"In a land not so far away, the once-mighty Garuda, a symbol of strength and wisdom, found itself in a rather embarrassing situation. Before it could even think about soaring through the skies to rid itself of the pesky lice and parasites clinging to its feathers, its eyes began to droop with doubt. Its once proud and sturdy body started to wobble like a jelly on a hot summer day, and its grip weakened to the point where it could barely hold onto its morning coffee.Standing there, wilted and bowing in shame, the Garuda realised it hadn’t bathed or brushed its teeth in days. Its once mighty shield, a symbol of profound philosophy, had now become a mere code of futility, like a forgotten password to an ancient email account. To top it all off, the Garuda had somehow transformed into a bat, flapping around aimlessly, filled not with hope, but with illusions of grandeur.Meanwhile, deep within the mountains, lay the Cave of Echoes, a labyrinthine network of tunnels and chambers where every sound was amplified and transformed. The cave was said to be inhabited by ancient spirits who communicated through echoes, creating a symphony of hauntingly beautiful sounds. Explorers who ventured into the cave often found themselves lost in a mesmerizing world of reverberating melodies, each echo telling a different story. But today, the cave was filled with the comical echoes of the Garuda-turned-bat’s lamentations about its unkempt feathers and forgotten dental hygiene.Not far from the cave, the Garden of Eternal Blossoms bloomed perpetually, regardless of the season. The garden was a riot of colours and fragrances, with blossoms that never faded or withered. Created by a powerful enchantress who wanted to preserve the beauty of nature forever, the garden was a place where visitors often found themselves rejuvenated and inspired. However, the Garuda-turned-bat, now flapping through the garden, only managed to knock over a few eternal blossoms, causing a chain reaction of floral chaos.Finally, the River of Time flowed through the heart of the Wayang realm, its waters said to have the power to show glimpses of the past, present, and future. Those who drank from the river or gazed into its depths could see visions of events that had shaped their lives or would shape their destinies. The Garuda-turned-bat, in a desperate attempt to regain its former glory, took a sip from the river. Instead of profound visions, it saw a montage of its most embarrassing moments, from tripping over its own talons to getting stuck in a tree.And so, the once mighty Garuda, now a bumbling bat, continued its comedic journey through the land of burning weather, Kalamanthana, leaving a trail of laughter and chaos. The ancient spirits of the Cave of Echoes, the eternal blossoms of the magical garden, and the mystical waters of the River of Time bore witness to the hilarious transformation of a once proud symbol into a creature of pure comedic folly."[Disclaimer: This story is a work of satire. Any resemblance to actual events is purely coincidental]"The erosion of national identity poses a serious threat to the stability and continuity of a nation-state. It can lead to a breakdown in social cohesion, political instability, weakening of national unity, vulnerability to external influence, and in extreme cases, secession or complete dissolution of the state. Therefore, maintaining and nurturing a strong national identity is crucial for the long-term survival and prosperity of any nation," Cattleya was keeping up with the previous discussion."National identity refers to the sense of a shared identity and collective belonging that members of a nation or state feel towards their country. It is a social construct that binds individuals together through common elements such as language, culture, history, values, and symbols. National identity is often deeply ingrained in the consciousness of a nation’s citizens and plays a significant role in shaping their sense of self and their relationship with the state.A common historical narrative is central to national identity. This includes shared experiences, such as struggles for independence, wars, revolutions, or important cultural achievements. These historical events are often celebrated through national holidays, monuments, and public rituals that reinforce the sense of a collective past.Language is a powerful symbol of national identity. A shared language enables communication among citizens and serves as a repository for cultural expressions, literature, and collective memory. In many cases, language is seen as a crucial element of what it means to belong to a particular nation.National identity is closely tied to cultural practices, traditions, and customs that are unique to a nation. This can include traditional music, dance, cuisine, festivals, and religious practices. Cultural expressions contribute to the distinctiveness of a nation and help differentiate it from others. Nations often promote specific values and ideals that are considered essential to their identity. These can include concepts such as freedom, democracy, equality, or social justice. These values are often enshrined in the nation’s constitution, legal system, and civic life, serving as a guiding framework for the nation’s development.National symbols, such as the flag, national anthem, coat of arms, and other emblems, play a significant role in national identity. These symbols are often used in official ceremonies, education, and public spaces to evoke feelings of patriotism and national pride. The physical land or territory that a nation occupies is also a critical component of national identity. The nation’s geography, landmarks, and natural resources often become intertwined with its identity, as they represent the physical space where the national community exists.Civic identity refers to the sense of belonging to a political community based on shared citizenship, legal rights, and responsibilities. This aspect of national identity emphasizes the political and institutional bonds that unite citizens, regardless of their ethnic or cultural backgrounds. In some nations, religion plays a central role in shaping national identity. Religious beliefs, practices, and institutions can provide a common moral framework and contribute to the nation’s sense of purpose and destiny.National identity is not static; it evolves in response to internal and external influences. The formation of national identity often involves the deliberate efforts of state institutions, such as the government, educational systems, and media, to promote a cohesive sense of nationhood. Governments may implement policies (non-building efforts) aimed at fostering national unity, such as promoting a common language, standardizing education, or creating national symbols and holidays. The way history is taught and remembered can shape national identity. States often emphasize certain historical events, heroes, or struggles to create a sense of pride and continuity. In the context of globalization, national identity may adapt by incorporating global influences while preserving unique cultural elements. This can lead to a dynamic, hybrid identity that reflects both global and local aspects.Anthony D. Smith explores the concept of national identity, its origins, and its significance in modern society. Smith argues that national identity is rooted in pre-modern ethnic communities, or 'ethnic,' which are groups bound together by shared ancestry, language, religion, and customs. He discusses how these ethnicities provided the cultural resources that later evolved into modern nations.People feel loyalty to their nation because it offers a sense of belonging to a larger community. This is similar to the way individuals feel connected to their family, region, or religious group. The nation provides a broader identity that complements other, more localized identities, helping people feel part of something greater than themselves. National identity, like loyalty to family or religion, is often built on shared history and collective memory. People are loyal to their nation because they identify with its historical experiences, myths, and traditions, which give them a sense of continuity and common purpose. Loyalty to a nation is reinforced by cultural and symbolic ties, such as language, customs, and national symbols (e.g., flags, anthems). These elements create a shared cultural framework that binds people together, much like regional dialects or religious rituals foster loyalty within smaller communities.Smith argues that national identity, like other forms of group loyalty, is deeply emotional. The sense of loyalty is often rooted in feelings of pride, love, and even sacrifice for the nation. This emotional connection is similar to the bonds people feel toward their family, where love and sacrifice are also central. National loyalty is reinforced by the social and political structures of the nation-state. These structures provide individuals with security, rights, and a sense of political belonging. Similarly, loyalty to a region, class, or religion is often tied to the social and political benefits these groups provide.Loyalty to the nation is also driven by the sense of mutual support and solidarity that comes from being part of a national community. People feel loyal to their nation because they believe that, in times of need, the nation will protect and support them. This is akin to the loyalty people feel toward their family, which is often their primary source of support. Smith acknowledges that individuals often hold multiple identities simultaneously (e.g., national, regional, religious). Loyalty to the nation does not necessarily conflict with loyalty to other groups; rather, these identities can coexist and even reinforce each other. The nation can serve as an umbrella identity that integrates various local and particular loyalties.For example, people who are loyal to their religious group can also be loyal to their country. He argues that these loyalties are not mutually exclusive and can coexist harmoniously. Smith notes that in many cases, religious identities have historically played a significant role in shaping national identities. For example, the national identity of many countries is closely tied to a dominant religion, which has helped to unify the nation and provide a common cultural framework. In such cases, religious and national loyalties are intertwined, making it possible for individuals to be deeply committed to both. In some contexts, Smith discusses the concept of religious nationalism, where religious identity becomes a central component of national identity. In these cases, loyalty to one's religious group is often seen as a form of loyalty to the nation itself. For example, in countries where a particular religion is closely associated with national identity, religious and national loyalties are likely to be mutually reinforcing. While Smith emphasizes the possibility of coexistence, he also acknowledges that there can be tensions between religious and national loyalties, especially in pluralistic societies where multiple religions coexist. In such cases, conflicts may arise when religious and national values or interests diverge. However, Smith suggests that these conflicts are not inevitable and can often be managed through dialogue and accommodation.In summary, according to Smith, people feel loyalty to their nation because it provides a sense of belonging, shared history, cultural ties, emotional attachment, and mutual support—much like the other social groups to which they are loyal. These loyalties are interwoven and often reinforce one another, contributing to a complex but coherent sense of identity.Frank Bechhofer and David McCrone suggest that nationalism evolves in response to constitutional changes. In some cases, nationalism may become more civic and inclusive, focusing on democratic self-governance rather than ethnic exclusivity. Constitutional changes can also lead to polarization within a nation, as different groups may have contrasting views on identity and sovereignty. However, they can also foster unity within a region by galvanizing a collective sense of purpose or identity in the face of constitutional debates.Tim Edensor explores the relationship between national identity and popular culture, examining how everyday cultural practices and media representations shape and reflect national identities. Edensor analyzes how popular culture, including media, music, sports, and festivals, plays a crucial role in shaping and expressing national identities. He argues that popular culture is not just a reflection of national identity but actively constructs and reinforces it. Media, including television, film, and news, shapes national identity through its portrayal of cultural norms, values, and historical narratives. By highlighting specific aspects of a nation's culture or history, media helps construct a collective sense of identity. Media often reinforces national identity by promoting shared cultural narratives and symbols. For example, national stereotypes or iconic figures presented in media can both reflect and shape how people perceive their national identity.Music serves as a powerful medium for expressing and celebrating national identity. National anthems, folk music, and popular music can evoke a sense of belonging and pride. Music often draws on national themes and historical events, reinforcing a shared cultural heritage. Through music festivals, national celebrations, and local performances, music fosters a sense of community and collective identity. It brings people together around common cultural experiences and values.Sports events, such as international competitions and national leagues, are significant in expressing and reinforcing national identity. Success in sports can generate national pride and a sense of unity, as people rally around their national teams. Sporting events often serve as a platform for displaying national symbols, such as flags and national anthems, which reinforce the association between sports and national identity. The rituals and traditions surrounding sports events also contribute to the construction of national identity.Festivals play a crucial role in celebrating and reinforcing national identity through cultural practices, traditions, and communal activities. They provide a space for people to express and experience their national identity festively and collectively. Festivals often draw on historical or cultural traditions, helping to perpetuate and celebrate national identity. They offer opportunities for people to engage with and perform cultural rituals that strengthen their connection to national identity.Popular culture helps construct national identity by offering shared experiences and symbols that people can relate to. Through media, music, sports, and festivals, individuals connect with a larger narrative about their nation and its values. Popular culture also allows for the negotiation and expression of national identity. It provides a space for individuals and groups to explore and articulate their sense of belonging and national pride in diverse ways. Edensor emphasizes that popular culture is not merely a backdrop for national identity but is actively involved in its creation and expression. Through cultural practices and media representations, national identity is continuously constructed, performed, and experienced.Edensor also explores how routine activities, cultural practices, and local customs contribute to the construction of national identity. Routine activities, such as daily work, commuting, and shopping, can embody and reinforce national values and norms. These activities often reflect broader cultural patterns and social practices that contribute to a shared sense of identity. Through repeated engagement in these routines, individuals internalize national values and norms, which become ingrained in their daily lives. This normalization helps to solidify a sense of belonging to a nation.Cultural practices, such as ceremonies, rituals, and traditional events, play a significant role in shaping national identity. These practices often draw on historical or cultural heritage, reinforcing a sense of continuity and connection to the past. Participation in cultural practices, like national holidays, religious festivals, or local celebrations, allows individuals to express and experience their national identity. These practices help to cultivate a shared cultural heritage and foster a collective sense of belonging.Local customs and regional variations contribute to the diversity of national identity. While they highlight unique local traditions and practices, they also intersect with broader national narratives, enriching the overall sense of identity. Local customs often foster a sense of community and belonging at the local level. These customs, from local festivals to traditional crafts, help to create a sense of connection among community members and link them to broader national identity.Edensor emphasizes that national identity is not only constructed through grand events or high-profile cultural products but is also deeply embedded in the everyday activities and practices that shape people's lives. These routine and local elements play a crucial role in the ongoing construction and reinforcement of national identity.William Bloom explores how personal and collective identities are intertwined with and influence global interactions. Bloom argues that personal identity—how individuals see themselves and their place in the world—often intersects with national identity, which is shaped by a collective sense of belonging to a nation. This intersection influences how people perceive their nation's role in international relations and their interactions with others. Collective identities, such as national or ethnic identities, play a crucial role in shaping a nation's foreign policy and international stance. These identities can drive national interests, shape policy decisions, and influence how a nation engages with others on the global stage.Personal and collective identities are not static; they are constantly reshaped through global interactions. For instance, exposure to other cultures, global media, and international events can alter personal and collective identities, which in turn affect how nations interact and perceive one another. Conflicts often arise when personal or collective identities clash with those of other nations or groups. These conflicts can manifest in diplomatic tensions, wars, or other forms of international strife.Understanding the role of identity in international relations helps in diplomacy by highlighting the importance of recognizing and respecting different identities and their impacts on international behaviour and policies.Following this, we will delve into a brief discussion on the significance of national identity within society, exploring its pivotal role and the various challenges it faces in the contemporary world. Biidhnillah."Subsequently, Cattleya graced us with a poignant recital of her poem,In colours bold, our stories blend,A tapestry of hearts, no end.From every voice, a shared decree,Unity in diversity.
Citations & References:
- Anthony D. Smith, National Identity, 1991, Penguin
- Frank Bechhofer & David McCrone (Eds.), National Identity, Nationalism and Constitutional Change, 2009, Palgrave
- Tim Edensor, National Identity, Popular Culture and Everyday Life, 2002, Berg
- William Bloom, Personal Identity, National Identity and International Relations, 1990, Cambridge University Press
