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Is Patriotism Bad?
Is it that much of a sin?
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, and racial.
In Layman’s terms:
Patriotism: loyalty to a homeland and/or culture
Nationalism: radical and/or narcissistic patriotism which may include a fine collection of rose-colored glasses
Because of the regurgitated skewed definition and the new wave of nationalistic groups inspired by politics, people try to tone down liking where they’re from by claiming that they are far from being a patriot. While I can’t speak for every nationality, I find that this sentiment is very common in the United States since many people are just now coming into the realization that America really isn’t all that and a bag of chips. As a result, some people feel a sense of shame because they’ve been exposed to the ugly side and don’t how to deal with it.
But does that mean you can’t be a patriot or not like where you’re from?
