National_Identity

According to Stuart Hall second model for the production of identities, identities are ‘always incomplete [and] in a constant process of formation and alteration’. Take an identity of your choice – national, gender, occupation, regional or any other identity. How has that identity changed over time' What factors have shaped these changes' In this essay I will look to examine how national identities have changed over time, with particular reference to nations within the European community. History, geography, religion and language all play a crucial part in how national identities are created and evolve through time, and I will look at these factors in turn to see the effect they have on national identity. With the ‘Information Age’ and globalisation well and truly a part of every day twenty-first century living; the access to view information about different nations; the ability to share aspects about our cultures and national identities; plus the greatly increased ability to travel globally (both physically and via cyber-space), all gives us a greater level of openness and these factors have helped shape the changes in how national identities are portrayed. The 17th century philosopher Descartes defined the identity of all human beings as ‘things that think’. He understood identity as relating solely to the human mind, and not the body or social interaction. This Cartesian concept of identity is similar to the Enlightenment concept that has no consideration for particular social/historical circumstances, nor does it acknowledge the impact of cultural differences upon identity. This concept has been important in the advocating universal human rights and universal suffrage, but is it met with challenges on several levels. Psychoanalysts argue that relationships with others and social interaction has a direct effect on the formation of personal identities, e.g. the relationship a child has with its parents. It is also strongly argued that the body cannot be disregarded as a determining factor of identity as it holds a meaningful sense of self, with how we dress and how we have the ability to change the shape and appearance of our bodies. (Chimisso, p.10-11) The sociologist Stuart Hall breaks the production of identities into two models. The first model sees the production of an essential, immutable identity that denies social and historical construction. This seems to be the most basic, simplistic form of identity which can unite members of particular groups, e.g. in relation to some feminist movements. Elements of the Cartesian concept can be seen here as it acknowledges there is an essence/inner core that is independent from their social setting. The second model, and one to be focussed on in this essay, acknowledges the relational aspect of identity production and the constant process of change and formation that identities go through. (Chimisso, C. p. 40). A national identity is a significant factor of one’s whole personal identity. When introducing oneself, it is often one of the first things used to establish a portrayed profile and has been particularly important in Europe since the nineteenth century. National identities exist in the sense that individuals connect themselves inextricably to a nation, predominantly this being their country of birth. This does not mean that everyone who is born in a particular country shares the same identity, but that they share the idea of their historical and social development being homogenous (Chimisso, p. 13). National identity, like other identities such as class, ‘race’, gender, have different meanings for individuals. Identities also interact with one another to create multiple identities, and can alter in relation to the space the individual is occupying at any given time. For example, a working mother will have a professional identity in the workplace and a parental identity at home. In order to examine how national identities change over time, I will use the example of the Irish national identity as it provides an excellent example of how a national identity can develop and adapt within a relatively small time space. Within the last seventy years, Ireland has seen major historical developments that have been a contributory factor to the country’s shifting national identity. Prior to 1949, when Ireland became an independent republic state following hundreds of years of British rule, Ireland was one of Europe’s most impoverished nations. Due to the long fight for independence from the Commonwealth, there existed an almost inevitable animosity between the British and Irish. An example of this were the "No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish" signs posted on B&B doors in the 1960’s. Later on into the 1970’s, IRA bombings intensified anti-Irish feelings. (BBC News, Will these Irish migrants be different from the past'). Irelands national identity has long been strongly identified with the historical struggle for independence that encompasses a national pride, the Catholic veins running through the society being rigid and some would say old-fashioned. Alongside this are the stereotypes associated with Irish national identity as a nation that drinks heavily, swears a lot and a love for music (and potatoes!). In relation to stereotypes, Chimisso explained it well when she wrote: ‘National stereotypes rest on the assumption that there is something intrinsic about being, say, German or Greek, which not only accrues to all members of that ‘community’ but is also permanent in time’ (Chimisso, p. 29) While the stereotypes remain to this present day, the identity of the Irish nation has transformed to that of a modern multicultural EU state that was one of the first to adopt the Euro. In addition, the terrorist activities of radical Islamist groups in recent years have created a larger threat to the UK, and the modern western world, leaving the Irish national identity to flourish in a more positive light. (BBC News, Will these Irish migrants be different from the past') So as well as the direct history of a nation, in this case Ireland, indirect developments in history have an effect on how a national identity is shaped. In addition, the Irish national identity has always had an air of national pride, but with the disintegration of the economic boom known as the Celtic Tiger, which lasted from the mid-nineties to 2009 having disastrous consequences for the economy, this pride seems to have diminished. Although perhaps this is just a temporary shift and pride will return when the economy recovers. The next significant factor in forming national identity is geography, with maps and territorial boundaries playing an important part in how a nation is perceived by others, and identities forming around the inhabiting of a certain type of territory. Maps create visible boundaries that can have a direct effect on how individuals and communities feel about where they reside and come from. (‘Maps, cultures and identities’, DVD) Briefly speaking from personal experience, as a child growing up in southern Ireland we were taught that one-eight of the country is completely different and separate to the rest of the nation and shown the clear boundaries on the map of the island of Ireland, with different shaded sections to show part being ruled by the UK. This had a direct effect on how my own national identity was perceived by me to be ‘proper’ Irish, whereas I would perceive the small northern part of the island as a complete foreign land. From this experience it’s clear that maps are a powerful influencer in identities, and are cleverly adapted by their creators so show domination and territorial rule. Changes that take place with geographical and territorial space have a direct effect on national identity, as they can become ambiguous and uncertain. The breakup of Yugoslavia into the separate Balkan states in the 1990’s is an example of this. An individual born in Yugoslavia in the 1960’s would most likely have multiple national identities in their lifetime, the identity being dependent on where they resided. Landscapes are also used to provide key elements of national identity, being used symbolically to represent countries, e.g. the mountainous terrain of Switzerland portrays a healthy, energetic nation; the barren rugged countryside of Scotland portrays the Scottish to be strong, ‘thick-skinned’. Europe as a continent has a diverse spectrum of languages throughout its nations, and they can be strongly linked and assist in building and shaping national identities. A national language, or mother tongue, is often identified as a core element of one’s national identity and an area of common ground for natives (Chimisso, p.50). Looking again at the Irish national identity, the Irish language, although less widely used than English in Ireland, is a key element to national identity and considered to be a special connection, especially to Irish emigrants. Languages in general change and adapt throughout time, the dominant language being spoken by the ruling classes and this also has direct effect on how a meaningful national identity can be shaped alongside it (Chimisso, p. 52). Religion is another factor in the formation of identities, and the changing relationship religion has with the nation state can also result in a change of national identity perception. Europe has long been a continent that is associated with a core of Christian religions, but with modern lifestyles involving global relocating as a way of life, this has contributed to a significant proportion of Europe possessing more diverse religious faiths/have secular beliefs (Chimisso, p49). Religion leaves an imprint on national identity plus an underlying association. Going back to Ireland’s connection with religion, it is again a key factor in national identity, and how it has adapted. Ireland is slowly moving away from the label of staunch Catholic rule, and the national identity reflects this change with more liberal and progressive ideas. In conclusion, it is clear to me that all personal identities go through change processes and should be regarded as fluid elements of society. A persons whole identity cannot stay the same throughout their lives, when you consider the changing factors that life brings on a human level alone, such as ageing, marital status, body image, career choices etc. When considering the external factors as I have done above (history, geography, language and religion), here is more evidence that individuals do not have as much power on deciding their own identities, and changes are inevitable. We are attached to our identities on an emotional level. With modernity pulling us in multiple directions in a hectic world, to have a ‘concrete’ identity that one can grasp onto, can provide security and grounding, but we need to remember that as the whole world changes around us, so too do our identities. References: Chimisso, C. (2003), ‘What is identity'’, Exploring European Identities, The Open University, Milton Keynes. ‘Students’ AA(ZX)300 Europe: Culture and Identities in a Contested Continent. (2006) [DVD] Milton Keynes: The Open University. ‘Maps, cultures and identities’ AA(ZX)300 Europe: Culture and Identities in a Contested Continent. (2006) [DVD] Milton Keynes: The Open University. BBC News (2010) Will these Irish migrants be different from the past', [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11815001 [Accessed: 11th Feb 2011].