The nazis were big on the patriotism. Hitler was very impressed with american propaganda and said it was their best advantage.
Is patriotism any good for people. what about citizens of other countries, even EVIL countries?
it is great for state power, but of any value to individuals?
2007-09-17 00:53:01 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
There is a big difference between patriotism and nationalism. Nazis were big on nationalism.
Most of what seems to pass for patriotism in America is not patriotic.
Nationalism is an ideology based on the premise that the individuals loyalty and devotion to the nation-state surpass other individual or group interests. "My country, right or wrong" is a good example of nationalism.
Patriotism is a devotion to ones country and a desire to make it better. To be patriotic is not to wear a flag or scream symbolic hollow gestures on the streets and political podiums. A true patriot is devoted to ones country, and willing to lay down ones life for the sacred ideals upon which it was founded, but not necessarily to that country's leadership if it acts contrary to those ideals.
Patriotism is pride. Nationalism is brainwashing.
“I prefer a man who will burn the flag and then wrap himself in the Constitution to a man who will burn the Constitution and then wrap himself in the flag”
Nationalists would prefer the opposite.
2007-09-17 01:51:39 · answer #1 · answered by john_stolworthy 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Whenever somebody asks me if I am a patriot , I really fumble. I am yet to find a definition for a patriot. ..As a matter of fact is - want we to be patriots of our country or not , but we are. I have been traveling a lot and , I have always felt like telling only positive things about my country. True, it is not my habit to criticise other countries either, where I have been just a visitor. I am proud of my country with the population of only 3,5 million people , who in 1990 stood up against the Soviets to declare our Independence .Against this huge power of Soviet military troops!!!! The first country among the other 15 to do it!!!! I guess that was our Patriotism !!!!! I am proud I was there then, but that is another story. So, whatever we may wonder about patriotism today , when the right moment comes we are patriots!!! Valuable or not!!!
2007-09-17 08:30:15 · answer #2 · answered by Alina M 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't agree with that completely. In the US however it seems to be a word that the current administration throws about to rationalize everything. I don't think there is anything more insulting than how 9/11 has been named Patriot Day. What do the tragedies of that day have to do with being a patriot? It is yet again another example of this presidency ruling by fear. "What? You don't agree with everything I say? Then you, sir, are not a patriot. You hate America don't you. Why do you hate America?"... and so on and so forth. Patriotism used to be a good thing. Now it is thrown about in politics much like it would have been during the Cold War when accusations of communism could land you in jail.
2007-09-17 08:16:49 · answer #3 · answered by Big Paesano 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Thomas Paine would argue that patriotism was the driving force of the American Revolution. A Patriotism towards the colonies.
The question I guess is best answered by your belief regarding America as a force for good or evil in the world. If you view America as a force for good, then American patriotism is a good thing. If you view it as a force for evil, then American Patriotism is a bad thing.
Same thing would go for patriots of other nations.
2007-09-17 08:28:29 · answer #4 · answered by lundstroms2004 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how you define Patriotism. If following one man, no matter how much you disagree with him is Patriotic then yes Patriotism is brainwashing. A true American Patriot is one that follows the US Constitution and will fight and if necessary die for that hollowed document. I believe in the Constitution and all that it stands for and I pray that one day it will come back. That is being a true Patriot.
2007-09-17 08:20:23 · answer #5 · answered by White Star 4 · 9⤊ 0⤋
I think the thing people are calling "patriotism" now is actually nationalism in disguise. The media and politicians have defined blindly following ones leaders as such. That's why people seem brainwashed. They blindly follow their "elected" officials and don't look around and open their eyes to the rest of the world.
2007-09-17 08:09:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
Who gives us the AUTHORITY to decide which country is Evil and which isn't?
Just because countries like Cuba, China, Russia, N. Korea, Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Vietnam, etc don't get manipulated by the US, we call them EVIL nations.
And just because nations like Terrorist Pakistan act faithful to the US, they are GOOD nations?
The whole system of "BRANDING" nations as good and evil is a farce !
PS - This post will be attacked by "TRUE" Americans !
2007-09-17 08:13:19 · answer #7 · answered by The ROCK 4 · 8⤊ 0⤋
"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."- Mark Twain
A true patriot decides what is right or wrong for themselves and their country.
2007-09-17 08:49:36 · answer #8 · answered by punxy_girl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes... and it freaks me out that so many people in this country fall for it. (on both sides)
It's no wonder the Nazis were so successful, people are gullible and don't even attempt to look at the big picture.
2007-09-17 08:00:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
Everytime i hear the word patriotism...I always think of that old qoute...
"Patriotism is the last hiding place (or refuge) of the scoundrel".
2007-09-17 07:58:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋