The polygamy case that took place in Bountiful, B.C is an example of contending nationalist loyalties. Winston Blackmore, James Oler and their numerous wives have a strong sense of nation related to the mormon religion. They are actively part of a mormon society and it plays a leading role in their identity. This is what drives their practice of polygamous marriages. Although this is a part of their religion it also goes against the law of the nation-state in which they live. This is where contending nationalist loyalties start to present themselves. They are a part of Canada and have a sense of nationalism to their country but this contends with their loyalties to the mormons sense of nation. Should polygamy be deemed a reasonable accommodation? Many mormons believe it should be because as a canadian citizen they are guaranteed the right to religion. But it does contradict the law that entitles each person to one spouse. The court views this as against the law due to the fact that many of the women involved in polygamous marriages will be underage and pressured into it. They do not have a choice and they know of no other way of life.
To what extent should we let nation be the foundation of identity?
This question is not easy to answer, especially when the practices of your religion and your loyalties to the mormon nation are outlawed by the nation and nation state in which you reside. Winston Blackmore and James Oler have a canadian nationality, but is there nationalism towards their country, or is this just the nation-state where they live? They have demonstrated, with their practice of polygamous marriages, that their loyalties lie in the mormon church and not in their country. Nation often shapes and influences your identity by the environment and society in which you are a part of. Though this is true, it should not be the foundation of identity. Canada as a nation encourages pluralism, multiculturalism and the presence of many other religious, political and heritage based nationalisms. Therefore it is difficult to say that our nation shapes identity when many people feel a sense of nationhood and nationalist loyalties to an assortment of nations. A clear example of this is dual citizenships. These people are still loyal to both nations and both contribute to their identity. In the case of Winston Blackmore and James Oler they are canadian and mormon and although it is against our laws, it is an important aspect of their religion. These contending loyalties make it difficult for them to let either aspect shape their identity and they are loyal to both nations and do not wish to abandon either.
To what extent should we let nation be the foundation of identity?
This question is not easy to answer, especially when the practices of your religion and your loyalties to the mormon nation are outlawed by the nation and nation state in which you reside. Winston Blackmore and James Oler have a canadian nationality, but is there nationalism towards their country, or is this just the nation-state where they live? They have demonstrated, with their practice of polygamous marriages, that their loyalties lie in the mormon church and not in their country. Nation often shapes and influences your identity by the environment and society in which you are a part of. Though this is true, it should not be the foundation of identity. Canada as a nation encourages pluralism, multiculturalism and the presence of many other religious, political and heritage based nationalisms. Therefore it is difficult to say that our nation shapes identity when many people feel a sense of nationhood and nationalist loyalties to an assortment of nations. A clear example of this is dual citizenships. These people are still loyal to both nations and both contribute to their identity. In the case of Winston Blackmore and James Oler they are canadian and mormon and although it is against our laws, it is an important aspect of their religion. These contending loyalties make it difficult for them to let either aspect shape their identity and they are loyal to both nations and do not wish to abandon either.