Nationalism is generally defined as love for country or nation.

Yet, how does

this statement explain the torments it had brought, the lives thrown away at World
Wars I and II, as well as unforgettable bloodsheds it had caused which will forever be
embedded in the roots of a nation? And even though it had brought these sufferings,
we can not deny the success it brought in countries such as, U.S.A., Japan and China,
moreover the unyielding unity people acquired through nationalism. Such
complexities and contradictions are somehow ineffable yet would all point to one
thing, nationalism.

Precisely where and when Nationalism emerged is difficult to determine. It

may have been present during pre-historic times and could even account to tribe wars,
formation of states and political sovereignty. The term was coined by Johann
Gottfried Herder during late 1770s, for which its development is deeply connected to
the start of the French Revolution. To say nationalism is a mere feeling of love is an
understatement, instead it is the totality of the attitude and actions that the nation has,
to achieve national identity.

In its purest sense, nationalism is love --- love for country, love for the people
as well as love for the culture. Not only does nationalism represent the desire in
protecting the nation but it also represents the subconscious actions done for the
country. It is the lively singing of the national anthem, even though your voice is
breaking and everyone is staring. It is the dipping of morsels of bread into coffee,
early in the morning. Likewise, it is when we choose the coarse, dry and peanut
buttery taste of Chocnut over the sweet, chewy and heavenly sensation of a Milkyway
bar. It is withstanding the pain of the muscles in your arms in delivering national
declarations. It is the uncontrollable urge to shout and cheer for our country’s support
in Olympic Games. Most of all, it is the utmost belief that our country would succeed
even though all the stories in the newspaper feature corruption and inequality. All of
these represent nationalism. This type of love enables the citizens to support and carry
out duties that would benefit their motherland.

Although nationalism has the potential to lead the economy, to others, a wrong
judgement may produce a different side-effect. Nationalism has once been likened to
cheap alcohol by the U.S. diplomat, Dan Fried. According to him, nationalism makes
you drunk. Then it makes you blind. Afterwards, it kills you. How can a feeling of
love have a negative effect if its main objective is to be constructive?
In the Philippines, these scenarios are quite prevalent though we do not really notice
it. Since Filipinos are known to be happy people, we are proud of this pronouncement.
We also know that Philippines is one of the happiest countries. Although this may
seem like a good thing, what does it imply? It implies that satisfaction of Filipinos is
quite easy to fulfil and that our standards are not high. In terms of productivity, it
certainly does not promote good working concepts or mentality. If this is the case, we
can say that nationalism can blind us in being objective in our judgements. Then
again, morality and culture plays a big part in nationalism.

Belief love and devotion are necessary actions in nationalism, yet it certainly
differ from ethnocentrism. It does not require a superior belief to our own ethnicity
over others. Instead, it only acknowledges and deeply supports our own culture; these
are enough to be called nationalistic. Goals of having equality of country and races to
the global order are also uncalled for. Nationalism is not patriotism. To be a
nationalist is to be devoted, to be willing to defend the nation in times of crisis, to
strengthen national unity and confront nation state policies that may be a threat. In
this sense, nationalism can be constructive and a necessity. It is the gasoline of the
society. Without it, we would only be stuck in the same place; not knowing how to
move forward and forever at a standstill.

Nationalism is inherent and developed. It is priceless, at the same time free of

charge. It does not require flashy, unconventional and superfluous acts of heroism.
This means that bloody deaths and tiresome rallies are not necessary. It is definitely
not just graffiti in a wall that we just stare at and never correct. It also cannot be
compared to candle in daytime; only stored and hidden inside the cabinets and would
only be used as a last resort. More importantly, nationalism is not unjustifiable
massacres of political figures; in defence that they would do a better job. This is just
plain greed.

Over the generations, the wars may have ceased, technology may have
progressed and replaced; yet nationalism remains in our hearts. Forever would it be
unyielding and obstinate. Forever would we be responsible of its results. Nationalism
can not just be kept inside our hearts. It is what we set free and what we allow
ourselves to act on; not just for ourselves but also to the benefit of our society.