The notion that racism and nationalism are inextricably linked is misguided. The two concepts stem from different ideologies and, while there may be instances in which the two forces interact, they are not mutually exclusive. Racism is predicated on the belief that one group of people is superior to another based on their physical characteristics. Nationalism, on the other hand, is a sense of loyalty and camaraderie towards one’s own nation or culture.
It is possible to be a proud nationalist without being a racist. In fact, nationalism can often be a force for good, creating a strong sense of community and a sense of pride in one's country. The idea of “Buy American!” is rooted in this sense of national pride, not racism. It is motivated by the desire to support domestic businesses, not to exclude people of another race. Similarly, opposing foreign aid is not necessarily a sign of racism, but rather a reflection of the view that domestic needs should be prioritized over those of other countries.
Racism is certainly a problem that still exists in our society, but it is not the same as nationalism. One can be a nationalist without being a racist, and the two should not be conflated. It is wrong to suggest that these two ideologies are linked.
