Global Culture

A few months ago I echoed the notion that “nationalism is a disease”, and while out of context it may come across as a strong position, with this post I document some of the arguments that support it and perhaps soften the tone and conclude that more than a disease, nationalism is a doctrine that is fading and giving way to an updated notion of cosmopolitanism that is more compatible with our times and the beliefs of modern and progressive societies.

I’m also using this post to reorient the ongoing discussion hosted in this blog to assume the more optimist view provided by cosmopolitanism: migration and globalization have acquired negative properties and convey images of abusive corporations, defenseless people crossing borders illegally or having a very hard time to survive in their host countries. I’ve explored these issues and produced very few suggestions on how to fix them.

On the other hand, I’m finding the conversation around global citizens (not migrants) more productive, as they invest heavily in both their hometown and their destination. Global Culture becomes the backbone that allows people to find common ground when establishing relationships with people abroad and eases the way to better understanding among cultures, blurring the boundaries between them. Cosmopolitanism becomes a clear objective that is attainable given the current social, economic, political and cultural trends. I think it communicates a positive message even though it may be based on many of the same principles as globalization. It feels like a more deserving journey.

In this context it may be a little bit ironic that Monocle’s latest edition set to deliver a guide on “Making a modern state…” yet every page is a sophisticated ad to the various cultures showcased. It seems as if trying to create a nation these days had to be accomplished by selling the benefits of culture, life style, resources to global citizens that may be interested in establishing lasting relationships. That proposition dilutes the idea of “nation” as it implies that over time the survival of a region depends on how well it can incorporate other cultures and a diverse population. But this is not criticism, it’s a sign that even when we are trying to defend the notion of nations, our common sense will do nothing but weaken the concept. Us humans will always want to visit other places and expand our horizons. Just reading through the magazine I find myself wanting to move to South Tyrol and visit √Öland on my next vacation.