That Thing Called Nationalism

People often ask why we study history. Of the many reasons, one is that it has a way of creeping back into our present lives in the strangest of ways.

Then...

They called us terrorists; we called ourselves freedom fighters

They called it a mutiny; we called it a war for independence

They jailed us for sedition; we proudly called it our right

They shut down our press; we called out their fear of the truth

They massacred us in our gatherings; we learnt to make bombs

They killed our citizens; we killed their soldiers and officials

They hanged our leaders; we praised them as martyrs

They said we were part of them; we said we wanted nothing to do with them

They said we were divided on what we wanted; we agreed, but knew that we didn't want things as they were

They said we couldn't survive on our own; we asked for the right to try

They asked for obedience; we asked for freedom;

They called us terrorists; we called them oppressors.

Now...

We call you terrorists; you call yourselves freedom fighters

We call it an act of terrorism; you call it a war for independence

We jail you for sedition; you proudly call it your right

We shut down your press; you call out our fear of the truth

We kill you in your homes; you learn to use guns

We kill your people; you kill our soldiers

We shoot your leaders; you praise them as martyrs

We say you are a part of us; you say you want nothing to do with us

We say you are divided on what you want; you agree, but know that you don't want things as they are

We say you couldn't survive without us; you ask for the right to try

We ask for obedience; you ask for freedom

We call you terrorists; you call us oppressors.

100 years have passed

They have changed

You have changed

We remain the same

Except

I'm not quite sure who we are anymore.