The hottest National Identity Substack posts right now

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It's Gross And Cringey To Love A State Like Israel Or The USA

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1834 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Government Critique Power Structures Political Discourse
  1. It's considered immature to have strong emotional ties to a nation like the USA or Israel. Loving a state often leads people to blindly defend its actions, no matter how harmful they might be.
  2. We can have real relationships with individuals or communities, but nations are just too big and complex for that. When we feel love for a country, it's usually just for a symbol we've created in our minds.
  3. People who defend their government like a parent are not taking responsibility for their own beliefs. It's important to think independently and not let powerful entities dictate what is right or wrong.

The Canadians Who Say: ‘Trump, Take My Country—Please!’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3227 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinion International relations National Identity Elections Media
  1. Some Canadians feel so frustrated with their country that they joke about wanting to become part of the United States. They believe life has become stagnant and see more opportunities in America.
  2. People like Ryan Hemsley express a longing for change and believe that becoming the 51st state could bring a fresh start and revitalization.
  3. Discontent with the current political leadership in Canada is leading some to fantasize about a different kind of future under the U.S. government.

The Palestinian cause is a violent ideology disguised as a national identity, and it must be swept into the dustbin of history

The Dossier • 209 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology National Identity Middle East Conflict resolution Terrorism
  1. The Palestinian cause is seen as an ideology rather than a true national identity, similar to other violent movements in history. It doesn't have a unique cultural or ethnic background.
  2. Support for violent actions against Israel is widespread among Palestinians, reflecting a deeper ideological commitment rather than just reactions to specific events.
  3. Some suggest relocating Gazans to other Arab countries after conflicts, arguing it's a way to address the violence and instability that often follows their actions.

America, the beautiful

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 3020 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Cultural Change Social Issues Optimism
  1. America has many problems, but it remains a place full of opportunities and hope. Many people still believe in the American Dream and work hard to achieve it.
  2. Even in tough situations, people show resilience and optimism. Stories of individuals striving for better lives highlight the strength of the human spirit.
  3. Despite its challenges, the US provides a sense of community and the chance for people to remake their lives. This idea of transformation is a key part of what makes America special.

Auslander Raus

Disaffected Newsletter • 4855 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration National Identity Public Opinion Political Discourse
  1. Some towns in America are seeing an influx of immigrants who seem to change the local culture significantly. This can create tensions and feelings of unease among local residents.
  2. There's a belief that new immigrants should adapt to the local culture instead of bringing their own ways. Some people feel that this is not happening and that it's unfair for the host culture.
  3. People may feel threatened by groups of young men who seem to act in a way that's aggressive or predatory, which raises concerns about safety and community values.
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Make America a Continent Again

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 729 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Presidential elections Governance National Identity International relations
  1. The word 'America' means different things to different people. In many Spanish-speaking countries, it refers to the whole continent, not just the United States.
  2. Donald Trump's actions and statements about territories like Greenland and the Gulf of Mexico may upset international relationships and suggest a more aggressive stance.
  3. The strong American influence on the continent comes with a responsibility to act as a stabilizing power. If Trump fails to do so, it could affect how Americans are viewed in the rest of the Americas.

A MAGA Attack on a Trump Nominee—and the Problem with the Woke Right

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 927 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration National Identity Political Ideologies Racism
  1. There's a split in the MAGA movement over immigration, especially regarding skilled workers and H-1B visas. Some believe they help the economy, while others see them as a threat to American jobs.
  2. The controversy over Sriram Krishnan's nomination highlights issues of race and identity within this debate. Many critiques against him seem to stem from racism towards immigrants of color.
  3. The debate reflects a larger question for the right: Do they want a country that values equal opportunity for everyone, or one that favors certain groups while pushing others out?

American Strong Gods

The Upheaval • 3204 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History National Identity Governance Populism Political theory
  1. Donald Trump represents a major shift away from the values of the Long Twentieth Century, promoting action and change instead of the procedural politics that dominated. He embodies a new spirit that prioritizes national interests and direct action.
  2. The idea of an 'open society' has led to a weakening of national identities and strong moral bonds, which many see as harmful. There's a growing desire to restore strong communal values and cohesive identities to counter this trend.
  3. Recent political movements are pushing back against the old liberal consensus, favoring a return to strong beliefs and identities. This reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the previous order and a quest for a more united and purposeful society.

Across the Divide: What It Means to Be American

Papyrus Rampant • 138 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Political division Historical Narratives Civic engagement Civil Rights
  1. People often have different views of history based on their experiences and backgrounds. This can lead to disagreements over what events mean and how they shape our identities.
  2. National stories are important because they give people a sense of belonging. These narratives help define what it means to be part of a nation and influence how people understand each other.
  3. It's okay to disagree, but we need to learn to accept our differences without hostility. True connection comes from love and understanding, even across political divides.

the american order

bad cattitude • 222 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration National Identity Political theory Cultural Commentary
  1. A constitution is just a set of rules on paper. For it to matter, people need to truly believe in and practice its ideas.
  2. America is not just an idea or a place; it's a specific way of life that includes values and expectations that have allowed people to flourish.
  3. We need to be careful about how we defend American values. Fighting for them shouldn't go against the very principles we believe in and should not lead to treating newcomers poorly.

Migration and the sovereign firm

Gray Mirror • 189 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Political theory National Identity Economic Policy Sovereignty
  1. The relationship between a state and its citizens can be viewed in terms of ownership, where the state should safeguard and nurture its people as valuable assets. This perspective contrasts with the modern belief that the state exists to serve its citizens.
  2. Free movement of labor may negatively impact local human capital by creating job competition that reduces job quality for some citizens, affecting their value and contribution to society.
  3. Mass migration policies are often motivated by corporate interests and political goals rather than a genuine need to develop local talent or improve society, leading to ineffective and exploitative outcomes.

neomedievalism and transnational nobility

alice maz • 110 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics State power National Identity
  1. States are losing power, and people are looking for new groups or identities to connect with. This means loyalty might shift from the nation-state to other forms of community and personal connections.
  2. With the rise of technology and the internet, individuals can now create and spread information themselves, changing how we communicate and come together. This new way could challenge governments and traditional authorities.
  3. People are moving away from the idea of absolute loyalty to one nation and are searching for shared purpose and community. In the future, we might form groups based on interests or beliefs instead of just nationality.

Andrew Potter: It's not about the passport

The Line • 2692 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🌍 World Politics Canadian Politics Critics National Identity
  1. In relationships and politics, issues are often not about the specific incidents but rather underlying attitudes or lack of consideration.
  2. The controversy over Canada's passport redesign reflects deeper issues of national identity and symbolism.
  3. The redesign of Canada's passport is seen as a reflection of Justin Trudeau's perceived contempt for Canada and its symbols.

Celebration of a Nation

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 1100 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics National Identity Citizenship Immigration
  1. Australia Day citizenship ceremonies are for immigrants to formalize their introduction to the country.
  2. The celebration of Australia's 1988 Bicentenary highlighted nation-building aspects despite controversies.
  3. Australian national identity and values are rooted in historical concepts like citizenship and democracy, contributing to national cohesion.

America Is a Normal Country

KERFUFFLE • 55 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy American history Political Philosophy National Identity Global relations
  1. America is no longer viewed as a unique or exceptional country compared to others. Instead, it shares many common challenges with other nations.
  2. The U.S. has a history of military interventions that often led to problems rather than solutions, making some wonder if inaction might have been better.
  3. Despite past dominance after World War II, America is now seen as an empire in decline, and it's important to recognize and adapt to this reality.

Making Civic Life Thick Again; Rashid Khalidi in Haaretz; Remembering Canarsie

Unpopular Front • 29 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Civic engagement Social movements National Identity
  1. Political parties need to focus on building stronger local organizations to reconnect with working-class voters. This means creating spaces where people can gather and engage in civic life together.
  2. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complex and cannot be solved easily. Understanding both sides and their histories is crucial to discussing potential solutions.
  3. Using violent tactics in political struggles can backfire, especially when the opposing side feels victimized. It's important to think about the long-term effects of such strategies.

Can America Exist Without A Shared Culture?

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture National Identity Historical Narratives Diversity Consensus
  1. America lacks a strong, shared national culture like many other countries have. This makes it hard to define what it means to be American.
  2. Throughout its history, America has tried to find common ground among its diverse backgrounds, but these attempts often resulted in weak agreements and divisions.
  3. Today, the idea of a shared identity in America is fading, with both political sides searching for new myths or narratives to unify the country.

The Struggle to be Solidarity Nation

Holodoxa • 179 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Cultural Practices Youth Programs National Identity
  1. Israel's national solidarity is explored in 'The Genius of Israel,' suggesting a unique ability to balance tradition and modernity, individualism and collectivism.
  2. Key social institutions like the kibbutz, youth movements (gibush), the military (IDF), and mechina programs play a crucial role in shaping Israel's collective identity and resilience.
  3. Israel's success in economic growth, demographic health, and social cohesion is attributed to the balance between individual and collective forces, with the IDF serving as both a defense mechanism and a training ground for intergroup collaboration.

Make America Greater Than Ever!

Gideon's Substack • 9 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy National Identity Political Divides Geopolitical Strategy
  1. The biggest divide in America is not political, but rather between those who fear the future and those who see it as an opportunity. This divide affects both major political parties.
  2. A proposal is made for significant territorial expansion to accommodate a growing population, aiming to increase the U.S. population to 1 billion people while reducing overall density.
  3. Various phases are outlined for acquiring territories, suggesting that each new territory will provide strategic advantages, resources, and help the U.S. establish a stronger global presence.

China, Ukraine & The Western Soul with N.S. Lyons

The Bigger Picture • 1298 implied HN points • 31 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics National Identity Military Strategy
  1. Tragedy in Ukraine is causing a clash of cultural psychologies and shifting the world order.
  2. The concept of 'Breach events' occurs when online narratives impact the physical world and lead to unintended consequences.
  3. The invasion of Ukraine prompts a reawakening to the realities of geopolitics and a confrontation between virtual world narratives and physical reality.

November 19, 2024 (Tuesday)

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil War American history Political Legacy National Identity
  1. The Battle of Gettysburg was a major event in the American Civil War, involving around 150,000 soldiers and resulting in thousands of deaths.
  2. President Lincoln gave a short but powerful speech at the dedication of a national cemetery, emphasizing equality and the need for a 'new birth of freedom.'
  3. Lincoln's address highlighted the importance of honoring those who died and urged the living to continue fighting for democracy and equality.

The Trad Marxism of George Grant

From the New World • 10 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Populism Globalism Political theory Cultural criticism
  1. George Grant believed that Canada was heavily influenced by America, almost like a smaller country serving a larger one. He thought this relationship made Canada lose some of its national identity.
  2. He criticized the wealthy elites in Canada who were more focused on American business than the needs of their own citizens. This created a divide between the rich and the rural areas.
  3. Grant warned that without a strong central authority, countries could lose their national character. His ideas seem even more relevant today with the rise of global influences like the internet.

How I observe Independence Day

The Recovering Academic • 257 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture National Identity Literature History Music Patriotism
  1. Independence Day is a time for reflection on what America has been and could be, not just a celebration for many.
  2. Texts like Frederick Douglass's speech and Handsome Lake's story make it difficult to observe Independence Day without sorrow, balancing any pride with grief.
  3. There are multiple interpretations of Independence Day, ranging from reclaiming American greatness to critiquing the national experiment, with a middle ground found in Barack Obama's speech 'A More Perfect Union.'

Reflections on Scotland's Political Culture (1/4)

The Joyous Struggle • 118 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Political culture National Identity Global Politics
  1. Metapolitical thinking involves questioning and renewing our political premises and motivations as contexts change.
  2. In times of instability and transition, unity in politics can falter, leading to disagreements without common ground and a loss of shared reality.
  3. The concept of nationhood is both significant and arbitrary, urging us to understand our political and metapolitical perspectives to navigate global challenges.

National Myths Old and New

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Historical Narratives Civic engagement Cultural critique
  1. There are two main stories about America's past: one celebrates its founding and achievements, while the other highlights its flaws like slavery and injustice. People seem to be divided between these two views.
  2. A new generation sees America's past as something that can be redeemed through acknowledging past wrongs and offering reparations. This idea focuses on healing and addressing the trauma of oppressed groups.
  3. America's role in the world is important, too. Instead of just looking at what happened inside the country, it's vital to recognize how it protects allies and maintains a certain type of order internationally, which can also shape positive patriotism.

The Mythic Rebellion: Why The Far Right Keeps Winning

The Bigger Picture • 2 HN points • 19 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Immigration Class dynamics Cultural Exchange National Identity
  1. In Europe, the far right is gaining ground due to frustrations with technocratic institutions and the perception of multiculturalism as threatening traditional culture and identity.
  2. Immigration is a politically charged topic in Europe and the US due to differing cultural attitudes towards trust, individualism, and social networks.
  3. Collective grief and rituals are suggested as a way to address cultural wounds, honor identities, and navigate the complexities of multiculturalism and monoculturalism in Western societies.

'Brahmin Hitler' responds to Richard Hanania

Indian Bronson • 8 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Ideology Critique Personalities National Identity Global relations
  1. The author discusses the responses of 'Brahmin Hitler' to Richard Hanania, mentioning their differing views on immigration and racial dynamics.
  2. There is a comparison between Richard Spencer and Richard Hanania, highlighting their individual transformations and disavowals of certain ideologies.
  3. The text delves into the evolving perspectives of Richard Hanania, his critiques of conservatism, and his concerns about being associated with certain groups.

Lãnh đạo vs hoa hậu

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 0 implied HN points • 28 Aug 16
🎭️ Culture Leadership Youth culture National Identity
  1. Short-term solution: Crown beauty pageants as leaders. Beauty queens are talented, fluent in English, and adored by the nation, making them suitable leaders.
  2. Long-term solution: Crown leaders as beauty queens. Our leaders possess qualities similar to beauty queens, so why not have them compete in beauty pageants?
  3. Proposed future competitions: Consider organizing secretary competitions, showcasing individuals from various sectors and backgrounds to represent the nation's diversity.

Men With 3 And 4 Kids Can't Figure Out Why The Country Turned To Sh*t

Spud’s Substack • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society Media Celebrities National Identity
  1. Men with 3 and 4 kids discussed the challenges in modern society and the loss of national consensus.
  2. There was contemplation about the cyclic nature of societal destruction and the mysteries behind it.
  3. References were made to influential figures like Elon Musk and Bill Gates, adding humor to the discussion.