The impact of ideologies

Civilisation in our era has been very deeply affected by old and new ideologies. Conflicts on a national and international level, almost without exception, have ideological overtones. An outstanding example was the Cold War which entailed a psychological, social, political and economic effort to gain influence in every part of the world.

Although heavily used, the term "ideology" belongs to a family of words which mean different things to different people. It has been employed to denote beliefs, passions, values and political philosophies, and a vision of the world.

Karl Marx believed that ideologies were false systems of political, social and moral concepts invented and preserved by ruling classes to feather their own nest, and a widely held opinion considers them to be "social formulas" or belief systems that can be used to mobilise people for action.

The common denominator of modern ideologies seems to be the almost blind devotion of their followers to systems of social and political ideas. They bear several similarities to religion, and in the lives of their followers tend to become more relevant than the traditional religious beliefs. They replace them in some cases.

Today, the pejorative aspect of ideology has come to the fore in the current usage of the term. Modern ideologies have turned out to be an emotional affair, relying more on propaganda than on rational persuasion.

We would be mistaken to think that our country is immune from the impact of ideologies, which, to a greater or lesser extent, has spread to other places. Nationalism, under the guise of patriotism, has became a deeply rooted feature of the Maltese mentality being periodically fuelled, perhaps, by the celebration of certain national feasts - like September 8, Independence Day and Republic Day.

Nationalism is an ideology that exalts the nation. It is a feeling, that enkindles in people a love for their fatherland and strengthens in them the belief that their country is worthy of respect, and is perhaps even superior to others.

There is no denying that it has been a moving force in the liberation of colonial peoples. Asia and Africa are prime examples. Of course, nationalism is not always a bad thing. It has inspired the processes which led to national sovereignty as well as providing a convincing means to make individuals live together in effective societies.

But this ideology becomes dangerous when it assumes aggressive and intolerant forms. Because of it people may forget that there is a higher love than the love of country - the love of truth, justice and righteousness. Every nation is duty bound to foster a truly worldwide cooperation for the common good of the whole of humanity. And nationalist ideologies may turn into detestable extremism when they become linked with racism and outbursts of xenophobia.

Attempts have been made in the 20th century to justify racism by appealing to scientific theories; however, mankind's tendency to discriminate on the basis of race historically depended not on science but on more primitive impulses of selfishness and fear. According to the Church's doctrine, "any theory or form whatsoever of racism and racial discrimination is morally unacceptable" (Compendium n. 443).

Ideologies may have a few advantages. But almost all of them can lead to disastrous consequences if pushed to extremes. Very often they make use of extensive brain-washing to reach their aims, and very rarely are free from threats and sectarian violence. Besides, the right of freedom of expression is often sacrificed.

Whole societies may be led astray, when they are infected with ideological propaganda, something that may happen at all times, and in any place, even in the most democratic countries, including our own. Since the young generation is the most susceptible to this kind of depravation and exploitation parents and educators should be particularly vigilant to ensure it does not happen.