort of overarching narrative as fuel for that. He believed that there are other bases for solidarity among persons beyond a commitment to a shared national narrative.

Ben, another invited guest, thought it's necessary for politicians to tell the narrative in the story to motivate people. There's a need for a cheerful story to cheer the listless young people to do something, to preserve or defend or extend multiracial, multiethnic democracy. People should think about how to marry their passion to a more successful politics. To turn their beliefs into something that really works.

Jane, the host of this show, said at the end, "Well, you know what can all bring us together? Absolutely nothing." And she thought patriotism matters to her. Although this country had a lot of problem, she still loved it.

It's hard to unify people in a multicultural country. People stands for different ideologies, beliefs, values often find it difficult to get along with each other. But I think that's what the human society is supposed to be. Controversy and harmony always exist.


CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 版权声明

喜欢我的文章吗?
别忘了给点支持与赞赏,让我知道创作的路上有你陪伴。

加载中…

发布评论