Quote by John Berger
All nationalisms are at heart deeply concerned with names: with the most immaterial and original human invention. Those who dismiss names as a detail have never been displaced; but the peoples on the peripheries are always being displaced. That is why they insist upon their continuity -- their links with their dead and the unborn.
Summary
This quote highlights the significance of names in nationalistic movements. It suggests that national identities are closely tied to names, as they are a fundamental part of human existence. The quote implies that those who underestimate the importance of names have not experienced displacement, whereas peripheral communities constantly face displacement. For marginalized groups, their sense of continuity and connection with the past and future is reflected in retaining their names and preserving their cultural heritage. Overall, the quote emphasizes the role of names in shaping and preserving national identities.
By John Berger
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