1.11 Patriotism and Nationalism
Completion requirements
1.11 Patriotism and Nationalism
Should nation be the foundation of identity?
Big Idea:
- Nationalism develops out of the concepts of identity and nation.
Canada's delegation team greets arrivals of the 2017 Special Olympics in Vienna
Sometimes the terms patriotism and nationalism get used interchangeably. While the two terms are related, they aren't necessarily the same. Patriotism is usually an expression of love and support for one's country, shown through a person's actions. For example, people show their patriotism by standing in respect for their national anthem or serving in their country's armed forces. Strong feelings of patriotism can lead a nation's citizens to wear their country's colours, defend their country in times of danger, or represent their country in world events such as the Olympics.
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Go to your textbook, Understanding Nationalism, and read page 24. This page will further your understanding of the concept of patriotism. |
| Use the 1.11 Notebook Organizer (Word, PDF, Google Doc) to review how patriotism links to one's nation. You may refer to the tutorial How to Take Notes. When you are done, return here to continue. |
Reflect
What happens when "patriotism" and the meaning of nationalism collide? How do we address different views or meanings of nationalism?
Watch the video and read the news article linked in the table below. How are the terms "patriotism" and "nationalism" being used? How can individuals display patriotic feelings and actions without oppressing others?
| In the following video, longtime American journalist Dan Rather explains his perspective on patriotism and nationalism, and how both terms can be looked at today.
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In Warsaw, Poland, on November 11, 2017, nearly 60 000 people joined what was called a "nationalist" march that took place on Poland's Independence Day.
The marchers stated they were marching against the "Islamification" of Europe, and especially Poland.
© Pixabay
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In democracies, questioning (or even criticizing) the actions or policies of a country's government, when the actions or policies are perceived to be wrong for the nation as a whole, may actually be seen as patriotic. This is because citizens in a country are looking out for the best interests of the country as a whole. For example, examine the following quotation.
| "Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism subversive." - Henry Steele Commager, American historian |
What did Commager mean? People in positions of power may believe that what they are doing is best for the country. But, when anyone questions their policies, the questions could be perceived as going against the country, and may therefore be viewed as unpatriotic. For example, in 2016, when NFL players began kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality in the United States, President Donald Trump condemned their actions as unpatriotic. He called for them to be fired, and threatened to withdraw support of any NFL team that allowed players to kneel. Participating players in the NFL (and their supporters) believed kneeling was a sign of patriotism because the action sought equal treatment of all citizens.
There are many other positive and constructive ways to show patriotism.
- showing respect for the flag
- attaching a Canadian flag on luggage when traveling abroad
- waving a Canadian flag at international sporting events
- standing for the national anthem (perhaps also knowing the words and singing along)
- celebrating and showing pride in Canadian accomplishments (such as Canadian athletes competing in the Olympics)
- commemorating, on Remembrance Day, those Canadians who have fought for Canada, especially in World Wars I and II
- serving Canada by volunteering for the Canadian armed forces
- criticizing government actions you feel are wrong for all of Canada
Reflect
Think about the examples of patriotism you've read and viewed on this page. How do you show patriotism for your nation? Do your patriotic actions still respect the laws made by the people?