Definition of patriotism
Patriotism is an individual's sense of belonging and attachment to his nation or state. Patriotism is one of the concepts that existed long before nationalism, as nationalism did not appear until the nineteenth century. Patriotism boils down to several aspects, as Stephen Nathanson explains:
The individual shows his willingness to sacrifice what he has for the sake of the progress and well-being of his country.
- The person shows a constant interest in maintaining the prosperity of his country and striving to improve its conditions.
The individual finds himself connected to his homeland in a way that makes him feel that there is compatibility between himself and the national environment.
A person has a special attachment to his homeland, which makes him prefer it over other homelands.
These components form the essence of patriotism as a concept based on love and devotion to land and identity.
Types of patriotism
Patriotism is divided into two main categories. The first is personal patriotism, which takes the form of voluntary feelings toward the nation, and is manifested through the adoption of specific values that include active participation in public services, military recruitment, as well as engagement in political activities such as voting and other activities supporting the democratic process.
The second type is official patriotism, which is characterized by its symbolic and honorary dimensions that appear through state practices. This type of patriotism is reinforced through activities that express national identity such as honoring veterans, commemorative events, taking the national oath, raising the flag, and performing the national anthem.
In addition to highlighting national symbols in the form of stickers on cars and participating in national demonstrations and gatherings.
The moral aspect of patriotism
Many consider the issue of patriotism to represent an individual's love for the country in which he grew up, and they see it as a way to express gratitude for all the resources and opportunities the country has provided for a decent life among its people and under its legal system. This connection is an integral part of the individual's identity, and some believe that patriotism is a moral duty that embodies the centrality of moral values.
On the other hand, some moral philosophical theses contradict the concept of patriotism by pointing out that morality should be comprehensive and just, and exclude the individual's tendency for excessive local loyalty that may amount to moral bias.
This type of bias tends to see patriotism as a form of collective selfishness that is inconsistent with the principles of universal justice and solidarity among human beings. In addition, some critics argue that patriotism creates dangerous barriers and fuels militarism, which contributes to exacerbating international tensions and prompts problems between countries.
