Banal nationalism
Banal nationalism refers to the subtle and often unnoticed expressions of national identity that permeate everyday life within a society. Coined by British social psychologist Michael Billig in his 1995 book, the term highlights how nationalism is not only displayed through overt patriotic acts but is also woven into the fabric of daily routines and social norms. This form of nationalism is nurtured by various social cues and symbols, such as national flags or common phrases used by leaders, which reinforce a shared identity among the population.
While it may seem benign, Billig argued that banal nationalism can be a potent force that lies dormant until it is awakened during times of national crisis, potentially leading to heightened nationalistic fervor. In modern contexts, social media has facilitated the spread of this underlying nationalism through everyday interactions that evoke national sentiment, leading researchers to refer to it as "everyday nationalism." This phenomenon underscores the complexity of national identity and its manifestations in both peaceful and tumultuous times, inviting diverse perspectives on the implications of such a pervasive sentiment in society.
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Banal nationalism
Banal nationalism describes the ever-present representation of a shared national identity that manifests itself in the day-to-day lives of a population. The term was coined by British author and social psychologist Michael Billig in a 1995 book. Banal nationalism is not expressed in outward shows of nationalistic pride, but unknowingly exists below the surface of a society. It can be cultivated and enhanced by subtle social cues, only to later bubble to the surface at times of national crisis.
Overview
In general, nationalism refers to a sense of loyalty to one’s own nation and a belief that that nation is superior to others. Nationalism is accompanied by a feeling of pride in a national identity and a desire to embrace shared elements such as a common culture, language, economy, or religion. In extreme cases, it may result in military actions to gain national independence or can result in an invasion of a neighboring country to take back a perceived former territory.
In the early 1990s, Michael Billig, a professor of social sciences at Loughborough University in England, began to examine the results of a study on the British public’s attitude toward the royal family. He became curious about how a population’s focus on nationalistic feelings changed from the stage when a nation was being formed to the time a nation had been established. In 1995, he published his conclusions in the book Banal Nationalism.
Billig used the term to describe nationalism that existed as an underlying force in everyday life, rather than one that fueled an extreme push for change. Banal is a word meaning something that lacks originality to the point it becomes boring and commonplace. However, Billig did not view banal nationalism as a harmless expression of patriotic pride. Instead, he saw it as a sleeping giant hiding within the fabric of society. Billig argues that this banal nationalism is nurtured by national governments over time by subtle actions that continually “flag” or remind the population of their national identity. This repressed nationalism can then be brought forward and transformed into a full-blown nationalistic frenzy at times of war or national crisis.
One of the primary ways that banal nationalism can be cultivated is through the prolific use of national symbols such as flags. For example, in the United States, government buildings routinely fly the American flag somewhere on the premises. Many homes and businesses also display the flag, particularly on patriotic holidays or to show support for a fallen member of the military. The flag and the singing of the National Anthem have become traditional elements at many community and sporting events. In most schools, children start each day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and the nation it represents. As a result, the flag becomes an omnipresent symbol of the nation that can stir strong emotions in the population.
Billig also wrote that banal nationalism can be incorporated into certain words and phrases used by political leaders during speeches. Repeated references to shared freedom or a national resolve can reinforce nationalistic feelings even when a country is not facing a national crisis such as war. If a crisis does occur, the feelings planted by banal nationalism can be brought into the open by further targeted political rhetoric.
In the twenty-first century, social media platforms became a natural conduit of banal nationalism. The ease of sharing opinions and responding to posts allowed banal nationalism to manifest, sometimes even unintentionally. Researchers coined the term everyday nationalism to refer to the subtle, mundane online interactions that present an undertone of national identity.
Bibliography
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