Some reflections on nationalism, identity and sexuality

Abstract

An individual's identity is gradually built upon a lifelong process of maturation. Sexual life and how our desire is channeled and expressed represent a key area of that global identity. Also, the nation to which we feel we belong constitutes another cornerstone of that complex structure. The obvious attraction that nationalism awakens in many parts of the world might be related to the facilitation of a valuable identity acquired by just belonging to a idealized group instead of through a tiresome and continuous effort. In this process, “others” are chosen by us to establish comparisons with our tribe, helping us through a mirroring process to shape our own image. We project upon those “others” all kinds of undesirable traits. Those attributions tend to be very similar, regardless of which specific groups are involved. The “others” are always lazy, dishonest, untrustworthy, dirty … . Interestingly, there are a specific set of “positive” attributions that are almost always present: the “others,” and specifically the men in that group, are sexually more potent, attractive, or able. This contradictory image of the “other” can help us to understand the complex dynamics, at the individual and group levels, that are present in radical nationalist movements, and to open up new fields of inquiry and exploration in which psychoanalytic theory can offer guidance.

Key words:

• nationalism
• identity
• sexuality

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Torres

Authors

Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Torres, MD, is professor of psychiatry (Profesor Titular) in the department of neuroscience, University of the Basque Country, and head of the psychiatry service at Basurto University Hospital, Bilbao, Spain. He is also a training analyst at the Centro Psicoanalítico de Madrid. His main research and clinical interests focus on psychosis and personality disorders.

Aranzazu Fernandez-Rivas

Aranzazu Fernandez-Rivas, MD, is professor of psychiatry (Profesor Asociado) in the department of neuroscience, University of the Basque Country, and section chief of the child and adolescent unit of the psychiatry service at Basurto University Hospital, Bilbao, Spain. Her main research and clinical interests focus on conduct and personality disorders in child and adolescents.