2011-04-22T08:50:21Z https://www.eurobull.it/European-identity-myth-or-reality#comment9704 2011-04-22T08:50:21Z

<p>Nice post, Kaylee ! Thanks !</p> <p>I take it that you were born in the US yourself ? As a researcher on European identity, I would be very interested in getting a clearer picture of 'regional'/'local'/state identities in the US (for comparison). I'm not familiar with much literature or data on this topic so pointers would be very helpful. This is not to doubt your statement that US state identities are strong ; it's an honest interest in the empirical side of this.</p> <p>To add a more critical note, regarding the supposed lack of European identity I feel you're overstating the argument a bit. Empirical research over the last decade or so clearly shows a rise in identification with Europe across most of the continent (even outside of the EU in many cases). True, sociocultural elites head the crowd on this, but the sense that « I'm [national] first, and European second » appears to be quite widespread in most countries (often a regional identity will feed into this hierarchy as well, obviously). The relevance of that shouldn't be underestimated I believe, if you consider that this is a continent that was ridden with nationalism-inspired war only several decades ago.</p> <p>Second, the comparison with the United States is obviously very tempting (especially for making a normative argument for federalism, I suppose). There might be something there, but I believe we should be careful to oversimplify the comparison. There are many similarities, but also crucial differences in historical background and social composition and dynamics. You mentioned a very important one at the beginning of your post when you said that « the United States is a country of immigrants ». This cannot be said about any European country (at least not in the imagination of its citizens), which means that an 'established vs. outsider' dialectic in political discussion is always potentially around the corner. Many people have a strong sense of heritage that is very much connected to geographical space. This surely cannot be the case to such an extent in the United States, or am I misinformed on this ?</p> <p>Anyway, sorry about the long comment ! I just liked reading your post a lot - keep it up and feel free to contact me for discussion / exchange of ideas ! :)</p>