實用英語口語(高等級) 5.The globle identity

ADVENTURER:During the twentieth century, the world underwent continuous change as empires crumbled and small nations asserted their independence. 然而在二十一世紀，我們面臨的是一種不同的變化，與這種變化隨之而來的是一個充滿爭議的難題：當世界變得越來越全球化，一個國家還能保持住“民族認同感”嗎? 'National identity' can be thought of as the rituals, traditions and beliefs of the people of a nation. However, as the demographics of countries change due to immigration and emigration, the concept of national identity is itself undergoing a complex change. On the one hand, those who leave their home and move to another country have an already well established identity, based on race, language, religion, history, food, clothing and music that they bring to their new country.

ADVENTURER:On the other hand, residents of a country feel their nation's identity changing due to the different customs and beliefs of immigrants. This mixing up of different kinds of people living in the same country is called 'multiculturalism'. And the topic of debate in many multicultural societies is that of national identity when so many cultures do exist side by side. What is it that really defines our national identity? Think of the country where you live or in which you were born.

ADVENTURER:What would you say were the things that define it, define you? Language, food, tradition? Yet, is there anything deeper than these factors that could bring people together? Is there a way of looking at different cultures, different kinds of people, and seeing the similarities, instead of the differences? The French national flag is made up of red, white and blue, colors which represent the values 'liberty', 'equality' and 'fraternity'.

ADVENTURER:If these are truly taken to heart then we can see how different people with different lifestyles, behaviors can begin to coexist. Think about the nation where you live or in which you were born. What are the values that bind everyone together? Are they changing? What values would you like your new, 21st century national identity to include?