Topic- ‘Notes On Nationalism’ by George Orwell
Discuss how George Orwell defined the
conception of nationalism with reference to its negative aspect.
Or, what does Orwell mean by negative
nationalism and what is its impact upon the modern world?
Or, what are the primaries characteristics
of nationalist thought and how it may create disturbance in the modern world?
Answer:-
The Essay “Notes on
Nationalism” written by George Orwell in May, 1945. The essay explains the
concept of nationalism and its effect on human being. The prose piece fist
published in the first issue of “Polemic” in Oct, 1946. In this essay Orwell
discusses the notion of nationalism and argues that it causes people to
disregard common sense and become more ignorant towards factuality. Orwell
chose his concern for the social state of Europe and in a broader sense the
entire world due to an increasing amount of influence of nationalistic
sentiment and creating problems worldwide. Written during the final stages of
World War II, at a time when Europe had only just witness the destructive
effects of political movements. Orwell’s essay uses Nazism
as an example of how nationalism cannot only cause havoc between groups of
people, but instigate the ignorance within such groups to create a wrong notion
about the concept of nationalism.
George Orwell opens his
discussion on the subject of nationalism and he sets his parameters in such a
fashion that extends the connotations of the term beyond the conventions of the
territorial limits within which the idea is most often confined. He makes his
position clear at the very beginning as he says, “I am not using it in quite
the ordinary sense, it only because the emotion, I am speaking about does not
always attach itself to what is called a nation i.e. is a single or a geographical
area.” Orwell compares his concept with other forms nationalistic ideologies to
generate an overall argument questioning the functioning of nationalism.
According to him it is possible for nationalistic feeling to be directed
towards both positive and negative ends.
Nationalism is the name
Orwell gives to the propensity of identifying oneself with a single nation or
other unit, placing it beyond good and evil and recognizing no other duty than
that of advancing its interest. The occurrence of nationalism is visible throughout
history and is applicable even in Today’s world. Nationalism is not only defined
as alignment to a political entity, it can also encompass a religion, race,
ideology or any other abstract idea. Example of such forms of nationalism given
by Orwell include communism, political Catholicism, Zionism, Pacifism and so
on. Orwell additionally argues that his definition of nationalism is not at all
the same as true what most people mean by “Patrolism”.
During this long essay
Orwell discusses nationalism and the effect it has on some people. He also
makes a distinction between nationalism and patriotism. According to Orwell Patriotism
has the nature of defensive attitude. On the other hand nationalism is
inseparable from the desire of power. Nationalist have more of a tendency to
spread their way of thinking while the patriotic attitude wants to protect
their ideas.
One of the themes Orwell
discusses is that of the effects of nationalistic sentiment on human way of
thinking. A Nationalist regards his side to be the strongest and from this
sense of superiority he rejects other provisions. The slightest slay or
criticism from another section causes them to retort or even act violently.
They realize that they are serving a larger entity which provides them with
this sense of security and they have the obligation to defend it.
Also in this essay Orwell
provides three characteristics which describe those who follow nationalistic
sentiment. These are obsession, instability and indifference to reality. The
first condition obsession in Orwell’s view implies that every nationalist
considers his case to be the most superior and his group or unity to be the
most important. The 2nd condition instability implies that there is
an element of inconsistency in the progressing generation of the nationalistic
attitude. The 3rd condition is that of indifference which reflects a
form of partial engagement with facts. The nationalist leaders are emotionally
indifferent to the general needs of people and their way of thinking.
Orwell’s examination of
nationalism as a modern phenomenon is however limited by the absence of any
reference to the dominant political discourses on the subject during his time.
He also remains silent about the questions of nationalism that originated
across the colonial lands at that time. Still Orwell’s observation regarding
nationalism is powerful and thought provoking with a message for universal
brotherhood.
Note: This note is only for a little help
and better understanding, you should add some more to get score marks &
advised to read the main text. By P.B.