Patriotism vs. Multiculturalism

Patriotism is the degree of pride in and love for one’s country. This in-group attitude conveys a positive feeling about an individual’s own country. However, it does not necessarily result in the out-group derogation produced by nationalism. Patriotism falls into two categories: blind patriotism and constitutional patriotism. Blind patriotism refers to the unwillingness to criticize or accept criticism of the nation. The latter requires citizens to be loyal to the political system and make room for cultural diversity (Siapera, 2008). This category allows political stability to develop in societies typified by cultural diversity and erases loyalty from nationalistic contexts. Multiculturalism, on the other hand, refers to having multiple ethnic, racial, religions, or cultural backgrounds between the people living in a specific territory. As a political concept, multiculturalism encompasses the public policies implemented by governments to address differences in culture within its territory where it requires tolerance and mutual respect for diversity (Siapera, 2010).

Patriots believe that patriotic feelings promotes a sense of national identity. Patriots feel that multiculturalism is a threat to national identity and that the absence of common loyalty results in disunity (Willis-Esqueda, Delgado, & Pedroza, 2016). Consequently, minority groups seeking recognition of their cultures pose a threat to the sense of national identity. On the other hand, supporters of multiculturalism argue that inclusive national identity can support and accommodate multiculturalism, and thus act as a source of unity in culturally diverse societies. Multiculturalists also believe recognition and respect for cultural diversity generates a sense of collective identity that holds the nation-state together. Multiculturalists view society as diverse, predictably marked by differences, stressing on an orchestra notion of a society where diversity is accepted and should be as crucial to the country’s health (Willis-Esqueda, et al., 2016).

Patriots see multiculturalism as flawed since multicultural societies are conflict-ridden. In modern, postcolonial societies like Europe, Australia, and the US, patriots see multiculturalism as destroying their nation-states and national identity. In his 2016 presidential campaigns, Trump framed immigration as a threat to national threat and societal security. He used Mexican immigrants to prove how this issue has undermined Americans (Klingenstein, et al., 2019). The people who believe in multiculturalism will and do advocate for a community without a nation. It is an identity based only on civil values like equality, individual liberty, reciprocity, and tolerance. They suggest that identity should be focused first on the notion of multiculturalism itself. Multiculturalism respects recognizes and accepts the rightful existence of varied cultural groups (Siapera, 2010).

Immigration is a controversial subject that divides people’s middle in many nations like the US, Australia, and continental Europe (Willis-Esqueda, et al., 2016). Patriots with nationalist tendencies support policies that restrict immigration from certain parts of the world. They see immigration as a threat to their national identity. In the US, they argue that immigration has resulted in the multicultural nature of the country and changed the nation (Citrin, et al., 2012). They argue that immigration has changed demographics and national identity. Those opposed to immigration may or possibly resort to violence to implement immigration laws. Actions like deportation and forced assimilation have been enforced on some immigrants, which adversely affect immigrant communities in some countries. Supporters of immigrants and immigration disagree with those claiming the adverse effects of immigration. These see immigration as a function of political, social, and economic pressures that are not totally within the sovereign control of any country.

Opponents of immigration seek to reduce it and to preserve their dominant culture. In examining national identity, patriots often champion for assimilation of newcomers. They consider assimilation in the positive light without expressing empathy to the feelings of the individuals affected by assimilation. Assimilation requires the adoption of the mainstream culture and rejecting ethnic and racial consciousness of cultures (Citrin et al. 2012). They argue that immigrants decline to assimilate and integrate into the mainstream culture by living and acting in separatist ways. On the other hand, multiculturalists hold that national identity acknowledgment is hostile to cultural diversity, liberal democratic values, and multiculturalism. They believe that the country’s commitment to cultural diversity and liberal democratic values requires the country to remain neutral when it comes to ethno-cultural issues. Multiculturalism interprets ethnicity as the basis of personal identity. It emphasizes the preservation of original cultures. They treat cultural connectedness as matters of personal choice in which members of both cultural majorities and cultural minorities have a right to express their own national identity. They consider multiculturalism a source of social enrichment rather than a social problem. Cultural diversity adds enrichment to society—supporters of multiculturalism claim that migration has added social enrichment to recipient cultures by bringing in new ideas and challenging conventional assumptions (Citrin, et al., 2012).

Liberal national theorists claim that patriotism promotes a shared sense of identity and goodwill towards co-nationals that hold a nation-state together (Willis-Esqueda et al., 2016). This national identity, in turn, plays an essential role in producing and maintaining social cohesion and commitment to national values and symbols like anthem and flag. In contrast, the supporters of multiculturalism believe in integrating a diverse society, which is the center of liberal democratic ideals. However, it is the case that blind patriots are not able to warm to multiculturalism. Patriots see multiculturalism as emphasizing separateness at the expense of togetherness. Blind patriots call for equal treatment for all people (citizens) irrespective of cultural background, religion, origin, or ethnicity. Multiculturalists advocate for the recognition and respect of inherent differences and even call for the implementation of policies mirroring these differences (Siapera, 2008).

References

Citrin, J., Johnston, R., & Wright, M. (2012). Do Patriotism and Multiculturalism Collide? Competing Perspectives from Canada and the United States. . Canadian Journal of Political Science, 45(3), 531-552.

Siapera, E. (2010). Cultural Diversity and Global Media: The Mediation of Difference. Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.

Willis-Esqueda, C., Delgado, R. H., & Pedroza, K. (2016). Patriotism and the Impact on Perceived Threat and Immigration Attitudes. The Journal of Social Psychology, 175(1), 114-125.