This is a summary of a post more fully explored at Public relations and managing reputation.
Nationalism is the antithesis of public relations. The former is inherently opposed to the notions of diversity, multiculturalism and the sharing of power. As such, it is exclusive and not representative of two-way symmetrical communication, the most meaningful and resonant underlying theory of public relations.
Nationalism, then, is bad PR. Or is it?
Superiority is not good PR
Nationalism is characterised by people bragging about their country’s superiority, not its collegiality. It is contradictory to the notion of multiculturalism, a notion that Australia and the United States (try to) position themselves as representing.
If governments adopted the tenets that underpin strategic public relations, it would lead to an enriched society, one where its indigenous and multicultural elements became more effectively integrated into our culture as a whole.
Government relations helping society
Governments have introduced a range of activities on Australia Day that are inclusive of multicultural and indigenous communities, but they seem to have little impact on the nature of its day or its mood. What hope do these superficial activities have when more fundamental, ongoing and ‘cultural connectivity’ policies and programs are clearly required?
It is these policies and programs (and legislation?) that have the potential to be the manifestation of a true public relations approach, one where structures and processes are changed to facilitate the equalisation of society and integration of its human elements.
Why can’t our governments adopt more of the essence of what public relations is about to help make our society a better place in which to exist? Applying the key themes of public relations means society would be more inclusive of difference by championing behavioural and cultural change.
What do you think about the arguments put forward in this post? Would nationalism be better if it replicated elements of best practice public relations? Are the fundamental underpinnings of nationalism inherently opposed to those of public relations?
