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About this quote

What does it mean?
Nationalism drives genocide, and flags are used by governments to control minds and justify death.
In plain terms
Governments use nationalism and symbols to manipulate people and cause violence.
What can you take from it?
Question patriotic symbols that justify harm.

Where it applies

  • political speeches
  • national holidays
  • military conflicts

Putting it to work

  • critique national symbols
  • analyze war rhetoric
  • study historical conflicts

Questions to consider

  • What symbols do you accept uncritically?
  • How does your government use imagery?

Another view

Not all national identity leads to violence.

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