There was a bit of a scary documentary on TV the other
night. Robert Peston was looking at what might happen to France after their
next election. There is a real possibility of the far right getting in.
This is reflected in many other nations, including the UK
with the rise of UKIP. Not as far right as the Front National in France, but a
definite leaning in that direction.
It’s clear that there is a concern amongst ‘locals’ with
regard to ‘newcomers’. But if we go back into history, pretty much all of
Europe can be classed as ‘newcomers’. Most of us have relations who have
travelled beyond old borders and taken up residence in another country.
Marine Le Pen, the leader of the French Front National, sets
out the issue as countries needing to decide if they are ‘globalists’ or ‘nationals’.
It sounds almost convincing. Until you consider the fact that she is demanding
a choice. Either you support your country, or you are a ‘globalist’ and want to
do away with borders.
But it’s not either/or. It can be both/and. I’m rightly
proud of the country I’m born in. And if people move to my country, I want them
to be proud of it too.
But I also love the variety and colour of the nations. I
love it that the city I live in is 50% ‘other than British white’. I love the
different viewpoints on life. I love the different foods. The different
costumes. It adds to my nation. New colour and variety on top of the colour and
variety already brought to my nation by previous generations.
So, yes, I’m nationalist in the sense of being proud of my
country. But I can be a globalist too.
The choice we are being faced with by extremist right wing
parties is a false choice. I want to live in a both/and country.
