In a January 2019 speech to his country’s diplomatic corps, German El Comandante Frank-Walter Steinmeier put this view in stark terms: “Nationalism,” he said, “is an ideological poison.”
Now, for practical purposes, let us assume the Nationalism is another word for Patriotism, which is generally defined as ‘Love towards one’s own country’ and let us unknot the Early modern European Exclusivist tones to the Nationalism.
Nationalism, like Joy, Sadness or Anger is an Emotion, though the said three are biological whereas ‘Nationalism’ is a Socio-Cultural one.
It is to be remembered that every emotion has an evolutionary purpose- For instance, Fear or Anger during a fight increases the pumping of blood and thence strengthens the body either to face or flee from the threat- Fight/Flight
Similarly, humans, apart from being biological beings, are also Socio-politico-cultural beings, who gradually evolved to build ties with fellow humans based on various factors like immediate family, same god or geography; and these groups might name themselves as Clans, Tribes. Religions, Kingdoms of Nations.
The feeling of oneness amongst the members with a shared identity of these groups provides them with an emotional incentive to work more for the betterment of their group.
This special ability, to build ties and relations with unknown humans through shared identity, allowed us to become Master of this Planet and ‘Toppers’ in our Food chain.
Speaking as such, being a Nationalist/Patriot, individuals would not just work, but with love and special enthusiasm, for the betterment of the country and not necessarily for the detrimental to others. [ at least, in the postmodern era]
Now as a Patriot, they share a bond with their fellow countrymen though that does not dilute the fact that they are Humans first.
They’d have a special respect for their country but that does not mean they disrespect or demean another country.
They believe their country is as good as any other country.
Now some might like to argue that if you love one country, you have to hate the remaining, but this argument is devoid of logic. Not everything in the world is black-and-white.
Having said that, it would be pragmatic to understand that any nation is far from perfect and if any of the fellow countrymen begin to brandish tones of Superiority, self rationality should kick in to counter their narratives.
So, I think, being a Pragmatic Patriot/Nationalist is good when we look at a bigger picture.
Now, for practical purposes, let us assume the Nationalism is another word for Patriotism, which is generally defined as ‘Love towards one’s own country’ and let us unknot the Early modern European Exclusivist tones to the Nationalism.
Nationalism, like Joy, Sadness or Anger is an Emotion, though the said three are biological whereas ‘Nationalism’ is a Socio-Cultural one.
It is to be remembered that every emotion has an evolutionary purpose- For instance, Fear or Anger during a fight increases the pumping of blood and thence strengthens the body either to face or flee from the threat- Fight/Flight
Similarly, humans, apart from being biological beings, are also Socio-politico-cultural beings, who gradually evolved to build ties with fellow humans based on various factors like immediate family, same god or geography; and these groups might name themselves as Clans, Tribes. Religions, Kingdoms of Nations.
The feeling of oneness amongst the members with a shared identity of these groups provides them with an emotional incentive to work more for the betterment of their group.
This special ability, to build ties and relations with unknown humans through shared identity, allowed us to become Master of this Planet and ‘Toppers’ in our Food chain.
Speaking as such, being a Nationalist/Patriot, individuals would not just work, but with love and special enthusiasm, for the betterment of the country and not necessarily for the detrimental to others. [ at least, in the postmodern era]
Now as a Patriot, they share a bond with their fellow countrymen though that does not dilute the fact that they are Humans first.
They’d have a special respect for their country but that does not mean they disrespect or demean another country.
They believe their country is as good as any other country.
Now some might like to argue that if you love one country, you have to hate the remaining, but this argument is devoid of logic. Not everything in the world is black-and-white.
Having said that, it would be pragmatic to understand that any nation is far from perfect and if any of the fellow countrymen begin to brandish tones of Superiority, self rationality should kick in to counter their narratives.
So, I think, being a Pragmatic Patriot/Nationalist is good when we look at a bigger picture.
