Flagging the Homeland Reading Response Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 515 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 2

In “Flagging the Homeland Daily,” the author shows how nationalism and patriotism are constructed in subtle, daily ways. The physical symbol of the flag is a visible reminder of nationalism, but itself not sufficient for the deep and meaningful ways nationalism is inculcated. Nationalism is inculcated through daily discourse, in words, phrases, and gestures that are often taken for granted. Even if nationalism on an overt level is no longer in vogue, a more “banal” type of nationalism has taken its place, according to Billig. This banal nationalism is “not necessarily benign,” which is the author’s central argument throughout the text (p. 94). For example, the citizens of nation-states still have an us-them mentality, conveyed through the discursive meanings of seemingly innocent terms like “the people,” (p. 94). It is difficult to recognize these subtle forms of brainwashing because they have become habits of speech.

The mass media is of course complicit in conveying banal nationalism. However, it is also important to recognize that in the United States, some of the forms nationalism and patriotism take place are not covert at all, and nor are they subtle. Especially since September 11, nationalism and patriotism have resurfaced to form the foundation of identity. The backlash against taking a knee is a perfect example of how Americans are guilty of “flagging the homeland daily,” but reflexively and not in a meaningful protection of the rights and freedoms the nation professes to defend.

Stuck Writing Your "Flagging the Homeland Reading Response" Essay?

View All Our Example Flagging the Homeland Reading Response Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

In fact, Billig directly talks about the role sports play in the construction of banal nationalism. Even before the sports protests, Americans had new departments of state like the Department of Homeland Security, with the term “homeland” being waved proudly like a verbal flag. Billig refers to the “homeland deixis,” a complex function of social linguistics.

Nation building is a psychological mechanism, as Billig points out. It requires conscientious participation by the plebiscite, which feeds and reinforces the terms of that identity through a sanctification of certain symbols, geographic landmarks, or political figures. Beyond just being a political strategy, nationalism is a means of social control. Other keywords in banal nationalism include “sovereignty,” which implies a separation of groups into their respective national forms. Although he writes from a British point of view, Billig shows how all liberal democracies engage in the construction of banal nationalism, through the messages in their media and communicated via politicians and other….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Flagging The Homeland Reading Response" (2017, November 25) Retrieved May 18, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/flagging-homeland-reading-response-2166573

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Flagging The Homeland Reading Response" 25 November 2017. Web.18 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/flagging-homeland-reading-response-2166573>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Flagging The Homeland Reading Response", 25 November 2017, Accessed.18 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/flagging-homeland-reading-response-2166573
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example