This very subject has haunted my for many many years. More so recently because of the conflicts against “terrorism”. At first, after 9/11, patriotism was sold wholesale to the American people, we were told to fly flags, buy diamonds, go on vacation; if we did not thew terrorists would win. It always struck me as odd that the leadership of the country would be concerned with retail problems at such a crisis time. But, I guess in retrospect, that we must keep the econmy going at all times; would not want the profit takers to suffer any set back because of a little bombing. God knows that these people dictate what we are suppose to do and when.
As a participant in the turmoil of the 60’s and 70’s I was use to the whole patriotism thing. You know America–Love It ot Leave It, attitudes. I found them stupid and irritating at best and as a “long haired hippie” and opposed to the Vietnam War, I was constantly being called a wealth of names, none which accurately defined who I was. As a veteran of that war I felt that my opposition was very partiotic and necessary..
Now, let’s take a look a patriotism. What is patriotism? To begin with it is a very subjective topic, it means many things to many people. The cult of patriotism is taught in school through such techniques as pledge alligience, singing of songs, civics and a wide array of indoctrination techniques. Now I will be sniped at because I use the word indoctrination, so be it, it means to educate. When an individual is in school it begins with your first Civics class and continues until graduation from high school. It becomes less prominent once the individual enters college
Patriotism is nothing more than a way for the State apparatus to retain control over the people and what they think. IMO, patriotism is when a person works for the betterment of ALL citizens of the country; one who tries to bring about change for good, not one who blindly follows some slogan that has NO patriotic connection whatsoever. Blind patriotism is a chain that hampers the individual from making wise decisions based on fact not some figures that are thrown out to confuse and once cnfused will garner support. I am reminded of Geo. M. Cohen, the showman, when he said “Many a bum show has been saved by the flag”.
Patriotism will ALWAYS be in the eyes of the beholder and no amount of my rantings will change the fact that; if you fly the flag, you must be patriotic. Somehow, only a flag waver can know what patriotism is and what makes one a patriot. IMO, it is all bovine fecal matter.
Very interesting, very insightful. Patriotism is a concept that I ponder about rather frequently myself. Patriotism in my life, by my definition, is manifested in speaking out the truth and speaking up for the American people.
I guess the idea of patriotism, as you’ve stated, will, indeed, ALWAYS be “in the eye of he beholder.”
Hi culturepress…thanx for the visit….glad you enjoyed the post….Please visit often…I will be posting on liberalism and globalization…many others…it is always nice to have feedback.
Thank you as well. I just read your other post, ‘What is a Progressive’, and I concur–you’re right on point. Great site you have here.
culturepress–thanx for the kind words and hope you continue to read my stuff…..
Patriotism should always be based on honesty. We should not be patriotic regardless of the consequences. Our patriotism should support what is honest, and right and fair to all Americans.
Morning Henry…..welcome to Info Ink Well said
Great site, how do I subscribe?
Kelli thanx for the shout out….please feel free to visit often….As far as I know you can subscribe thru RSS…thanx again
Sure glad I could help….if you need anything else just yell
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Why? Why would I want to control the content of my comments?
My readers, all readers are free to comment….as long as they are civil and respectful of others they may say anything they like…..I will NOT censor my readers…other than spam and morons….
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Hi Richie and yes please go for it…..
“Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious.” ~ Oscar Wilde
Terrance…….Wilde was a smart dude…….and made my point…I could have just quoted him….LOL
Never wear your best trousers when you go out to fight for freedom and truth. Henrik Ibsen
Don’t use that foreign word “ideals.” We have that excellent native word “lies.” Henrik Ibsen
My country wrong or right, is like saying my mother, drunk or sober.
Gilbert K. Chesterton
Democracy means government by the uneducated, while aristocracy means government by the badly educated.
Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.” William Shakespeare
“Patriotism is a religion, the egg from which wars are hatched.” Guy de Maupassant
“You’ll never have a quiet world until you knock the patriotism out of the human race.” George Bernard Shaw
“Patriotism is a survival from barbarous times which must not only be evoked and educated but which must be eradicated by all means – by preaching, persuasion, contempt and ridicule.” Leo Tolstoy
“This disgrace to civilization should be done away with at once. Heroism on command, senseless violence and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism.” Albert Einstein
Hey lobotero, I’m new to this “stuff’ but better late than never? dru
Hi Dru and thanx for the visit and please do not be a stranger….I like comments and will respond…
Patriotism comes from action not words or things…..chuq
Honestly i am in two minds on whether to take stand for or against. you are simply sharing your own point,i appreciate it. For some it will ring true for others it may not resemble their experience at all. I’m simply encouraging dialogue in the hope others will get the support they need.