Celebrating the Nation: Reinforcement of Nationalist Sentiments through theCommemoration of America's Historic Past
The chapter, Celebrating the Nation, 1961-1976, discusses thesignificance of the United States National Celebration of the Bicentennial,an event that commemorates the country's victory over foreign rule duringthe historic events of the American Revolution and Civil War. Celebratingthese historic events is, according to the article, a direct manifestationof the country, particularly the government's, efforts to perpetuate thespirit of nationalism among American citizens and provide these events witha significant meaning for the society. The process of celebrating thesehistoric events, is done so "on behalf of the nation; it was the nation,with its past, present, and future themes and symbols, that merited loyaltyand respect" (228). Nation, in this context, represents the whole Americannation, and by centering the government's efforts in celebrating thevictory of the American nation in the American Revolution and Civil War,Americans are indirectly partaking in the past's victory, solidlyestablishing the American nation's unity in the past, present, and future Indeed, the interrelatedness of the past, present, and futuregenerations of the American nation is addressed in this
The state attempts topromote ideals of nationalism through heroism because there is an ongoingfear (within the US government) that countries in the Asia-Pacific regionmight be influenced by Communist nations, thereby making Asia as aCommunist region, destabilizing US's power and influence in the world. Although these activities have good intentions, the means inwhich they are executed is contrary to the aim of the celebration-that is,to unite and promote the spirit of nationalism in the American nation(243). " In fact, "commemorative events in this century. Thus, centennialcelebrations throughout American history have the "goal" to "reinforceloyalty to the nation in an era when it was ostensibly threatenedinternally and externally by foreign ideologies" (208). Ineffect, by mobilizing the nation to promote nationalism through heroism(particularly referring to American soldiers), national celebrations of thecountry's freedom from foreign rule is encouraged. Moreover, with unity comes asense of accountability of each individual for others, creating a new kindof society in the US: a collective nation and society, which is remarkablesince Western societies are generally perceived as individualistic innature. was intenton reaffirming the status quo, the authority of existing institutions, andthe need for loyalty to the nation-state itself" (229). In this assertion,it is clear that the bicentennial is but a manifestation of the state'sposition of instilling the 'status quo,' that is, maintaining the country'sstatus as the most powerful nation of the world. Nevertheless, the section ends with a positive note on thedevelopment of 'sectored' nationalism among societies from various states(US states) and social sectors. Heroism in this context may refer to thesocial situation of the time, specifically the ongoing Cold War againstCommunist countries during the post-WWII era. Reinforcement of unity and collectivism as an American nation isexplicitly illustrated in "[m]illions of citizens.
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