Summarize Argument
In incredibly high-flown language, the commentator concludes that modern culture threatens national identities. This is because fringe movements are becoming more prominent, and fringe movements contribute to the erosion of traditional hallmarks of national cultures—dogmas, religions, ideologies, and so on.
Notable Assumptions
In order for modern culture to threaten national identities, the commentator must assume that national identities are contingent on shared dogmas, religions, ideologies, etc. The commentator must also assume that fringe movements are part of modern culture rather than reactions to that same culture.
A
New national identities are often forged out of conflicts among diverse groups.
If the identities that emerge are “new,” then modern culture indeed is a threat to current national identities.
B
A stable national identity is typically a composite of a staggering number of subcultures.
National identities don’t rely on shared institutions. Instead, national cultures are a collection of subcultures. Modern culture thus doesn’t necessarily challenge national cultures, at least not by eroding institutions.
C
The rate of cultural change in most countries will soon change drastically.
We have no idea how that rate of cultural change will change. Besides, this tells us nothing about the effects of modern culture.
D
It is preferable to have a pluralistic rather than a monolithic national culture.
We don’t care about what’s preferable. We’re interested in how modern culture changes national identities.
E
A culture with a solidified national identity tends to have more social problems than one without such an identity.
Like (D), we don’t care about whether national identities are a good or a bad thing. We’re only interested in how modern culture changes national identities.