Culture, in its multiple manifestations — art, music, literature, and traditions — is a fundamental pillar of any society. It shapes the identity of individuals and communities, influencing their way of seeing the world and interacting with others. Thus, culture is intrinsically linked to national identity, serving both as a mirror and an engine for the society in which it is embedded.
In a globalized world, interactions between different cultures have become frequent and inevitable. These encounters can enrich a society, bringing new perspectives and skills. However, they can also be a source of tension, especially when a culture that is not compatible with the values of the host country seeks to dominate over the prevailing culture. This complex dynamic between dominant and emerging cultures can significantly shape national cohesion and a country’s politics.
This article explores the importance of culture for national unity and examines the challenges faced when dominant cultures interact with emerging cultures, as well as the various roles the state can play in this context.
Importance of Culture for National Cohesion
Culture is more than just an expression of art or folklore; it is a social cement that helps unite people under a common identity. National identities, often rooted in shared cultural expressions such as language, history, national symbols, and rites, serve as a foundation for social solidarity and political stability. For example, the celebration of national holidays or performances of historical plays are occasions where citizens strengthen their common bonds and reaffirm their commitment to their community and country.
The role of culture in promoting intercultural dialogue cannot be underestimated. Historically, culture has played a crucial role during periods of national crisis. During and after wars, cultural expressions such as music and literature have often helped to heal nations and restore peace. The post-war cultural reconstruction in Europe was essential in giving people a sense of normalcy and hope.
Finally, culture also contributes to the national economy. Creative industries not only generate significant revenue through tourism, media, and the arts, but they are also often at the forefront of innovation and job creation. This economic dynamism strengthens national resilience and promotes sustainable development.
Challenges in the Emergence of New Cultures
The integration of new cultures within a society dominated by a pre-existing culture often poses complex challenges. These challenges can be perceived across several dimensions, including social, political, and economic.
The emergence of new cultures in a country can result from several factors. Immigration is one of the main causes, bringing new cultural influences that add to the existing cultural fabric. Globalization and the increase in international exchanges also contribute to the introduction of new cultural practices, ranging from cuisine and fashion to music and cinema. These changes can enrich the dominant culture but also create friction when values or practices are in conflict.
The reaction to the arrival of these new influences varies greatly. A society may experience a revitalization of its own culture in response to these foreign influences, by adopting or adapting new elements. However, members of the dominant culture may feel a threat to their cultural identity when it is denigrated and ostracized by political ideologies that favor mass immigration.
A striking example of this dynamic can be observed in the debate around language and education in several multilingual countries. Policies on the language of instruction and the cultural rights of minorities are often sources of contention, reflecting tensions between preserving the dominant culture and integrating new influences.
Reaction of the People and the State
The reaction of the people to the emergence of new cultures is often directly influenced by the state’s attitude towards this evolution. Reactions can range from a warm welcome of foreign influences to strong opposition, often driven by fears of cultural dilution, loss of identity, or threats to freedom of expression.
The state plays a crucial role in moderating these cultural interactions. Perceived passivity can be interpreted as a lack of support for the dominant culture, while active intervention can be seen either as strengthening cultural security or as repression of new influences. The state’s policy on culture must find a balance between preserving national identity and being open to the benefits of cultural diversity. Its decisions in cultural management have significant political implications. They can influence election outcomes, governmental stability, and the international perception of the country. Cultural polarization can lead to social fragmentation, where communities withdraw into themselves, and in extreme cases, to conflicts or civil war. When multiculturalism fails, tensions can become endemic, with groups feeling excluded or marginalized. This situation can also affect national politics, where cultural issues become points of electoral friction. Poorly managed policies can exacerbate divisions rather than promote unity.
Solutions and Management of Cultural Diversities
In the face of these challenges, proactive strategies are necessary to effectively manage cultural diversity. Multicultural education is essential for teaching tolerance and respect from an early age. This should be primarily taught to migrants to help them transition from their culture of origin to that of the country they are emigrating to, thereby facilitating their integration.
Dialogue and democratic participation must be encouraged to allow all voices to be heard and to build bridges between communities. However, in cases where integration policies fail, it is essential to protect the interests of the dominant cultural group by promptly excluding those who refuse to integrate from the country. It is also crucial that the state sets clear limits on emerging cultures to ensure the country’s stability.
In 2024 in France, we are far from having ensured the protection of French identity, its culture, and its history. Various political groups, often influenced by foreign powers for electoral or ideological needs, are destroying the country from within. The situation is particularly concerning since the European Parliament favors and encourages mass immigration from a culture completely foreign to the indigenous population. This will only lead to the creation of enclaves with their own cultures and ultimately to war, as was the case with Yugoslavia.
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”
Marcus Garvey