BLOOD AND BELONGING :: essays research papers fc

     This is a critique of the book, Blood and Belonging, by Michael Ignatieff. This topic will explain the candid of the book and its relevance, discuss Michael Ignatieffs methods and conclusions on the subject and finally include a personal critique of the book by the author of this paper.      The author of the book travels on what he terms "the sextet journeys." On these "journeys" he encounters diametric cultures, as he travels to six different coinciding areas of the world. He examines the unique expression of terra firmaalism that each dregs of the people displays by interviewing various members of that particular society. The six areas that he travels to are specifically chosen for the clarity which earthalism is expressed in society. Nationalism is a factor contributing toward both drink possible future mental unsoundness in these areas.     These areas are former Yugoslavia (specifically C roatia and Serbia), Germany, Ukraine, Quebec, Kurdistan and Northern Ireland. According to Ignatieff, in Croatia and Serbia in that respect is a desire for a separate identity between the ii nations. The fear of losing ones national identity has caused ethnic hatred. A terror so strong and historically persistent, it has driven people to a desperate recite to do anything. This is a large contributor to the reasons for the extreme violence be there today. The author severalizes, "A Croat, thus, is someone who is not a Serb. A Serb is someone who is not a Croat." This quotation profoundly expresses the short-sighted mentality present in their conflict.     In his travels in Germany, the author points out an important question. Does the nation make the state, or the state the nation? This question by farther does not stop here, especially when Germany is the subject. The essence of the German people is seen by some as aggressive and offensive, thus the existence of the German problem. If the nation makes the state then Germany will always be a threat. If the state makes the nation, then the aggressive nature of the German nation, which lead the world into 2 global wars, can be harnessed and redirected. The question has its roots and answers in the recent reunification of Germany.     The Ukraine is concerned with not being Russian. It is here Ignatieff receives a complete vision of what nationalism is. He states, "I understand what nationalism really is the dream that a whole nation could be desire a congregation singing the same hymns, listening to the