this 'nationalized syntax of hegemony

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Could anyone help me with the underlined part of the following paragraph? Thanks a lot.


Widely diffused as simply a matter of common sense, this 'nationalized syntax of hegemony' is evoked by newsworkers claiming to speak to and for the nation as a homeland or 'imagined community' made up of 'people like us'. Billing observes that the appearance of such representations can be almost banal. And yet, the effectivity of these routine, everyday representations can be deadly, especially at times of state crises leading to war. 'At regular, but intermittent intervals,' he writes, 'the crisis occurs, and the moral aura of nationalism is invoked: heads will be nodded, flags waved and tanks roll. '

 

[dduck]

The article is criticizing the tendency of journalists to 'unjustly' arrouse nationalistic passions, which is especially dangerous when it's leads to war.

Most people accept that the world isn't 'black' and 'white', however when these patriotic feelings are arroused people tend to think of 'us' as being right and fair, and 'them' as being wrong and cruel.

Iain

 

[Tdol]

Nationalism at these times is a hegemony because opposition or dissent are stifled and regarded as unpatriotic and dangerous. ;-)