Is patriotism outmoded ?
Patriotism is a loyal feeling which one has about his own country. In the words of Scott when he said ‘this is my own, my native land’ he must have a deep and passionately loyal feeling for his country. According to this a man without this feeling dies unsung and unhonored. This feeling had kindled many dormant nations into actions. It has made people fight against tyrants and deposed them. It has shaken the very roots of empires. In every nation and in every language the bards have sung about the greatness of patriotism and they have called upon patriotism to brook no delay in throwing out the conqueror. History is replete with instances where patriotic people under an able leadership rallied round and resisted aggression and saved their land. Joan of Arc, Simon Bolivar and M. K. Gandhi are some of the famous names who fought for the freedom for their countries, with a burning patriotic zeal.
One must take pride in the culture and beauty of one’s own country. The rivers, mountains, hills, valleys and dales must inspire his patriotic feeling. He must fight against the forces that tarnish the fair name of his country. Given the chance, he should encourage the art and trade of his country. He must support his country as his duty. He will never do anything that would bring down the fair name and image of his country.
One must live for his country and even be prepared to sacrifice all for the sake of his country. Today, unfortunately after the Second World War we find acute-nationalism wrongly identified with patriotism.
Nationalism is a phenomenon mostly seen today in many countries. These people become militant and are against foreigners who had come and settled in one’ country. There may be legitimate fear warranting such action as in the case of ‘The White Australian Policy’. This is patriotism laced with self interest. This is the cause of much misunderstanding and bickering among nations.
In the present context of the world narrow patriotism is really outmoded. No country today, however, powerful or rich can stand aloof. The world is shrinking with the coming of faster modes of communication and no country is too far away. The complex economy of the world had every country depending on one another. What affects the people in Pakistan may affect the people in the U.S.A. This interdependence cannot be overlooked. Self contained condition is only a thing of the past. Every culture today is what it has rowed from other cultures; no culture can boast of being pure. So there is no meaning in narrow nationalism.
It is safe to conclude that fanatic patriotism is bad though loving one’s own country and contributing for its betterment and good ideals is a noble act.
