Is patriotism beautiful?

Question

Throughout history patriotism and the fulfillment of duty have been considered among the highest virtues, perhaps the highest virtues.

In the Iliad Achilles was angry at Agamemnon and thought that the war wasn't worth his effort. However in the end he completes his duty, he rises and goes into battle for Greece.

The central theme of the Aeneid is Aeneas's sacrifice for duty. He abandons all of his personal desires to fulfill his duty to his country, to establish a new empire.

The civilizations that we owe our modern thought to, that we owe our civilization to, all praised patriotism. The pure patriotism. Today people will say that dissent is patriotic. Dissent is required in some cases, however today it walks a fine line with treason.

Do you find patriotism beautiful? Do you agree with the seers of old, with Homer and Virgil, with the civilizations that generated our modern society?

Answer 1

I agree

Problem is , there are alot of un-patriotic out there due to the leftist and marxist leaning colleges infecting the minds of young kids.

But although patriotism is a generally good thing to hold a country together, its also been said that the tree of patriotism needs to be refreshed.

This is true of our representative government in my opinion. Congress has insulated themselves form the citizens of America. Many are not listening to their constituents, they are swayed by minority groups with agendas and don't think of how they are effecting the citizens of this fair country.

Those that just "live in America" and don't really think much of thier freedom or citizenship may never know this sacrifice, and therefore can't understand it. Too many like Code Pink out there abusing their freedom of speech. Its a representation of the freedom in America, but sooner or later enough is enough. The unpatriotic shouldn't have the rights to march freely down the streets and burn our flag, because the flag stands for the united country...not the goernment that these whiners so often try to protest.

Answer 2

In Germany the n**i's had a real problem with this.  I think the n**i's mentality of Patrick Henry's "my country wrong or right" led to an event called the holocaust.  I believe in our fore fathers assessment "of a MORE perfect union".

One must keep a vigil on the ones they elect into an office to make sure more holocaust's do not happen again.

Answer 3

No.

Patriotism plays to the desire to be part of, and contribute to, something that's larger than one's self. It also provides a safe haven; if a person is surrounded by people who believe more or less like they do, then the person is likely not going to question his own acts. This wouldn't be a problem if governmental bodies weren't naturally exploitative. Patriotism helps mask government error, whether it's intentional maliciousness or not, by making dissent synonymous with treason (or at least, Anti-whatevercountry-ism).

I don't think that anyone can say that there's a squeaky-clean government out there. Governments are run by people who, like anyone else, can be tempted to do selfish things for their own benefit. Keep in mind, the people that run governments are the ones cut-throat enough to survive the arduous battle of getting elected. And anyone who keeps up on politics can see the misdirection, misrepresentation and outright lies that are thrown around. "Talking like a politician" is synonymous with double-talk.

Patriotism is a way for people to shut out these problems. Patriotism provides a convenient cover for the nations problems because it assumes that the government is correct; at least, correct enough to merit devotion.

The fact remains that governments, like people, are imperfect. Governments do terrible things... I shouldn't need to get into a list here. I'm sure you can find that sort of thing elsewhere; the Iran-Contra Scandal, the Tuskegee Airmen Syphilis Experiments, and it goes on.

Perhaps Homer and Virgil were right in that patriotism was important to the civilization. If the leaders are content in their misdealings, and the population overlooks it, everyone is happy. I feel that this is no longer a modern idea. Governments are far from being accountable, but they are more accountable than ever before in the history of the world. It's the duty of every citizen of the world to look at matters objectively, and analyze their governments. It's an outdated idea that the people live to serve the government; the government needs to serve the people as well. This is the fundamental concept upon which America is based.

The Preamble of the Declaration of Independence states:

"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government..."

How can the people "alter or abolish" a destructive form of Government if any attempt to alter it is seen as treason? How can the bad elements of a government be altered if speaking bad about the government is considered anti-patriotic? This is the problem with patriotism.

Answer 4

Patriotism can be beautiful but quite often it is Misdirected.

Answer 5

Ever listened to "the patriot game" song by the kingston trio??

I find it refreshingly real in relation to patriotism.....If invading Iraq, and half the other c**p thats transpired over the last several years, is patriotic......... well shoot me in my braindeadhead.

Funny now in our country...... THE US..... and since the era of polictical hatred has emerged (goddamn the republicans). I've found I'm no longer a patriot or a citizen, because I disagree with the retards in power........

Patriotism...... a lovely word, funny I feel like a patriot, I'm proud of my country.......just discussed with our choice of leaders.

Answer 6

yes, Patriotism = Nationalism

Answer 7

yes.

it is beautiful when someone sacrifices something to help others.

Answer 8

nope, im an american and i like the country, but im not patriotic, im not willing to die for it

Answer 9

patriotism is only good if you can see your problems, it often leads to blindness

Answer 10

No I don't.  Patriotism bring about great suffering to mankind.  Funny how most Republicans claim to be both patriotic and Christians since the definition for patriotism and idolatry is the same.

Patriotism breeds the willful surrender of independent thought in exchange for subversion to the state.  It causes people to do things that they would not, under any other circumstances, do.  

There is only one aristocracy a man owes his allegiance to; his mind and heart.  It is said that "true patriotism is supporting your country always, and your government when it deserves it".  I've yet to see true patriotism.

Answer 11

It can be... but just like other things it can be perverted into something horrible, too.  It helps to know what patriotism is.

Answer 12

Patriotism is a form of Pride, which is one of the 7 deadly sins, (If you buy into that)

Patriotism contains a paradox. To be a patriotic citizen, you must love and uphold the beliefs of your country, but in our democracy in order to uphold the beliefs of our country, we must constantly question it's validity.

I believe Patriotism is a blind fools peral. It is better to claim Humanitarianism. Love for all people and their right to live peacefully.