What is your distiction between a Patriot and a Nationalist?

Question

These are words that get used a lot in the media. Americans are never described as Nationalists yet it is used to describe certain foreigners quite often. I find that dichotomy interesting.

Answer 1

Good question. A few have answered correctly in my opinion, reflecting the view (if I may paraphrase) that Patriots are those that love the ideals of their country, whereas Nationalists are those that refuse to acknowledge their country could be wrong.

I do not think it a gross oversimplification to equate nationalism with sports team fanatics and Patriots with those who love the purity of game. The former represent those who may act and behave badly, condoning the antics and poor sportsmanship of their idolized players; the latter represent those who seek to find and identify with those of the highest measure of excellence, regardless of team affiliation.

And here, it begins.

Answer 2

A Patriot supports the Right to Keep and Bear Arms to defend American ideals and sovereignty of The People over their public servants.

A Nationalist supports the 'right' of government masters to disarm the people to serve Government interests.

Answer 3

There is none, Nationalists just call themselves Patriots. To everybody else they are just Nationalists.

Answer 4

Patriots - they stand for their country and what is in the best interests of it.

Nationalists - they stand for their government and follow what's legislated whether it is for the greater good or not.

"If you stand for nothing, you will fall for everything."

Answer 5

Patriot says.... "My country is great."
Nationalist says... "Your country stinks."

Answer 6

Its both the same crap.

"Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism -- how passionately I hate them!" --Albert Einstein