Positive aspects of patriotism?

Question

Hi!! I'm doing a debate at school opposing the motion 'this house believes that patriotism is the last resort of a scoundral' which basically means that patriotism is really bad and I'm opposing this so I need to talk for seven minutes about how good patriotism is. Any ideas about what I can talk about? Thanks!! Charlotte (UK) x

Answer 1

You might argue that patriotism has been taken from normal people and is used by racists to amplify their arguments at the cost of denying ordinary decent people the ability to celebrate and nurture their country and nationality.

The national flag of England is a symbol of fear to thousands of Asian/British people because it was used by the National Front.
These racists also took the flag away from decent people.

Answer 2

Patriotism is the same as team building but on a MUCH larger scale. If you can get the majority of people in any team (or nation) believing in what they are doing and that they are a valued member of that team, then the whole team will achieve better results and the team members tend to be happier as a result.

Patriotism is about believing in your nation and the way it operates, if you can persuade people to do this they are usually happier. It is also about acknowledging that no nation or any collective group is perfect and that it has faults. Despite the faults you can still love your nation.

In a nutshell you could argue that when people are helped to feel wanted and be part of a team the results will be happier alround. It also assumes that the needs of the nation come before the needs of any one individual or group of individuals.

As part of you argument I would maybe not mention England/Britain or any western nation. This, dare I say it, would be falling into a trap set by the person who set the question. They will then possibly start bleating on about imperialism, racial and sexual inequality, nazis etc. etc. A good example could be the African nation of Ghana, who recently celebrated 50 years of independence. This has only been possible by having a majority of the population who have a love for their country.

Have fun.

Answer 3

You could argue that patriotism has proven to be a unifying force for good when a nation is threatened from beyond it's borders,IE the second world war,King and country were often seen as the only thing to hang onto when London suffered over fifty consecutive nights of air raids,or on a lighter note England winning the ashes in 2005 was on the whole quite a pleasant time for many,particularly those who turned up at Trafalgar Square to join in the celebrations of the England cricket team,lots of flag waving and cheering,singing,people just celebrating an English sporting success,nothing nationalistic about it.
Being patriotic should be seen as just being proud of who you are and where you come from and not allowing your flag to be hijacked by those who have a more nationalistic agenda.

Answer 4

You might begin by agreeing that patriotism has indeed been used by scoundrels, and will continue to be used by scoundrels throughout time. Hitler might be described as a patriot. However, that does not make it undesirable. George Washington was a patriot, and so was Winston Churchill.
Some use patriotism as a means of gaining power and holding on to it. Others use it as a means of saving, or helping the land and people of their birth. Patriotism can be misused, and frequently is. It can also be used for the good of a nation and it's people, to rally them in difficult times, and give them something to strive for. The point being that Patriotism itself should perhaps not be the subject of this debate, but the people who use it, for good AND bad.

Answer 5

Patriotism is the glue that unites people into a sovereign country.
Without patriotism a country would consist of a bunch of rebels going in different directions.
Patriotism is what makes people willing to stand up and defend a country's borders or beliefs.

Answer 6

Postive aspects of Patriotism...Should be that "We the People" are for the people. That we will stand up for what is right in the great country that we live in. If this means opposing a corrupt government than so be it.

It is time to Stand up America! It’s time to support the good men and women of the United States Military!

The time is long overdue for a radical protest against the filth and corruption that has infested the United States Government. This is about the lies of 911, the illegal war in Iraq and bringing our troops home to their loved ones.

If you are a true American Patriot you will join in and become a part of this wonderful event that is about to take place.

The U.S. antiwar movement and the impeachment movement are becoming entwined, just in time for the March 17 rally at the Pentagon. Here’s the best part! You don’t have to travel all the way to D.C. to perform your Patriotic Duty to America. There will be hundreds of Anti-War protest happening across the Nation. Los Angeles is having a massive protest Saturday, March 17th 2007 at Noon. Other locations include...

Phoenix, Arizona Monday, March 19th 11:30 am
San Francisco, California Sunday March 18th 12:00p.m.
Denver, Colorado Friday March 16th 5:30 p.m.
Boise, Idaho Sunday March 18th 1:00 p.m.
Chicago, Illinois Tuesday March 20th 6:00 p.m.
Kansas City, Missouri Sunday March 18th 1:00 p.m.
Las Vegas, Nevada Saturday March 17th 2:00 p.m.
New York, New York Sunday March 18th 1:00 p.m.
Portland, Oregon Sunday March 18th 12:00 p.m.
Salt Lake City, Utah Monday March 19th 11:00 a.m.

These are just a few of the locations....
To find a location nearest you.Google.‘United for Peace : Events’

I support our troops 100% and it’s time to bring them home.

As Americans it is time to make our stand to protect the Constitution and Fundamentals of what this Great Country was founded on.

Answer 7

Generally, Patriotism ends up meaning "Preferring
one's own country over others".

Although it has been responsible for carnage over the
centuries, it is a great motivator during times of war.

That is, in the heat of battle, its easier to remember
that you are killing for king and country rather than
for ideals.

Really, PATRIOTISM=NATIONALISM

but sometimes when fighting in self defense,
the concept can be convenient.

Is that luke warm enough for you?

Answer 8

Patriotism is a cowards approach to life. Tell them to forget it. There are no - and I do mean no good aspects to it from the point of view of the individual. But state wise I will tell you. 1. The citizens head is filled with a false sense of responsibility so they can easily be manipulated 2. Citizens behaviour is better controlled via the press 3. Mass behaviour in response to specific info is better predicted. 4 Group control in times of war or at election time. etc That kind of thing. Best avoided

Answer 9

Breathes there a man, with soul so dead, who never to himself has said, this is my own, my native land,whose heart has neer within him burned, as home his footsteps he has turned, from wandering on a foreign land, if such there breathe, go mark him well, for him no minstrel raptures swell,and high though his title, proud his name, boundless his wealth,as wish can claim,doubly dying he shall go, to the vile earth , from which he sprung, unwept, unhonoured, and unsung.
Charlotte cant remember the name of the poet, but this does it for me lol.

Answer 10

Why dont you talk about brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. Im sure that is true patriotism.