Analysis Of Michael Billig s Theory On Banal Nationalism...

The Hmong are known to have tightly knitted communities that are created through ties of kinship in a clan based society. This sense of kinship is essential as a catalyst for the Hmong in developing and producing a strong sense of nationalism despite the fact that they do not have a recognized political state or homeland. This is especially important as the Hmong population has been dispersed to all parts of the world following their involvement in a multitude of geopolitical struggles. Despite having a scattered global population, the Hmong are continuously finding ways to remain distinct and as a unified people, especially here in the United States. The Hmong create and reproduce a sense of nationalism despite facing cultural decline and having relatively separated communities built around different urban centers across the United States. Additionally, this research will discuss how the sense of nationalism can be a way for the Hmong to move forward despite facing cultural decline. In this research, these elements will be explained and explored through Michael Billig’s theory on banal nationalism (Billig, 1995). Nationalism is most often seen as a sudden spark of patriotism or strong feelings of loyalty and appreciation to a nation state after some sort of triggering event. Some of the most recognizable moments in United States history that have sparked widespread nationalism in its citizens include the Sandy Hook shooting, the bombing of the World Trade center, and theShow MoreRelatedThe Wrestler s Body : Identity And Ideology1365 Words   |  6 PagesAlter, Joseph S. 1992. The Wrestler’s Body: Identity and Ideology in North India. Berkeley: University of California Press. Anthony, Susan B. 1896 [suffragist], History of Women in Sports Timeline. Bale J. 1991. The Brawn Drain: Foreign Student-Athletes in American Universities. Urbana, IL: Univ. Ill. Press Bale, John, and Joseph Maguire, eds.1994 The Global Sports Arena: Athletic Talent Migration in an Interdependent World. London: Frank Cass Bailey, R., Wellard I., and Dismore, H., 2005 Participation