The word patriotic is being swung around like an ax. What does it mean to be patriotic? What are the characteristics? According to Merriam-Webster, patriotism is “love or devotion to one’s country. ” Dictionary.com goes further and says that a patriotic person is who shows “devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country; national loyalty.” Just to make sure we fully understand, Dictionary.com defines loyalty as “faithfulness to commitments or obligations” or “faithful adherence to a sovereign, government, leader, cause, etc.”
George Orwell, the author of 1984, made a distinction between patriotism and nationalism: “Nationalism is not to be confused with patriotism. Both words are normally used in so vague a way that any definition is liable to be challenged, but one must draw a distinction between them, since two different and even opposing ideas are involved. By ’patriotism’ I mean devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other people. Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power. The abiding purpose of every nationalist is to secure more power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or other unit in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality.”
Patriotism can have both a positive and a negative connotation. It is far more than hollow flag -waving, blind nationalistic bigotry, exclusion, or war mongering. Samuel Johnson is sometimes credited with the statement, "Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.”
The magazine, The Nation, asked readers to define patriotism. One of them wrote, “ we should have respect for others and their ideas, and a mutual wish to work out our differences. By nurturing a cohesive nation whose citizens share a genuine sense of commonality, we develop the country to adapt to modern times and the new needs that come with it.”
Wikihow has a “how to be patriotic” infographic. It emphasized action rather than attitude. It uses verbs such as learn, look, and participate. It suggests that patriotism is more than a feeling or a thought, but an activity.
The Daughters of the American Revolution define patriotism this way, “For 125 years, the Daughters of the American Revolution has carried the torch of patriotism. Love of country was the purpose; ancestors who fought for freedom was the bond that connected women to unite to form an organization that honored heritage and worked to ensure a bright future for our children. “ Again, the verbs are active: love, fought, form, and work. The focus here is on a “bright future for our children.”
Putting these pieces together, we can see patriotism might go far beyond mere love of country but suggests an active engagement by living up to its principles. Patriotism is a promise to fulfill our obligations to each other and the union that connects us, a faithfulness to the ideals that are the foundation of our country, and a commitment to the democratic processes that foster fair, open, and civil discussion and dissent.
Adlai Stevenson is famously quoted saying, “I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility which will enable America to remain master of her power—to walk with it in serenity and wisdom, with self-respect and the respect of all mankind; a patriotism that puts country ahead of self; a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. These are words that are easy to utter, but this is a mighty assignment. For it is often easier to fight for principles than to live up to them.”
On this Fourth of July, let us rededicate our patriotism and live up to those principles.
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