Patriotism and blind nationalism

‘The patriots consider work as their national responsibility and not a burden. While people deprived of these gorgeous sentiments seeks means to avoid hardworking and think in terms of parasites. They always gave priority to their selfish preoccupation over national imperatives. These cheap Charlie freeloaders can also be easily exploited by the foreign despicable agents who use them as tools for their nefarious activities. Patriots cannot be dissuaded by the enemies working against their nationwide concerns.’

by Dr Tanvir Hussain Bhatti

Patriotism is imperative for national solidarity. Nations suffering from the deficiency of patriotic sentiments are suffering from internal rifts that provides vacuum to the foreign elements, having their own shoe to polish, to interfere in their internal affairs. The vested interests exploit hostilities of the fractured communities by flaring the flames of hatred. Patriotism can act as a deterrent to ward off the enemies. Contrarily, blind nationalism is tremendously perilous for the global peace. Although it unites the nations against a common enemy yet roller blind xenophobia makes the world immensely precarious by eroding prudence of cultural relativism that is mandatory to generate gleams of anticipation for peaceful co-existence. Albert Einstein (1879–1955), German-born U.S. physicist aptly attributed: ―Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind.‖

 

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Pride of performance is nurtured by patriotism. People are the true assets of any country who can change the destiny of their nation through commitment with national concerns by generating cooperation among their countrymen. The patriots consider work as their national responsibility and not a burden. While people deprived of these gorgeous sentiments seeks means to avoid hardworking and think in terms of parasites. They always gave priority to their selfish preoccupation over national imperatives. These cheap Charlie freeloaders can also be easily exploited by the foreign despicable agents who use them as tools for their nefarious activities. Patriots cannot be dissuaded by the enemies working against their nationwide concerns. Venetian blind racism endangers global peace and harmony. World War I was fought due to jingoism of bigoted nationalists. Axis powers were defeated resulting in the triumph of the Allied forces. Millions of lives were lost due to the horrendous war fought due to national chauvinism. The superiority complex of the nations at war resulted in dreadful consequences. League of Nations was established in 1919 to counter the eruption of any global war in future but it badly botched to prevent the mayhem resulting from the brutalities of the World War II. 

‘Blind nationalism is the basis of prejudice and hate. It is a distorted form of patriotism. Everyone should love his country without abhorring other nations.’

Tough customer and live wire Adolph Hitler adopted bellicose and warmonger attitude that ignited the second horrible global war that also resulted in massive loss of lives. UNO was established during the termination phase of the WWII. However, this toothless lion has shoddily failed to prevent the global dinosaurs, who love to shed human blood by inflicting injuries, to wreak havoc. The spineless global organization has been hijacked by the yellow-eyed crocodiles having hegemonic designs in the world. Sarcastically, the bridles of the offshoots of this worldwide institution are in the hands of jingoist hawks who have made the future of mankind terrifically insecure through their dreadful adventurisms. Now several countries possess nukes and other deadly weapons in their arsenals. 

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Therefore, the glimmers of hope for the establishment global synchronization to ensure nonviolent co-existence are becoming extremely bleak with each passing day because of waging unjust wars and use of lethal weapons by power boozed alligators. These power intoxicated militarists want to impose their nude culture on others because they have illusion that their way of life is supreme. These fanatics have crossed the limits of patriotism and bounds of international morality. Therefore, I can only say: Blind nationalism sublimates prejudice, pomp, show and vanity, Blessed patriotism cultivates peace, pride, shelter and humanity; Solidarity and fraternity are the by-products of superb patriotism, Outcomes of canopy chauvinism are nothing but war and insanity. The disgusting ambiance of feudalism and despotism cannot permit hallowed patriotic sentiments to flourish in the society. 

‘Democracy can provide suitable atmosphere for patriotism to thrive that is hanging in the balance in these states.’

In the European countries feudalism was replaced by blind nationalism. Race superiority complex is still prevalent in these countries that have drawn narrow-minded lines among their nations despite their unity in the form of European Union. Some members have not adopted Euro as their national currency due to ethnocentrism and some of the countries have not even joined this continental organization. Every country in Europe considers its own mother tongue superior than others. In developing countries patriotism has been eroded by despotism and feudalism. Democracy can provide suitable atmosphere for patriotism to thrive that is hanging in the balance in these states. 

Patriotism can flourish when needs of the people are fulfilled by the State and the hoi polloi genuinely feel that they are the masters of their destiny. If State is negligent toward the meeting out of basic necessities of life then it should generate indifference toward the country. Patriotic sentiments die down when a person has empty stomach for want of a square meal. Samuel Johnson (1709–1784), British lexicographer and writer fittingly attributed in his magnum opus ―Lives of the English Poets‖ ―Collins‖ (1779-1781). ―A man, doubtful of his dinner, or trembling at a creditor, is not much disposed to abstracted meditation, or remote enquiries.‖ 

Therefore, it is essential to empower the public by establishing true democracy at the grass-roots level to inculcate genuine national pride and love for their motherland. Only a popular government can help to fulfil the needs of the people. Blind nationalism is the basis of prejudice and hate. It is a distorted form of patriotism. Everyone should love his country without abhorring other nations. Every nation has its own culture. Therefore, the global hammer men should promote cultural relativism instead of ethnocentrism to bring harmony and peace in the world. Cecil Arthur Spring-Rice (1859–1918), British diplomat, written on his departure from Washington these passionate words under the caption ―I Vow to Thee, My Country‖ (January 12, 1918)that reflects the feelings of every true patriot:‖  ―I vow to thee, my country—all earthly things above, Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love, The love that asks no question: the love that stands the test, That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best: The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

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