>The BBC takes a look at whether the Belgian state will survive, and how it’s at risk even if neither side actively seeks it.
While I’ve often said that Belgian devolution is a bit of a warning to what might happen to the United States, one thing that has yet to truly manifest in the US is ethnic political parties and exclusive ethnocultural pop culture. We do have–to some extent–ethnocentric pop culture (basic cable is full of examples of this), that pop culture is only part of the cultural diet of an average American. (In other words, LOGO and BET viewers feel completely comfortable watching ABC, NBC, etc.)
Still, one has to wonder what exactly binds us all together, beyond mere geography.
hikarublue 
>what binds americans together is a commmon language, a (mostly) common history, and a (mostly) common respect for values enshrined in the constitution (free speech, religious freedom, etc.).besides, all nations (except perhaps belgium) take steps to bind their peoples together by, for example, rituals (school children reciting the pledge of allegiance every day; spectators singing the national anthem before sporting events) and mythology (george washington and the cherry tree; paul revere’s ride). on this subject, there’s a great book that describes how governments intentionally develop and spread the dogma of nationalism… it’s called “nations and nationalism” and it was written by ernest gellner.
>what binds americans together is a commmon language, a (mostly) common history, and a (mostly) common respect for values enshrined in the constitution (free speech, religious freedom, etc.).besides, all nations (except perhaps belgium) take steps to bind their peoples together by, for example, rituals (school children reciting the pledge of allegiance every day; spectators singing the national anthem before sporting events) and mythology (george washington and the cherry tree; paul revere’s ride). on this subject, there’s a great book that describes how governments intentionally develop and spread the dogma of nationalism… it’s called “nations and nationalism” and it was written by ernest gellner.
>I will definitely look for the book.
>I will definitely look for the book.
>i should clarify that all *states* take steps to bind their peoples together. a nation does not necessarily have a government.
>i should clarify that all *states* take steps to bind their peoples together. a nation does not necessarily have a government.
>Just checking in…saying hello. Hoping change is gonna come!Have a great week!STB
>Just checking in…saying hello. Hoping change is gonna come!Have a great week!STB
>I think internal migration will keep the US from ever splitting up.
>I think internal migration will keep the US from ever splitting up.