Is this a legitimate test of patriotism?

Question

Recently a British politician suggested this test of patriotism:

You have the power to save the lives of 100 of your countrymen, OR the lives of 101 people from another country, which do you choose?

The more you think about it the more complex it becomes - let's have some thoughtful answers therefore ...

The politician was Michael Portillo, speaking during a BBC debate on 14.06.06

Answer 1

The politican is very astute. Through this seemingly simple question he reveals unpleasant truths about the nature of patriotism. Do we put loyalty to country before humanity itself? If so why? If we put country first there must be reasons that make the protection of life less important. What on earth could these reasons be? I think this politician is ingeniously demonstrating that if the people put country first then they are uncivilised. An interesting thought - for Americans in particular!

The politician was cleverly showing patriotism for what it is - a fiction. Its a device created to make us obedient to a flag, but there are higher things. Highest of all, our concern for our fellow man - including that one extra foreigner - even at the cost of 100 of our own countrymen.

I would go for 101 strangers every time.

Answer 2

You could make it even more of a test- save 100 people from your home town, or 101 people from any other part of Britain... Save 10 people in your own family, or 100 people you don't know... having said that, I don't think that the test is legitimate. Firstly, it's too abstract... no-one could really relate to it in a real way, as it's very unlikely that this situation would occur. Secondly, this is an enlightened age- a lot of people, even if they are proud of their own country, will feel sympathy for their fellow man in other countries, and be inclined to save the majority.

At the same time, to an extent this test will capture reflexive patriotic spirit- some people will automatically vote to save English lives. Is that patriotism or nationalism though? To be a patriot, is it enough to always side with your own country, or does it require some sort of recognition of faults and limitations as well? I would venture that to be truly patriotic, an individual would have to be prepared to accept that there are some faults with his country, and try their best to correct them.

If that were the case, relating to this particular question, a patriot who was aware of social wrongs and inequalities may also be prepared to save the majority group of foreigners. I still think the test is rather abstruse though- when could it ever be seriously applied? What other variables might be pertinent? Does the chooser get to see each group? Does the chooser have to watch them die? Does the chooser know any of the individuals in either group? Can the chooser abstain? When faced with the reality of such test, people would face stresses that they probably never had faced before- it would be impossible to predict what choice they would make in the heat of the moment.

Answer 3

Well...whoever he or she was s/he was not much of a thinker. Another British politician once asked a similar question..the test of patriotism for a British person of Indian origin..which team do you support when Engalnd play India at cricket? What bullshit! I am a Scot and I support anyone who is playing England at any sport. It has nothing to do with patriotism and it fails to understand the essential nature of patriotism. If anyone who has opted for 100 of their own countrymen over 101 of anothers disagrees..ask yourself: 100 of your own countrymen who are convicted paedophiles or 50 children from another country?

Odious question. ( The politicians ). Do not encourage them.

Answer 4

Wow! Excellent (thinking) question.

I don't know how I could make a choice, I think I'd rather die with them then to make that kind of choice.

Is there an option B, Save part of both? Or I think it would definitely depend on the situation, the whole scenario.

Answer 5

Being British I suppose it would have to be our own since we have had wars with just about everyone and most European countries hate us as well!!

Seriously though, life is life at the end of the day.

Answer 6

I would really depend on what other country they are from. Middle east, take the 100. Indonesia, take the 100.

Answer 7

I would save my countrymen - they have my loyalty because (in the natural order of things) they would fight beside me rather than against me if it came to war.

Answer 8

I would save the 101 people. People are people, all equal.

Answer 9

Stick with your country.

Answer 10

i would save my countrymen