Patriotism? On the Surface the Term Paper

It is, therefore, the duty of everyone living on that chosen spot to fight, kill, and die in the attempt to impose his superiority upon all the others."

On the other hand, as we have seen in America, there is also a patriotism which is aimed at a sense of belonging and only aggressive in defense of this feeling of identity, and from invasion or destruction by outside elements. This positive form of cultural patriotism and the desire to protect what is specific to a society is also seen in countries like China. An example of this is the recent call by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao for a patriotic stance against the increase of the SARS virus epidemic in the country. "Premier Wen Jiabao... called for solidarity and a reliance in science in the ongoing battle against severe acute respiratory syndrome." (Chinese Premier Calls for Patriotism in SARS Fight)

The word "solidarity" in this quotation points to the cultural idea of patriotism which is a call for social unity in the country in the face of something of a threatening nature. The same view of patriotism can be applied to the reaction to the September 11 attack; where Americans felt that their way of life was being threatened. In this sense patriotism is very different to nationalism.

However, as many commentators point out, there is always a danger that patriotic feelings will be used by political leaders and governments for nationalistic purposes and to extend or increase political power through force.

While, in my view, there is nothing wrong with cultural patriotism and a pride in one's identity and social community, the danger always exists that patriotism may develop into a type of aggressive nationalism and jingoism. In China there are also fears that cultural patriotism is being affected and possibly changed into a form of nationalism.The Chinese Government's calls to revive patriotic passion among the people have been mixed up with the international community's accusations of alleged "nationalistic sentiments" outsiders supposedly observe in China. In this age of economic globalization, some skeptics have even raised doubts as to the "relevance" of patriotism, which is now often wrongly associated with narrow-minded nationalism.

The above quotation clearly points out the difference between patriotism and nationalism that is so important to understand. The quotation also refers to the view that the term patriotism is seen by some to be irrelevant in the world today where there is instant international communication and the breakdown of national barriers. Many people see patriotism as "old -fashioned" and out of step with modern developments in communications and international affairs. However, the argument against this point-of-view is that without patriotism and a sense of identity and pride in one's culture and country, it is very difficult to defend oneself against any possible attacks. This also refers to the intense competition in the global economic market.

In conclusion there are many different ways of seeing and discussing the term patriotism. The central point that can be made is that patriotism should be distinguished from forms of nationalism. Patriotism understood as a sense of cultural identity is a positive aspect that builds solidarity and common purpose in a country. While patriotism is a positive and functional part of modern culture it is just as important to not allow patriotism to be used or distorted for political or other ends by governments and politicians.

Bibliography

Chinese Premier Calls for Patriotism in SARS Fight. August 25, 2003. http://english.people.com.cn/200305/05/eng20030505_116244.shtml

PATRIOTISM: A MENACE to LIBERTY. August 25, 2005. http://dwardmac.pitzer.edu/Anarchist_Archives/goldman/aando/patriotism.html

Patriotism. August 24, 2005. http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Patriotism.....