Death to Nationalist Kitsch!

Why fake symbols can’t defend real culture

Nothing captures the spiritual death of modern (civic) nationalism like watching Dutch patriots wave polyester flags made in Chinese factories, while chanting English slogans about defending their heritage.

But it’s not just here. This template of commodified, or Kitsch nationalism seems to exist everywhere.

I started this newsletter because I care deeply about European, and especially Dutch civilisation. Seeing nationalists destroy it with Temu flags and surface-level understanding hurts more than leftist vandalism. At least leftists are honest about what they’re destroying.

You cannot reject globalism by waving globalised symbols.

But I don’t blame the protestors/lay men. It is right-wing politicians that failed these people by importing American-style nationalism instead of defending actual Dutch culture. Tommy Robinstein rallies (or any ‘nationalist’ rally) look identical to MAGA rallies because they follow the same mass-produced resistance sold to different markets. Even “hardcore” …