Is it reasonable? (Patriotism)

Member Name: mqueen

Product:	Patriotism
Date:	13/10/01 (19 review reads)
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The current surge in patriotism is being seen throughout the world right now. Not just in the USA, but, in some Middle Eastern nations that are trying to re-assert their nationalistic pride and interests in the wake of recent events.

Pride is no bad thing. But, there is a good pride and a bad pride.

The good pride is when you can hold your head up with dignity, knowing that you have done the right thing. Pride in your appearance, conduct and actions. Pride and dignity are closely related.

The bad pride is where people become unreasonably nationalistic and patriotic, their country, right or wrong. Patriotism is all about pride.

What makes a country better than another?
I tend to think that the UK is a great place to live. Social problems galore, yes, but what about the benefits? The NHS (although in trouble), the welfare state, relative freedom and safety, employment, etc. The list is endless.

I can think of a load of countries that I am glad I don't live in. Countries that don't respect the individual rights of everyone, where there is no health service or justice system. Where the violence is out of control, where the police are totally corrupt, and where life is cheap. We have all heard of these lands, are thankful we don't live in them.

But, having said that, patriotism can be a misguided weapon. It can motivate people to hold their land over and above others. It can drive them to war, to have a phobia of foreigners and to put the blinkers on mentally. Sure, in times of trouble, people should bond and help one another, but, to engage in euphoric patriotism and flag waving, etc, what message does that send out to the rest of the world? Those who are obviously not of that nationality? It can be seen as a threat.

Every land has corruption and deep seated problems. For many reasons we are grateful we live where we do, but, nationalism can seperate peoples, rather than bring them together
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I am not proud to be white. I just am white. I was born that way. Why should I be proud of that? Why should anyone be proud of what sex, or colour, or nationality they were born with? They just were.

We can and rightly should be proud of how we live our lives, though. If we have risen above racism, well done. If we have developed an unselfish love for our fellowman, excellent. If we can endure through crisis with self-control, fantastic. If, against all the odds, we have endeavoured to raise our children with respect and care for each other, beautiful.

But, to be proud of our colour, or nationality, or sex........something we had no hand in whatsoever, does that seem reasonable?

We are all of the same stock. We are all created humans. Some humans, some nations are really messing things up, right now, but, to further fragment into nationalistic groups can be divisive. I've said it before, God is not partial. Everyone acceptable to him if they do his will. Regardless of our land of birth, ethnic backgound or whatever.

Patriotism can be the knee-jerk reaction to national disaster, but, can also spiral out of control when it disregards the peoples of other lands.

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