Post #3: Nationalism and Inequality

Overview

In today’s post we will be discussing the levels of nationalism and inequality that are taking place in New Caledonia. This will be done by providing the definition of nationalism, discussing the New Caledonia’s current nationalist status, and the effects nationalism has had on New Caledonia. Inequality of New Caledonia will then be discussed due to the fact that it is playing a major role in the current events that are taking place within country.

Nationalism Explained- According to the Webster Dictionary nationalism defines as the “Loyalty and devotion to a nation, especially a sense of national consciousness” and the process of “exalting one nation above all other and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups”

Nationalism

Many would see the beginning of the definition and believe that nationalism is, overall, a good thing. They’d say that it’s good to have a sense of devotion to the country that you have been raised in, but once you reach the second part of the definition you soon realize that this isn’t exactly the case. Now, I’m not saying that having some national pride is a bad thing. I’m just saying that the process and extreme forms of nationalism can be dangerous. National Pride can help bring a country together during low times and give individuals purpose during conflict. It can be uplifting, but in extreme cases it can start to have a negative impact on other countries.

According to Zakaria the process of nationalism in western societies, like the United States and those in the United Kingdom, can be harmful for two main reasons. The first is the fact that these powerful countries start to bring it upon themselves to “help” other countries or nation states that haven’t been as prosperous. Now, even if this is in good heart it can “make purposeful national action more difficult” (Zakaria 35) because it starts to have an influence on these other nations governments. This brings us to the second reason on why Zakaria believes nationalism can be dangerous which is due to “The Assertions of Identity” (Zakaria 34) we’ve learned that when these countries get powerful enough that they start to influence and control smaller countries around them.

What makes this week’s topic exciting is the fact that this is something that we’ve actually seen happen to New Caledonia. Now, yes, it’s sad that they have and are still going through this, but with their vote coming up Nov. 4^th to split from France does make this topic very relevant. Below is a perfect example of nationalism and is New Caledonia and Frances timeline.

All information regarding New Caledonia’s timeline was found at the Lonely Planet

Timeline

In 1793 the French discovered New Caledonia. Then in 1843 they started sending missionaries to the islands. This led to a French annexation in the 1850s and then a colony in 1864. Now this colony was made up of political deportees, convicts, and communards. In 1878 French settlers encroached on tribal lands which led to a revolt that had 200 French and 1200 Kanak deaths overall halving the Kanak population. In WW1 the French took 2145 men including 1005 Kanaks to fight (600 died 382 being Kanaks) which led to an uprising that killed 11 French citizens. Bringing us to 1923 where the “teaching of French became compulsory and the practices of Kanak medicine men were outlawed”. Finally, around 1946 Kanaks were given French citizenship and the right to vote, but during 1975 “the loyalist” party formed and New Caledonia started fighting for independence. The Independence movement started 1984. An unfair vote was then held taking more land away from the Kanaks starting a revolt that ended up taking 27 hostages (1988). The UN then required France to set up the Matignon accord (1988) which led to The Noumea Accord (1998) granting New Caledonia a “15-20 year period of growth and devolpment” and a “referendum on self-determination to be held by the second half of 2018”

So, where did this leave New Caledonia? Are they experiencing any types of Inequality?

Inequality

One of the big reasons New Caledonia is wanting to split from France is due to the inequalities that the islanders are experiencing. (Information below was on the France 24 news network)

• Cost of everyday good is over 30% higher than France
  • Chocolate bar 8 euros compared to 2 euros in France
  • Yogurt 4.5 euros compared to 1 euro in France
• Average salary is overall 20% lower in New Caledonia

GINI Index is N/A due to France ownership

Proof of this is here