quote:
Originally posted by flap:
"Blind patriotism" is a tautologous phrase. It's like saying there's a difference between racism and *blind* racism. Anyone who subscribes to the view that there is any significant commonality, good or bad, between the people of an arbitrary geographical region is an idiot; even more so if they hold strong feelings regarding their or anyone else's "nationality".
[ February 04, 2004: Message edited by: flap ]
If you think patriotism is just another form of racism, as you seem to be describing, then you obviously don't really know what patriotism is at all.
-Pride in the good part of your country's history; attempting to make sure that the bad will be prevented from happening again.
-Pride in the culture(s) that make up the character of your country and respect for them all, rather than seeking to re-mold them into anyone's image of how they should be, expoloiting them or just trying to eliminate them. If you feel that way about certain ethnic groups or what have you in your country, then you're the one who really has no business being there.
-The desire to make it better than it is for everyone, because patriotism to one's country must include everyone or it's not patriotism at all, it's elitism.
-*Not* putting your country ahead of all others, but rather being motivated to be certain that your country has valuable contributions to make to the world.
-Encouraging others to break the norm so that can be innovative and thus help others, in your own country and beyond.
-And just for me personally, great pride in those from your country who go to other countries where the people are suffering and risk their lives and/or torture to help them, most without even expecting any thanks, let along to be called a "hero" or anything else.
That's what patriotism is. I should think it were obvious, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to be.
