Patriotism...What is it?

[Andy A]

Patriotism...devoted love, support and defense of one's country; national loyalty. This is the definition found in my Random House College Dictionary I keep by my computer.
While this definition suits my feelings and actions very well, I am wondering after a thread was locked concerning the American flag if there is some underlying attitude regarding our country that many of us are unaware of or has a more appropriate or different meaning than the one quoted above. Many accept our patriotism without hesitation or reservation. It would seem it is the one thing all could agree on without regard to party affiliation or our personal beliefs concerning the direction our country should be headed.
Surprisingly, here in our own little world of SoWal this does not appear to be so. What I am asking has nothing to do with objections to government policies or our political differences. It has to do with how do you really feel about your country and do you support it even though you feel it can always be made better? I know what my feelings are and how they have been developed. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the greatest nation on earth! I also realize that there can be improvements and valid changes at every level of its existence.
But after the past few days, I sense a feeling that some do not hold the same respect for the United States that I feel and do.
Please tell me I am wrong and why. Once again, this has nothing to do with Republican, Democrat, left or right, it has to do with how you feel about your attitude toward your country. Do you hold with the definition as presented above or is there something I am missing? To me nothing is more precious than the lifestyle I now enjoy thanks to being able to live in the greatest nation on earth.

 

[Jdarg]

Yes, I support the above definition.

However, questioning our country's government, actions, and decisions does not make me any less of a "patriot". I do think the word "patriot" and it's definition has been used in divisive ways lately, which is sad. I think we all love our country equally and want the bet for it and it's citizens, and to imply anything else is insulting. And political differences absolutely do not make someone else less of a patriot- I am growing weary of this insult.

BTW- the flag thread actually turned into a useful and interesting discussion of how news is reported now (as in not including all the facts to make the story more inflammatory- a topic that is of interest to those that follow news.) Sadly it was turned into a train wreck with personal insults and rudeness, by those who didn't seem to understand the direction of the conversation in the first place.

And Andy, is it wrong if someone does not hold the exact same level of respect for the US as you do? Why?

 

[scooterbug44]

I definitely approve of this definition of patriotism - mainly because while your love/respect/appreciation of your country is an absolute, you don't automatically approve of EVERYTHING that the government does or think that there isn't room for improvement.

I am constantly amazed at the level of negativity and rudeness in political discussions these days and I think a lot of it because people are so focused on minor differences and 'rants for ratings' that they forget we are all Americans w/ common goals at the end of the day.

 

[Bob]

Jingoism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia angry andy, this is your flavor of patriotism, and why your worldview has crippled our country.

 

[Geo]

I read the thread and didn't think it had any more or less "insults" in it than many of the others in the political forum (sad but true- sign of the times here on Sowal and in our polarized society).

Kurt, I am disappointed that any thread gets locked/closed on here due to the words and actions of a few repeat offenders. My thought is if an individual poster breaks the rules they should be informed/reminded of the rules and provided with ample warning. If they don't adhere to our rules then their account should be locked- but not a thread. Seriously...

Getting back to Andy's question-
I would agree with you for the most part that your definition is a good one.

That said- I definitely see where Bob and some others are coming from with the argument that patriotism can become something else (that is harmful)- especially when that something else is being used under the guise of patriotism.

I just wish that all you smart folks (I do not mean this sarcastically- it is apparent you are smart) on both sides could try a little harder to explain your points a bit more academically as if you really want someone else who might not agree with you to understand where you are coming from (even if they cannot be swayed). Take your teeth out. Stop being so damn inflammatory. Use your words.

Are we allowed to talk about the flag issue?

 

[Bob]

let's go eff with people....right now!

 

[scooterbug44]

Bob - you completely missed the point of Andy's post.

 

[Andy A]

Yes, I support the above definition.

However, questioning our country's government, actions, and decisions does not make me any less of a "patriot". I do think the word "patriot" and it's definition has been used in divisive ways lately, which is sad. I think we all love our country equally and want the bet for it and it's citizens, and to imply anything else is insulting. And political differences absolutely do not make someone else less of a patriot- I am growing weary of this insult.

BTW- the flag thread actually turned into a useful and interesting discussion of how news is reported now (as in not including all the facts to make the story more inflammatory- a topic that is of interest to those that follow news.) Sadly it was turned into a train wreck with personal insults and rudeness, by those who didn't seem to understand the direction of the conversation in the first place.

And Andy, is it wrong if someone does not hold the exact same level of respect for the US as you do? Why?

Yes, in answer to your question, I consider it a necessity for all to hold our country in the highest regard possible. If we do not, our country cannot progress and prosper.
It seems to me you misunderstand the reasoning behind my post. I tried every way I could think of to make sure it was kept unbiased and impartial and was aimed at asking about your and others definition of patriotism. It has nothing to do with either the radiance or warts of our nation or the solution to our problems. Only how one's attitude is toward our country. My intention was certainly not to insult anyone. Maybe some further reflection on your part as to what I wrote and its meaning would be in order. And maybe my writing skills could be improved so that my intentions are more understandable.

 

[Jdarg]

Yes, in answer to your question, I consider it a necessity for all to hold our country in the highest regard possible. If we do not, our country cannot progress and prosper.
It seems to me you misunderstand the reasoning behind my post. I tried every way I could think of to make sure it was kept unbiased and impartial and was aimed at asking about your and others definition of patriotism. It has nothing to do with either the radiance or warts of our nation or the solution to our problems. Only how one's attitude is toward our country. My intention was certainly not to insult anyone. Maybe some further reflection on your part as to what I wrote and its meaning would be in order. And maybe my writing skills could be improved so that my intentions are more understandable.

But what is the definition of highest regard? Your standard? My standard? Maybe in my opinion, my standard is higher than yours?

 

[LuciferSam]

I support your definition, but then there will always be questions of the definition of terms like loyalty, support, defense and love. At some point the idea of patriotism is ineffable, so the idea of patriotism is bound to be unique and personal to the individual. For me it's about maintaining loyalty and identifying with my country in spite of differences I may have with others on the inexpressable gut feeling that comes with it [patriotism]. Put another way, some cry when they hear Kate Smith sing "God Bless America", others sit silently in awe when Jimi Hendrix wails on the Star Spangled Banner.