Nation and national interest mask class by uniting individual subjects

Evidence

The insularity of the caste—maintained by an internal uniformity no less strict than its exclusion of outsiders—seems to inhibit the development of what one has to call a more universal humanity, which is what makes relationships between racial aliens possible. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 604 (#expands, via linked claim)

This process, quite apart from all bonds based on shared substantive interests, will often lead to actual relations between the elements of any two—or of many—groups that have been made alike in this way. One observes this, for example, in the international sympathy that aristocrats hold for one another. To an astonishing degree, these feelings of solidarity are independent of the specific character of the individuals concerned, a matter that is otherwise decisive in determining personal attraction and repulsion. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 595 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Ideology masks class by fragmenting people into individuals bound as consumers and citizens; The state converts class interests into the general interest, giving them universal form; Imagined unity terms like nation and consensus mask class antagonism (+11 more)

Related

• Imagined unity terms like nation and consensus mask class antagonism (similarity 0.84)
• The state converts class interests into the general interest, giving them universal form (similarity 0.79)
• National unity is a falsehood masking class division within states (similarity 0.78)

Broader Connections

• Internal uniformity and exclusivity of a group block universal humanity ties #expands (0.85) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 604
• The exchange sphere masks exploitative production relations and produces the illusion of isolated individuals #corroborates (0.80)
• Formal similarity of social position creates solidarity regardless of personal character #exemplifies (0.80) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 595
• Impartiality’s false symmetry neutralizes opposition and suppresses class content #corroborates (0.60)
• Class equilibrium creates the appearance of a neutral, autonomous state #corroborates (0.60)
• Treating antisemitism and Islamophobia as analogous masks asymmetric power relations. #exemplifies (0.55) — Evelyn Alsultany, Antisemitism and Islamophobia The…, 23