(77*) “Nation-building refers to the process of constructing or
structuring a national identity using the power of the state. This
process aims at the unification of the people within the state so that
it remains politically stable and viable in the long run”.
Nation building as part of the forming
process includes, establishing a national identity that will distinguish the
country and its people from others. Identity projects the “face” of the
nation”; the ideals everyone pursues to give birth to a unique and
positive image.
“National identity” extends across nationality, ethnicity,
language, political orientation and culture. It is directed at all segments of the nation; including all citizens.
(78*)
America has its “American Dream” that is seen as the national ethos of the United States, a set of ideals in which freedom includes the
opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility achieved through hard work. The definition of the American
Dream by James Truslow
Adams in 1931,
states: "life should be better
and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to
ability or achievement, regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.”
The
idea of the American Dream, rooted in the United
States Declaration of Independence, proclaims that "all men are
created equal"
and that they are "endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable
Rights" including "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
(79*)
Similar to the “American Dream”, the Japanese adopted the term “Nihonjinron” (日本人論?) to give meaning to the unique
identity of the Japanese people.
(80*)
After close to 20 years of independence, the notion of a broad united South
African identity, shared by all its citizens remains elusive. Rather than a
singular national identity, labels of “Black,” “Coloured,” “Indian” and
“White,” as well as “Afrikaans,” “Xhosa” and “Zulu” continue to define the
South African identity. “The rich cultural diversity and multitude of personal
identifications have not yet been embedded into social cohesion or an ideal
identity”.
Instead of a positive identity, the “face of the nation” projected by
the media, reflects ongoing negative and violent behaviour:
o
Violent
protests showing little or no respect for property and life; burning private
and state property and even killing those who dare to appose the rioting
majority.
o
Violent
crime; committing the most gruesome murders one could imagine.
o
Corruption;
Government officials involved in large scale fraud.
o
Service
delivery failure; poor quality of service; reports on infrastructure collapses.
Visual images of South Africa
(81*) Zandspruit residents
protest on Malibongwe drive, north of Johannesburg
(81*) EyeWitness News reports that:
”In many of those protests private property was destroyed, individuals were
threatened and there was an alarming rate of violence. Golden Arrow bus driver,
Sandile Hoko, was killed when he crashed his bus into five shacks while his
vehicle was being stoned.”
Has this “face of the nation”,
many would describe as awful and disgusting, already been established as the
country’s real identity? It surely stands in sharp contrast to (83*) the “*ubuntu”
concept focusing on people's
allegiances and relations towards one another.
(*Ubuntu is a Southern African ethic or humanist
philosophy
focusing on people's allegiances and relations with each other)
Important:
If no deliberate action is taken to pursue
ideals aimed at a unique positive image, the most visible negative characteristics of society will over time transform
into a national identity.
How would
you paint the unique face and identity of South Africa
To open the media sources hold "CTRL" key and click on the shortcut.
To open the media sources hold "CTRL" key and click on the shortcut.
(77*) Wikipedia -- Nation-building http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FNation-building&ei=_UOiUKGBIcWRhQed94CwDQ&usg=AFQjCNGSlQkM9V_ozKcRsdh_A4adp8FESg&sig2=x7Fyg_IK-NQYNgNyqxf9nw
(79*) Wikipedia -- Nihonjinron (日本人論?) – Basis for Japan
(81*) Eye Witness News 7 August 2012 -- Increase in service delivery protests http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&ved=0CFwQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fewn.co.za%2Fen%2F2012%2F08%2F07%2FRapid-increase-in-service-delivery-protests&ei=hTmiULapH8SShgfc0YGABw&usg=AFQjCNHFn0wdA-JceQWPHjK-NT97ZhT_OQ&sig2=r5WZ6wAy_372EJFQOn0s-Q
(82*) Times Live Service-delivery protests getting uglier –report --Nashira Davids http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeslive.co.za%2Fthetimes%2F2012%2F10%2F11%2Fservice-delivery-protests-getting-uglier---report&ei=hTmiULapH8SShgfc0YGABw&usg=AFQjCNEvvrFc5ew4ce78tfMbeS6OrFwhIg&sig2=1p8Vz2d3sDohgM9gs_Fq2w
(83*) Wikipedia– Ubuntu Philosophy http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CEMQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FUbuntu_(philosophy)&ei=8-8CUYCyMsaIhQe-7YCIDw&usg=AFQjCNEddQLFaHP3FAtvhhs23s8Z7LNOlQ&sig2=docK6mjoJeog2KkLeOj8VQ
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