Do you think you know what patriotism is?

Question

While there are general definitions of patriotism, how do YOU define it?

Answer 1

Love of country, not of political parties, leaders, or even Presidents.

Answer 2

Probably the best definition I have ever read is this one:

Patriotism is proud of a country’s virtues and eager to correct its deficiencies; it also acknowledges the legitimate patriotism of other countries, with their own specific virtues. The pride of nationalism, however, trumpets its country’s virtues and denies its deficiencies, while it is contemptuous toward the virtues of other countries. It wants to be, and proclaims itself to be, “the greatest,” but greatness is not required of a country; only goodness is.

The difference between patriotism and nationalism is that the patriot is proud of his country for what it does, and the nationalist is proud of his country no matter what it does; the first attitude creates a feeling of responsibility, but the second a feeling of blind arrogance that leads to war.

— Sydney J. Harris

Simply put, patriotism is love of country. If you love something or someone, then you are particularly concerned when that something or someone turns out to be broken or sick. When your child has a fever, you don't waste time bragging to everyone that he's an honor student, you take him to the doctor, get the prescription antibiotics, and you work hard to heal your child.

There's nothing wrong with pointing out America's problems. If you can't identify the problems, you can't begin to solve them.

Answer 3

Patriotism for me is demonstrated in actions of support for ones countrymen. My personal loyalty is to the constitution itself and the ideals I believe it once represented. I believe in the people of this country but not it's oversized Government.

Also Patriotism is demonstrated by going to Gillette Stadium and watching our great New England football team from the nose bleed seats during a winter blizzard.

I love the words from the loud speaker "Thats another New England Patriots ......FIRST DOWN"

But the statement "1 beer, that will be $9.00 please" I no like so much

Answer 4

I was in combat in Viet Nam 1966-67, a volunteer in USMC, saw that the war was wrong and protested when I returned. Now I am against continuing the war in Iraq, which was won early on, so what are we still doing there? So, patriotism is the willingness to risk one's life to defend the country, but also be willing to speak out when the leaders of the country lead us down the wrong path.

Answer 5

Carl Schurz:
The peace and welfare of this and coming generations of Americans will be secure only as we cling to the watchword of true patriotism: "Our country -- when right to be kept right; when wrong to be put right."

Edward R. Murrow:
We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.

Howard Thurman:
During times of war, hatred becomes quite respectable, even though it has to masquerade often under the guise of patriotism.

James Baldwin:
I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.

Mark Twain:
Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your conviction is to be an unqualified and excusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let me label you as they may.

Mark Twain:
The government is merely a servant -- merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn't. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them.

Ralph Waldo Emerson:
When a whole nation is roaring Patriotism at the top of its voice, I am fain to explore the cleanness of its hands and the purity of its heart.

Sinclair Lewis:
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross.

Theodore Roosevelt:
To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.

William O. Douglas:
Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us.

Answer 6

Patriotism to me is the feeling of love and devotion I have for my country.

Answer 7

Patriotism is loving and standing up for your country, regardless of who the politicians may be.

Answer 8

It means love of one's country. You can disagree with your country ideologically, which is just fine, but it doesn't make you patriotic. If you love your country and disagree with it you're a rebel, not a patriot. No one said being a patriot was the epitome of rightousness.

Answer 9

For me the love of people in your country and always want the best for your people and the government.

Answer 10

Love your country. Government and country are two different things.