Belonging

Throughout human history people have murdered each other in the name of belonging, belonging to a nation. Wars have been fought and lives lost in the name of nationalism, one of the greatest problems that humanity, as a whole, has brought upon itself.
  Nationalism, a strong sense of belonging, of connection and affiliation with ones country and fellow countrymen, is often the catalyst of dictatorship, genocide and, is usually marked by the feeling of superiority over other countries or races, a kind of ‘us against the world mentality’, also characteristically is the belief that God is on their side whatever they so choose to do. Patriotism has been the subject of many texts. Indeed in many of, infamous dictator, Adolf Hitler’s speeches there is a definite sense of ‘God on our side, us against them’. In complete contrast to the speeches of Hitler, The Bishop of Rwanda by John Rucyahana tells the story from the other side of nationalism, describing the horror of the Rwandan genocide, ostracization the complete opposite of belonging. Finally, on a much smaller scale, closer to home but with just as much impact the Cronulla riots as described by Comparative Studies Australia in their website article Cronulla Riots. Demonstrating, once again the problem that humanity faces with extreme nationalism.
    “The world will not help, the people must help themselves. Its own strength is the source of life. That strength the Almighty has given us to use; that … we may wage … the battle of our life … others in the past years have not had the blessing of the Almighty.” Spoken by Hitler in his March 1933 address, using the emotive mention of God and inclusive language to create an us against them sentiment, in his listeners. Throughout the tirade Hitler makes constant reference to Germany as Gods chosen nation, to himself as “…under the special protection of God.” “… through God's powerful aid, we have become once more true Germans.” Again emotively inclusive language stirs...