Log in

View Full Version : Is there really a false dichotomy between nationalism and patriotism?



dernier combat
19th April 2011, 13:48
Many "patriots" who I've talked to generally speak negatively about and often denounce nationalism. This always seemed contradictory to me, as I've always seen nationalism and patriotism as basically the same thing. Does being a patriot of a nation-state make someone a nationalist by default?

However, living in a multicultural country (if that doesn't sound like a term used by liberal fucks), patriots come from many different ethnic backgrounds (though they are still primarily white and of 'anglo-saxon' descent) and most seemingly reject nationalism (portraying it essentially as Nazism) whilst simultaneously embracing patriotism. Does being a patriot for a nation-state which claims to be or is perceived to be multicultural (this often being a reason for the rejection of nationalism) still make someone a nationalist by default?

I understand that an individual's definition of the nation in question should be taken in to account and that I've probably answered by own question in here somewhere, but I need help.

Kamos
19th April 2011, 14:34
Patriotism just means that you love your country. It does not necessarily mean that you think it's better than any other. Nationalism is often a result of patriotism in a person, but not necessarily. Also, patriotism is not about culture. In my opinion patriotism doesn't matter - it's like liking or disliking chocolate, in fact - but due to its definition patriotism is still an enemy of communism (no state, no patriots). For example: "I love my country, 'cause we have great football teams and the best cuisine ever" could be said by a patriot. Notice how this doesn't say anything about the citizens of that country.

SacRedMan
19th April 2011, 14:40
Nationalism can split in two different political moevements:

Patriotism= loving your country and sometimes beign open for other countries (Boris Yeltsin was a patriot and wanted a new anthem for Russia "the Patriotsong" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXkeeDn7J1M )

Chauvinism=now this is an extreme political movement of patriotism and very imperialistic agressive. Hitler was a chauvinist for example.