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Nationalism in America has not entirely disappeared, but has been diminished because of American's adaptations to changing times. This is actually a good thing and helps Americans not only empathize and relate to other countries and cultures, but it effectively helps us question our own and continually make it better.

So, what is nationalism? Generally, it's defined as "we're right and everyone else is wrong." In the days of George Washington, young America was isolationist and xenophobic, probably because if they could wipe out the Native Americans and take over their land, then someone else could do it to them.

Back then, they had the very legitimate fear that such a young, relatively disorganized nation would be swallowed up by a strong European government. Colonialism was king in the 1600's to 1800's. George Washington often counseled the young nation to stay out of international affairs altogether, including trade agreements. He urged the young nation to be as self-sufficient as possible.

Back even fifty years ago, America had enough resources and money to feed itself on its own farmers fields. Because of the incredible population explosion, America must import food in order to feed the population. This has happened for businesses, financial needs and scientific knowledge as well.

Like it or not, there is no one country on the planet that is entirely self-sufficient. For example, American business relies heavily on outsourcing jobs, which would have been unheard of a hundred years ago. But overseas workers can be paid much less and usually given no benefits or raises that American workers demand.

This is not entirely a bad thing. American business workers learn to communicate with Chinese or Indian workers and see the kind of life they lead. Friendships are often made, which leads to debates and questions of the status quo. This sometimes can lead to better working conditions for the workers in outsourced jobs. Sometimes helping people in another country even if they are foreigners working in American businesses is seen as a very patriotic or a very American - thing to do.

Influences of all cultures and respecting those influences help a country stay strong by encouraging it to stay flexible. When we can find common ground with people from all other nations, then America will have something to crow about once again.

Learn more about this author, Rena Sherwood.
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