Does patriotism do more good thatn ill? Is it simply a means of manipulating people?
2007-02-09 09:54:33 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Sociology
A little like a marriage, how can a country survive without patriotism and love for the culture, values etc that you grew up with. It is where your parents were probably brought up, and your ancestors. It is a thing of the heart, not of the intelligence. It is not the same as 'Nationalism', which is a belief that you are superior to peoples of other countries.
How can you be manipulated? when it is something everyone should share. Who gains? On the contrary, it creates an emotional bond, makes us feel more secure, a sense of belonging with people who share the same fundamental values.
It is also extremely important for the organisation of all of us into a social structure embracing government, the law, belief in Capitalism, democracy etc.
I am concerned that you are possibly starting to think a little like a left wing anarchist. Someone who enjoys breaking things down, because, for some reason you are disgruntled with life, and want to create chaos outside to match the chaos inside you.
Incidentally, patriotism is something that individual citizens should feel, it is bottom up, it isn't something for Governments to own and control.
2007-02-09 23:02:36 · answer #1 · answered by Veritas 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everyone should feel some sort of patriotism for the country they live in or they need to get the hell out. Manipulating people and patriotism have nothing to do with each other.
God Bless American and plss on those who have a problem with it !
2007-02-09 19:40:51 · answer #2 · answered by Kitty 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Nazi's certainly did not do Patriotism any favours. It can clearly be a dangerous thing. Powerful too. From a naive point of view I suppose that taking pride in your government/nations conduct at home and abroad and caring enough to vote etc. an be seen as a good thing.
2007-02-09 21:49:08 · answer #3 · answered by mince42 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Patriotism can be good, it can be bad and it can be in between. The word ethnocentric comes to mind when I think of the word patriotism; that is to view one's own culture or society as superior to other's societies or cultures. Where one tends not to take other cultural views, or other societies as being correct, Patriotism can be wrong. But, patriotism can be a good thing if it isn't harmful to other's. I am a patriotic Canadian because I believe in multiculturalism and beautiful landscapes.... It is wrong, however, to be patriotic to a country for political reasons where a government makes an "us" "them" scenario. "Them" as the enemy of "us" the people of our nation. As in the current United States political state concerning the "us" as being the people of the USA being superior to the "Them" in the middle east. That is wrong. Anyways... I have to go to study now so hopefully I helped to, at least, answer your question in part.
2007-02-10 00:28:47 · answer #4 · answered by J P 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No patriotism isn't a good thing. It breeds hate between people from different countries. In my opinion, countries (borders) are stupid, you should see yourself as an individual and not part of anything, a true citizen of the world.
2007-02-09 18:48:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes because by showing alligence to your country, you are therefore proud of your roots and of where you came. patriotism only becomes manipulating when someone uses it as a way to annoy people of other nations or to wind them up
2007-02-10 07:36:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes i think so allthough others may disagree,why not support who you are and where your from
2007-02-09 18:35:25 · answer #7 · answered by TS100N 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
As long as you don't use it to shroud (hide) your Morals.
2007-02-09 18:54:37 · answer #8 · answered by halesowentown 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋