posted on December 1, 2005 08:08:17 AM new
Just curious to see if people know of a difference between Patriotism and Nationalism?
History is full of examples of tragic consequences from blind Nationalism, yet it seems to me that we still have a problem with it in this country, except under the term Patriotism. It could be said that without this blind Patriotism, we wouldn't be in this war.
It also seems to me that blind Patriotism is dangerous for a Democracy since it tends to discourage discussion and criticism of policy.
I think if someone truly loves the ideas this country was founded on, they should be the first to speak out when it starts to steer off course, yet they are the first to be labeled as critics, traitors or worse.
posted on December 1, 2005 09:51:26 AM new
There's a very fine line between them and it's easy to split hairs over it.
Basically, they're the same thing. Nationalism is more political or theoretical, while Patriotism is more more emotion-based. Same ultimate effect, different causes.
Neither is a bad thing in itself, only in excess can it be bad, just like about anthing else.
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Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum sonatur.
posted on December 1, 2005 09:52:45 AM new
Nationalism and Fascism are not the same thing. Every country goes through a period of Nationalism or they never develop a culture of their own. Fascism is only one particulr style of nationalism, much like democracy or communism are.
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Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum sonatur.
