Is Patriotism Bad?

Nicole Cooper
5 min readApr 8, 2020

Is it that much of a sin?

Photot by Vladislav Klapin

Patriotism.

Nationalism.

Two buzz words are commonly thrown around when discussing certain topics. They’re also two words that many people use incorrectly.

To a large number of people, being patriotic means rhythmically chanting your nation’s name, singing the national anthem in your sleep, wearing the colors of your nation’s flag, and talk about your country’s strengths for bragging rights.

Being patriotic could include those things, but honestly, this is a very incomplete, and stereotypical definition of patriotism.

Patriotism

(noun):

The feeling of love, devotion and sense of attachment to a homeland and alliance with other citizens who share the same sentiment. This attachment can be a combination of many different feelings relating to one’s own homeland, including ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects.

Nationalism

(noun):

Identification with one’s own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations. Advocacy of or support for the political independence of a particular nation or people. The five types of nationalism: civic, cultural, ethnic, religious…

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Nicole Cooper
Nicole Cooper

Written by Nicole Cooper

Self-reflections, sports, fitness, health, travel, living abroad and social commentary that may come with a splash of contrarianism. Twitter & IG @_nicolecoop