Bigthink - Idea Comments Feed

Comment on: Patriotism vs. Nationalism

Bigthink — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:37:20 +0100

I dont think that there is a clear line seperating the two. But if i had to seperate them i would say that the diference is the subject of ones devotion. If one says i am Italian, and i am proud to be so because i feel a conected with my countrymen, my ancestors, and my culture. That is patriotism because the subject here is the culture the general feeling of unity between the people of a nation.

But if the subject of devotion, is the superiority of your nation, the infalibility of your government and so on. Then its not a sence of unity between countrymen but a sence of division between us and them. This is not only ethnocentric, but it is simplly ignorant.

So basically the main subject of patriotic feeling is unity. The subject of nationalistic feeling is division.

Comment on: Patriotism vs. Nationalism

Bigthink — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:13:32 +0100

I see your point. I, too, see the flag-waving type of patriotism as situational, but I see patriotism in another way: acknowledging the country's problems and bad acts and working to solve those problems and at least try to make up for bad acts.

Comment on: Patriotism vs. Nationalism

Bigthink — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:58:43 +0100

I am inclined to be suspicious of both.

Nationalism conjures thoughts of ethnicity and racism. Patriotism, it is said, is the last refuge of scoundrels.

I refuse to fly the flag without respect for the individual issues. My country isnt always right, and does not merit uncritical or unconditional loyalty.

There is much good and bad in our country. The good must be applauded and the bad should be condemned and opposed.

RO