Ethnocentric & Worldcentric Nationalism

Watching The Right Stuff yesterday also brought up for me the various forms of nationalism.

Forms of nationalism
Ethnocentric nationalism (or patriotism) is exclusive. Taken to its final conclusion, it says "my country right or wrong", or "my country, no matter what the consequences are for others". This is a form of nationalism and patriotism that is not so helpful in today's world, far more interconnected than this view takes into account.

Worldcentric nationalism is different. This is a nationalism that expands to include all humans, or the Earth as a whole. Here, we seek solutions good locally and regionally, and also globally. And these are solutions that tends to bring deeper and longer lasting benefits as well. In a world where we are thoroughly interconnected, and we know that the health of ourselves and the Earth is intimately related, this is the only way forward. Far from being a naive view, it is the only deeply realistic one. And there are indeed many solutions out there that yield benefits at many scales.

Further worldcentric

I was also reminded of how, even - or maybe especially - as a child, patriotism in any form did not make sense to me. I didn't even understand why I was expected to root for a particular sports team, or the athletes who happened to be from the same country as myself. I could not see the connection. They are individuals and humans, and so am I, and so are all the others. Their actions did not relate to me any more or less than anyone else's that I didn't know.

Later, of course, I found that a more deeply worldcentic view resonated with me. One that includes all humans, all beings and the Earth as a whole. If there is life other places, then that life as well. And ultimately, this is a care and concern that includes it all - the whole of Existence. We are all intimately related, it is all one seamless process. It is all within me as the Unborn. It is all me as Big Mind.

Actions & limitations

Within this is also included the relative, differentiations. If there appears to be no choice that benefits all, then I will most likely do something that benefits those closer to me. That too is part of the whole picture. And if I have to act that way, I will also acknowledge that my exclusiveness is most likely because of my own limitations. There is no need to try to justify it. Instead, I can use it to more diligently explore inclusive options.

Yin & yang compassion, and no justification

And inclusiveness does not mean only yin (receptive, nurturing) compassion. It also includes yang (ruthless, forceful) compassion when needed. Also here, I acknowledge that my actions are from a limited view, and that there are other - more skillful - options available. There is no need to defend it, only a need to explore further. This too does not prevent action, it only prevents blind justification of these actions.