What is the fundamental definition of patriotism?

Patriotism is defined as the profound feeling of love, devotion, and a deep sense of attachment that an individual holds for their country or state. This attachment can stem from various aspects such as the nation's language, ethnic background, cultural heritage, political system, or historical narrative.

How does patriotism relate to nationalism, according to the source?

Patriotism encompasses a set of concepts closely linked to nationalism, particularly civic nationalism, which emphasizes shared political values and citizenship, and sometimes cultural nationalism, which focuses on a common culture and heritage.

What terms are used to describe an excessive form of patriotism?

An excessive form of patriotism is referred to as chauvinism, which implies an aggressive or exaggerated patriotism, or jingoism, which is characterized by extreme nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy.

From what linguistic origins does the English word 'patriot' derive?

The English word 'patriot' originated in the 1590s from 'compatriot,' which came from the Middle French 'patriote' in the 15th century. The French terms 'compatriote' and 'patriote' directly trace back to the Late Latin 'patriota' meaning 'fellow-countryman' in the 6th century, and further to the Greek 'patriotes' meaning 'fellow countryman,' from 'patrios' meaning 'of one's fathers,' and 'patris' meaning 'fatherland.' The term 'patriot' was originally applied to barbarians perceived as uncivilized or primitive who shared a common 'Patris' or fatherland.

What was the original European meaning of the term 'patriots'?

The original European meaning of 'patriots' referred to any fellow countryman, irrespective of their socio-economic status. This broad definition highlights a shared identity based on origin rather than social standing.

How has the connotation of 'patriotism' and 'nationalism' evolved since the 19th century?

In the 19th century, patriotism and nationalism initially shared similar meanings. However, over time, their usage and connotations diverged, with nationalism gradually acquiring a more negative connotation today. Patriotism, in contrast, is now generally understood as genuine pride in one's nation, acknowledging both its strengths and weaknesses.

How does Merriam-Webster differentiate between patriotism and nationalism?

Merriam-Webster defines patriotism as 'love for or devotion to one’s country,' while nationalism is defined as 'loyalty and devotion to a nation.' The distinction, though subtle in wording, reflects a difference in modern perception where nationalism often implies a more exclusive or aggressive loyalty.

What key distinction did George Orwell make between patriotism and nationalism in his essay 'Notes on Nationalism'?

In 'Notes on Nationalism,' George Orwell distinguished patriotism as devotion to a specific place and way of life, believed to be the best but without a desire to impose it on others, making it defensive both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, conversely, is inherently linked to the pursuit of power and aims to secure more power and prestige for the nation or chosen unit, often at the expense of individual identity.

What historical evidence suggests the presence of civic virtue and group dedication in various cultures?

The concepts of civic virtue, which refers to the moral duties and responsibilities of citizens, and group dedication have been observed in cultures across the globe throughout history, indicating a long-standing human tendency to prioritize the collective good.

How did Enlightenment thinkers in 18th-century Europe view loyalty to the state in relation to the Church?

For Enlightenment thinkers in 18th-century Europe, loyalty to the state was often seen in opposition to loyalty to the Catholic Church. They argued that clerics, whose primary allegiance was to heaven, should not teach in public schools because they could not instill a love for the homeland in their students.

Who was a significant proponent of the Enlightenment notion of patriotism?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was one of the most influential proponents of the Enlightenment's concept of patriotism, advocating for a strong sense of civic duty and love for one's country.

What criticism did Samuel Johnson offer regarding patriotism?

In 1774, Samuel Johnson published 'The Patriot,' criticizing what he considered false patriotism. He famously stated on April 7, 1775, that 'Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel,' a remark often interpreted as a general condemnation of patriotism, though some argue he was specifically targeting hypocritical or self-serving uses of the term by contemporary figures.

What is depicted in the 1840 sculpture by Francisco Pérez del Valle in Madrid?

The source material references an allegory of patriotism, created in 1840 by sculptor Francisco Pérez del Valle, which is part of the Monument to the Fallen for Spain in Madrid. An allegory is a symbolic representation of an abstract concept.

What is shown in the 1917 American poster issued by the U.S. Food Administration?

The source material references a 1917 American poster with a patriotic theme, issued by the U.S. Food Administration during World War I, encouraging citizens to conserve food.

What kind of poster is the 1917 image featuring Uncle Sam?

The source material references a patriotic World War I United States Army recruitment poster from 1917, likely featuring the iconic Uncle Sam, which was used to encourage enlistment.

What role does shared culture play for many patriotic individuals?

Many patriotic individuals derive pride from sharing a distinct, common culture, viewing it as fundamental to their national identity and unity. They often advocate for the preservation of their traditional culture and promote cultural assimilation for those from other backgrounds.

How do civic forms of patriotism approach ethnic culture?

Some civic forms of patriotism tend to de-emphasize ethnic culture, instead favoring a shared political culture as the basis for national identity and unity. This approach focuses on common civic values rather than shared ancestry or traditions.

How might patriotism be strengthened in some societies?

Patriotism can be strengthened by adherence to a national religion, which might manifest as a civil religion, where religious beliefs and practices are integrated with national identity, or even a theocracy, where religious leaders govern.

How did Enlightenment thinkers' view on faith and patriotism differ from the idea of a national religion?

Enlightenment thinkers advocated for the separation of church and state, viewing patriotism and faith as potentially similar and opposing forces. This contrasts with the idea of a national religion, which seeks to merge religious and national identity to strengthen patriotism.

According to Michael Billig and Jean Bethke Elshtain, what makes distinguishing patriotism from faith challenging?

Michael Billig and Jean Bethke Elshtain argued that the distinction between patriotism and faith is often difficult to make, largely depending on the subjective attitude of the person categorizing them. This suggests that both can evoke similar feelings of devotion and loyalty.

What is Christopher Heath Wellman's 'patriotist' position?

Christopher Heath Wellman describes the 'patriotist' position as one that entails robust obligations towards one's compatriots, meaning fellow citizens, but only minimal 'samaritan' responsibilities towards foreigners. This implies a strong preference for national welfare over international aid.

How does Wellman differentiate between 'patriotist' and 'nationalist'?

Wellman uses the term 'patriotist' specifically to refer to members of territorial, political units, distinguishing it from 'nationalist,' which he associates more with cultural groups. This highlights a focus on political boundaries and citizenship rather than shared ethnicity or heritage.

What was Voltaire's perspective on patriotism?

Voltaire expressed a critical view of patriotism, stating, 'It is lamentable, that to be a good patriot one must become the enemy of the rest of mankind.' This suggests he saw patriotism as inherently leading to conflict and animosity towards other nations.

What did Arthur Schopenhauer say about national pride?

Arthur Schopenhauer considered national pride to be 'the cheapest sort of pride,' arguing that if a person is proud of their nation, it implies they lack personal qualities of which they could be proud. This suggests a critique of collective identity overshadowing individual merit.

Who was Kōtoku Shūsui, and what was his stance on patriotism?

Kōtoku Shūsui was a prominent Japanese anarchist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries who strongly condemned patriotism in his work 'Imperialism, Monster of the Twentieth Century.' He viewed patriotism as a tool for militarism and war.

How did Kōtoku Shūsui use Confucian empathy to argue against patriotism?

Kōtoku Shūsui argued against patriotism by invoking the Confucian value of empathy, stating that a person would instinctively rescue a child in danger regardless of their relation or nationality. He believed patriotism is a 'discriminating and arbitrary sentiment' that limits natural human empathy to those within national borders, thereby dehumanizing others and serving militaristic aims.

What was Karl Marx's famous statement regarding working men and their country?

Karl Marx famously declared that 'The working men have no country,' suggesting that national differences would diminish with the rise of the proletariat. This reflects a belief in international solidarity among the working class over national allegiances.

How do Trotskyists view national frontiers and patriotism?

Present-day Trotskyists, such as Alan Woods, advocate for 'tearing down all frontiers and creating a socialist world commonwealth,' aligning with Karl Marx's view that national differences should vanish. This position rejects national patriotism in favor of global socialist unity.

What is the stance of Marxist-Leninists and Maoists on patriotism?

In contrast to Trotskyists, Marxist-Leninists and Maoists generally support 'socialist patriotism,' which is based on the theory of 'socialism in one country.' This approach allows for national pride and loyalty within the context of building a socialist state.

What was Eric Hobsbawm's critique of primordial arguments for national patriotism?

Eric Hobsbawm criticized primordial arguments that suggest national patriotism is an ancient, inherent human trait, stating that such a concept was 'so remote from the real experience of most human beings' for the majority of human history. He implied that national patriotism is a more modern construct.

How did Emma Goldman, an anarchist, describe patriotism?

Emma Goldman, a prominent anarchist, characterized patriotism as being built upon 'conceit, arrogance, and egotism.' She argued that patriotism leads individuals born in a particular place to consider themselves superior, justifying fighting, killing, and dying to impose this perceived superiority on others.

What concept has Jürgen Habermas advocated for within the European Union?

Jürgen Habermas has advocated for a 'Euro-patriotism' within the European Union, suggesting a form of patriotism directed towards the larger European entity rather than solely individual nation-states. This implies a shared European identity.

How is patriotism typically directed in Europe, and what is its relationship with Euroscepticism?

In Europe, patriotism is usually directed towards the individual nation-state and often coincides with 'Euroscepticism,' which is a critical view of the European Union. This suggests that national loyalty can sometimes conflict with a broader European identity.

What did the Correlates of War project find regarding patriotism?

The Correlates of War project, which conducts surveys to measure patriotism, found some correlation between war propensity and patriotism. This suggests that higher levels of patriotism might be linked to a greater likelihood of engaging in warfare.

What was the level of patriotism in Germany before World War I, according to the Correlates of War project?

According to the Correlates of War project, patriotism in Germany before World War I was ranked at or near the top compared to other nations, indicating a very strong sense of national pride and loyalty at that time.

What percentage of Germans were proud of their country in 2009, according to the Identity Foundation?

A study by the Identity Foundation in 2009 reported that 60% of Germans were proud of their country.

What did Statista report regarding German national pride?

Statista reported that the figure for Germans being proud of their country was as high as 83% at some point, indicating a generally high level of national pride.

What were the findings of the 2020 Pew Research Center survey on national pride in Germany, France, the UK, and the US?

A 2020 Pew Research Center survey found that 53% of participants in Germany expressed pride in their country, which was the highest figure among the nations surveyed. In comparison, France had 45%, the United Kingdom had 41%, and the United States had 39%.

What is the purpose of the World Values Survey concerning national values?

Since 1981, the World Values Survey has polled for national values and beliefs, including a question asking, 'Are you proud to be [insert nationality]?' The responses, ranging from 1 (not proud) to 4 (very proud), are used to compare patriotism levels between nations and across different income groups.

What is collective narcissism?

Collective narcissism is a psychological tendency characterized by exaggerating the positive image of one's own social group. This can manifest as an inflated sense of group superiority and entitlement.

What is cultural identity?

Cultural identity refers to the identity or feeling of belonging to a particular group, often based on shared traditions, values, language, and social practices. It contributes to an individual's sense of self within a community.

What is the Patriot movement?

The Patriot movement is described as an American right-wing political movement. This movement typically encompasses various groups and individuals who hold anti-government, anti-tax, or anti-regulation views.

Patriotism Wiki: Patriotism Unveiled: A Scholarly Examination of National Devotion

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Defining Patriotism

Love for One's Nation

Patriotism is fundamentally characterized by a profound sentiment of love, unwavering devotion, and a deep sense of attachment to one's country or state. This attachment is not monolithic; rather, it often synthesizes various affections for elements such as the homeland's language, its rich ethnic and cultural heritage, its political structures, and its historical narrative. It is a concept that frequently intersects with, and is closely related to, certain forms of nationalism, particularly civic nationalism and, at times, cultural nationalism.

Patriotism vs. Nationalism

While the terms "patriotism" and "nationalism" shared similar meanings in the 19th century, their connotations have diverged significantly. Merriam-Webster defines patriotism as "love for or devotion to one’s country," whereas nationalism is "loyalty and devotion to a nation." Today, nationalism often carries a more negative connotation, implying an aggressive or exclusionary loyalty. In contrast, patriotism is generally understood as a genuine pride in one's nation that acknowledges both its strengths and its imperfections.

George Orwell, in his seminal essay Notes on Nationalism, articulated a crucial distinction:

By 'patriotism' I mean devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force upon other people. Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power. The abiding purpose of every nationalist is to secure more power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or other unit in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality.

This highlights patriotism as a more benign, defensive attachment, contrasting with nationalism's inherent drive for dominance.

The Perils of Excess

An unbridled or excessive form of patriotism can manifest as chauvinism, an aggressive and unreasonable belief in the superiority of one's own country. Another related term, jingoism, describes extreme nationalism characterized by bellicose foreign policy and a readiness to use military force. These terms denote a departure from healthy national pride towards a potentially dangerous and exclusionary ideology.

Historical Trajectories

Ancient Roots of Civic Virtue

The fundamental concepts of civic virtue and collective dedication to a group or community are not novel; they can be observed across diverse cultures throughout human history. From ancient city-states to tribal societies, the idea of prioritizing the collective good and demonstrating loyalty to one's people has been a recurring theme in human social organization.

Enlightenment Perspectives

During the 18th-century European Enlightenment, thinkers began to conceptualize loyalty to the state in direct opposition to allegiance to the Church. A prominent argument of the era was that clerics, whose ultimate allegiance was to a divine realm, should not be permitted to instruct in public schools, as they could not adequately instill a love for the earthly homeland in their students. Jean-Jacques Rousseau stands out as one of the most influential proponents of this secularized notion of patriotism.

Early Critiques and Nuances

Even amidst the rise of patriotic fervor, Enlightenment figures also voiced criticisms against what they perceived as excessive or false patriotism. Samuel Johnson, in 1774, published The Patriot, a work that scrutinized what he considered to be disingenuous displays of national loyalty. His famous declaration on April 7, 1775, "Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel," is often cited. While its precise context is debated, some scholars argue Johnson was targeting hypocritical uses of the term by political figures, rather than condemning genuine patriotism itself, which he reportedly supported in other contexts.

Patriotism in Modern Campaigns

The 20th century saw patriotism widely leveraged in public campaigns, particularly during times of war. For instance, American posters during World War I, such as those issued by the U.S. Food Administration in 1917, encouraged citizens to "Be Patriotic, Sign your Country's Pledge to Save the Food." Similarly, the iconic "I Want You for U.S. Army" recruitment poster by James Montgomery Flagg in 1917 powerfully invoked patriotic duty to enlist, demonstrating how national sentiment was mobilized for collective action.

Cultural Dimensions

Shared Identity and Heritage

Many individuals who identify as patriotic derive a sense of pride from their shared, distinctive national culture. They often perceive this common culture as a foundational element of their national identity and a crucial factor in fostering unity within the nation. This perspective frequently leads to a strong commitment to preserving traditional cultural practices, narratives, and values.

Assimilation and Political Culture

The emphasis on cultural preservation can also extend to encouraging cultural assimilation among individuals from other backgrounds, aiming to integrate them into the dominant national culture. However, more civic-oriented forms of patriotism tend to place less emphasis on ethnic or traditional culture. Instead, they prioritize a shared political culture, focusing on common civic values, democratic principles, and adherence to the state's legal and political institutions as the basis for national unity and identity.

Philosophical Inquiries

Faith and State Loyalty

Patriotism can be significantly reinforced by adherence to a national religion, whether it manifests as a civil religion or even a theocracy. This stands in direct contrast to the Enlightenment ideal of separating church and state, where patriotism and religious faith were often viewed as distinct, and at times, opposing forces. Scholars like Michael Billig and Jean Bethke Elshtain have argued that distinguishing between patriotism and faith can be challenging, often depending on the subjective perspective of the observer or the one applying the label.

Obligations to Compatriots

Christopher Heath Wellman, a professor of philosophy at Washington University in St. Louis, describes a prevalent "patriotist" viewpoint. This position posits that individuals hold robust moral obligations primarily towards their compatriots, while maintaining only minimal "good samaritan" responsibilities towards foreigners. Wellman specifically uses "patriotist" to denote loyalty to members of a territorial, political unit, distinguishing it from "nationalist," which might imply loyalty based on cultural or ethnic group affiliation.

Critiques of Patriotism

Enlightenment Skepticism

From its early conceptualization, patriotism has faced significant philosophical scrutiny. Voltaire famously asserted, "It is lamentable, that to be a good patriot one must become the enemy of the rest of mankind," highlighting the potential for patriotism to foster antagonism towards outsiders. Arthur Schopenhauer echoed this sentiment, writing that "The cheapest sort of pride is national pride; for if a man is proud of his own nation, it argues that he has no qualities of his own of which a person can be proud," suggesting that national pride can be a substitute for individual merit.

Anarchist Perspectives

Anarchist thinkers have consistently opposed patriotism, viewing it as a tool of division and oppression. Kōtoku Shūsui, a prominent Japanese anarchist, dedicated a substantial portion of his work, Imperialism, Monster of the Twentieth Century, to condemning patriotism. He argued that patriotism, by its very nature, is a "discriminating and arbitrary sentiment confined to those who belong to a single nation-state or live together within common national borders." Shūsui contended that patriotism is cultivated by militarists to dehumanize others, thereby suppressing natural human empathy and facilitating war.

Emma Goldman, another influential anarchist, articulated a powerful critique:

Indeed, conceit, arrogance, and egotism are the essentials of patriotism. Let me illustrate. Patriotism assumes that our globe is divided into little spots, each one surrounded by an iron gate. Those who have had the fortune of being born on some particular spot, consider themselves better, nobler, grander, and more intelligent than the living beings inhabiting any other spot. It is, therefore, the duty of everyone living in that chosen spot to fight, kill, and die in an attempt to impose his superiority upon all the others.

This perspective underscores the anarchist belief that patriotism inherently promotes division and conflict.

Marxist Divergences

Marxist thought presents a varied stance on patriotism. Karl Marx famously declared, "The working men have no country," asserting that national differences would rapidly diminish under the supremacy of the proletariat. This view is upheld by contemporary Trotskyists, such as Alan Woods, who advocate for the abolition of all national frontiers and the establishment of a socialist world commonwealth. Conversely, Marxist-Leninists and Maoists have historically supported "socialist patriotism," often rooted in the theory of "socialism in one country," which prioritizes loyalty to the socialist state.

Historical Construction

Historian Eric Hobsbawm challenged primordial arguments that suggest national patriotism is an inherent or ancient human sentiment. He posited that, for the majority of human history, such a concept was "so remote from the real experience of most human beings." Hobsbawm's work suggests that national patriotism is largely a modern construct, developed and propagated through specific historical processes rather than being an innate human characteristic.

Measuring National Sentiment

Correlates of War and Global Trends

Various surveys and research projects have endeavored to quantify patriotism and understand its societal implications. The Correlates of War project, for instance, has identified a correlation between a nation's propensity for war and its levels of patriotism. Historical data from this project indicates that patriotism in Germany, prior to World War I, was notably high. Since 1981, the World Values Survey has consistently polled for national values and beliefs, including the question, "Are you proud to be [insert nationality]?" Responses, typically on a scale from 1 (not proud) to 4 (very proud), allow for comparative analysis across nations and demographic groups, such as high and low-income citizens.

European Perspectives on Pride

In the European Union, the concept of patriotism has been debated, with thinkers like Jürgen Habermas advocating for a "Euro-patriotism" that transcends national borders. However, patriotism in Europe is more commonly directed towards individual nation-states and often aligns with "Euroscepticism," reflecting a preference for national sovereignty over broader European integration. Recent surveys illustrate varying levels of national pride: a 2020 Pew Research Center survey found that 53% of participants in Germany expressed pride in their country, the highest among the surveyed nations, compared to 45% in France, 41% in the United Kingdom, and 39% in the United States.

Shifting Sentiments in the U.S.

In the United States, recent data suggests a notable shift in national pride. A 2022 Gallup poll revealed that the percentage of U.S. adults who reported being "extremely proud" to be an American reached an all-time low. This trend indicates a complex and evolving relationship between citizens and their national identity, influenced by a myriad of socio-political and economic factors.

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Patriotism Unveiled

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining Patriotism ℹ️

❤️ Love for One's Nation

↔️ Patriotism vs. Nationalism

🚨 The Perils of Excess

Historical Trajectories 📜

🏛️ Ancient Roots of Civic Virtue

💡 Enlightenment Perspectives

🗣️ Early Critiques and Nuances

📰 Patriotism in Modern Campaigns

Cultural Dimensions 🎭

🤝 Shared Identity and Heritage

🏛️ Assimilation and Political Culture

Philosophical Inquiries 🤔

⛪ Faith and State Loyalty

⚖️ Obligations to Compatriots

Critiques of Patriotism 🚫

💬 Enlightenment Skepticism

✊ Anarchist Perspectives

🛠️ Marxist Divergences

🕰️ Historical Construction

Measuring National Sentiment 📊

📈 Correlates of War and Global Trends

🌐 European Perspectives on Pride

📉 Shifting Sentiments in the U.S.

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining Patriotism

Love for One's Nation

Patriotism vs. Nationalism

The Perils of Excess

Historical Trajectories

Ancient Roots of Civic Virtue

Enlightenment Perspectives

Early Critiques and Nuances

Patriotism in Modern Campaigns

Cultural Dimensions

Shared Identity and Heritage

Assimilation and Political Culture

Philosophical Inquiries

Faith and State Loyalty

Obligations to Compatriots

Critiques of Patriotism

Enlightenment Skepticism

Anarchist Perspectives

Marxist Divergences

Historical Construction

Measuring National Sentiment

Correlates of War and Global Trends

European Perspectives on Pride

Shifting Sentiments in the U.S.

Teacher's Corner

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References

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Disclaimer

Important Notice