Nationalism emerged to agitate the world only after the…
““Nationalism emerged to agitate the world only after the war, and the first visible phenomenon which this intellectual epidemic of our century brought about was xenophobia; morbid dislike of the foreigner, or at least fear of the foreigner. The world was on the defensive against strangers, everywhere they got short shrift. The humiliations which once had been devised with criminals alone in mind now were imposed upon the traveler, before and during every journey. There had to be photographs from right and left, in profile and full face, one’s hair had to be cropped sufficiently to make the ears visible; fingerprints were taken, at first only the thumb but later all ten fingers; furthermore, certificates of health, of vaccination, police certificates of good standing, had to be shown; letters of recommendation were required, invitations to visit a country had to be procured; they asked for the addresses of relatives, for moral and financial guarantees, questionnaires, and forms in triplicate and quadruplicate needed to be filled out,””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage outlines how post‑war nationalism fostered xenophobia, leading to invasive scrutiny of travelers through detailed documentation and control measures.
In simple terms: Nationalism after war caused fear of foreigners and strict travel checks.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and resist xenophobic policies.
Themes
nationalism
xenophobia
surveillance
identity
control
Mood
cautious
critical
thoughtful
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- border crossings
- immigration processes
- historical studies
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
bureaucracy
otherness
social fear
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern practices echo these historical controls?
- How can societies balance security and openness?
A Different Perspective
The description may overgeneralize complex historical causes, ignoring economic or political factors.