What is patriotism, really?

Question

Today is the fourth of July, and I want to know your opinion about this. What is patriotism? That's the question here.

Do patriotic people support everything their government does, without questioning it? Will they follow their leaders off a cliff, like lemmings?

Or, do patriotic people "support their country all the time, and their government when it deserves it."? Do they question and speak out against policies which they believe harm the country?

Or, is patriotism something entirely different from those things?

Answer 1

Patriotism or Nationalism is to love someone's homeland or nation. Most Mexican-Americans love Mexico and the USA.

Answer 2

Here is how Calvin Coolidge (U.S. President) looked at Patriotism:

"Patriotism is easy to understand in America; it means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country".

Answer 3

patriotism = brainwashing from birth.

*so that you or your children will be willing to go, like lemmings, to wars and be the government's pawns in its power grabs...

don't agree? just look how they treat our veterans. they Are us! I did not give birth to my children for the government to kill and corrupt!

NOT their "property"!!!

Answer 4

amn may b da second type is real patriotism coz lov 4 ur country shouldnt b blind.it should b in a real and positive way.one should criticize wrong policies adopted by governmaent coz this is also a way u can show dat u love ur country in a constructive way.

Answer 5

I believe it to be the second choice you gave..."Support their country all the time & their government when it deserves it."

Most of you have made good points, but Mercer, Louis (LOVE the quote), Hunter (very well said), Mogollon said most of what I feel.

I wanted to add that being THANKFUL to our country for ALL it has done & given us & THANKFUL & NEVER EVER forgetting those who have faught & died, who are fighting & dying for YOU & their country because they believe in what they are doing.  The believe they will & are fighting to assure that all you have the freedom to speak out against the government without being slaughtered for it.

I do not believe that supporting a sports team is being patriotic.

Answer 6

Patriotism in a Democracy ideally involves criticism to the point of dissent is necessary of the decisions of its elected leaders.  Democracy is government by the people so it is important that the people are informed enough to know when their elected officials act in a manner that goes against the highest law of the land which in America is the Constitution.

Answer 7

True patriotism is:

Wearing a flag pin

Putting your hand over your heart when you hear the national anthem

Voting Republican

Owning a gun

Not caring about anyone except yourself

Fearing any kind of perceived enemy

Never, ever questioning the government (as long as they are Republicans)

Putting a flag on your lawn (or house)

Not believing that government can solve all your problems (as long as it's a Democratic administration)

Attacking others for their lack of Patriotism

Did I mention voting Republican?

Answer 8

The second one sounds m,more like patriotism.......

"do patriotic people "support their country all the time, and their government when it deserves it."-yes like in war or in a man made/natural disaster.

Do they question and speak out against policies which they believe harm the country-yes which carries the core principles of liberty, freedom of speech and democracy.

However 'American Patriotism' including those definitions will  vary from different countries including religious nation states and those under communist/socialist rule.

Another question from myself. What constitutes patriotism and where does your second definition of patriotism fit when one is proudly supporting a local or national sporting team where most cases where national politics do not mix with sports.

Or do we just use the term 'being patriotic and proud of my team' loosely?

Answer 9

Here's my take on patriotism.  I wrote an article on it because it's important to me:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2382784_show-pat...

Answer 10

A United States Patriot stands by the US constitution and dose not waver in there beliefs of the rule per every word of it . That means standing up to any government official who tries to pervert the rule of the constitution .

Answer 11

normally, i'd say something entirely different.  but it seems today that patriotism has become a different issue.  so what is patriotism?

a flag to wave.  (made in china).

flag decals (printed in china) displayed on your ...(whatever).

flag embroidered patches for your cap or jacket. (china).

a flag lapel pin.  (china).

yellow ribbons (made in china).

yellow ribbon decals (made in china).

assorted clothing, pre-printed w/ flag (made in china).

hmm, before i get too carried away here, it comes to me that since it's more important who you look like than who you are, alot of americans are pledgeing allegience to chinese imports.  it's the same old thing, product loyalty.

Answer 12

i asked a question like this, only it wasn't *quite* as unbiased as yours lol.

it depends on whether you're a liberal or conservative. before anyone starts fuming, i'm not saying this because i am a liberal. i have a reason for thinking this way.

most of the deeply religious people i know are conservative. in most religions, its people practice blind faith, where they believe in something higher than just themselves, and follow it because they believe in it and because it gives them inner peace.

having been raised that way, they apply it to the rest of their lives, and when the institutions they follow are called into question, they trust that the higher power knows what's best for them, and defend them even when they seem to be corrupt or unjust on the surface.

i'm not conservative and i'm not deeply religious, but this is the most moral explanation i can think of for people following our present government even as it lies and spies and tortures and does other things we won't ever find out about because it's "classified".

Answer 13

Your talking about the people held for war crimes. I say anything goes during war! If you need to know the answer go serve in Iraq or feel something for the people who lost there lives in 9/11. You don't sound a bit patriotic you need a class in American history. This is a time to celebrate our independence and celebrate the men and women who have lost their lives so you can be so cynical .

Answer 14

To me patriotism is loving our country and the people who make up the country in spite of our warts.  It is being responsible to, and proud of, the men and women who sacrifice and serve in the Armed Forces.  It is supporting and praying for our leaders, and when we see problems, seeking solutions rather than personality bashing.  It is remembering those who have gone before us to create this great nation.  It is being an informed citizen and doing our own research and not relying on sound bites and people with politically correct agendas.  It is standing together to help our neighbors and ourselves  in time of crisis and not relying solely on the government or someone else to come to our aid.

Answer 15

I agree with your second suggestion.  I believe it is my patriotic duty to protest my government when it engages in activities that I believe undermine the ideals under which my country was founded.

Answer 16

I don't know but I know that other countries laugh at all the gung ho super patriots in this country.  They feel no need to freak over their flag and question everyones patriotism and act like goofballs.  This country really is strange.