by Pa Rock
Citizen Journalist
Yesterday I came across a quote on the internet in which the author, Tom Nichols writing in The Atlantic in an article entitled "Reclaiming Real American Patriotism," described patriotism as once being a "joyful love of country," then as he expanded the topic to include nationalism, Mr. Nichols dropped this gem of wisdom on the differences between patriotism and nationalism:
"Patriotism, unlike its ugly half brother, nationalism, is rooted in optimism an confidence; nationalism is a sour inferiority complex, a sullen attachment to blood-and-soil fantasies that is always looking abroad with insecurity and even hatred."
That certainly fit with my already established view of nationalists being a dour and mean-spirited group of people, and my belief that being supportive of things like making sure people were fed, clothed, housed, educated, provided with medical treatment, and treated with basic dignity in no way made me or anyone else less patriotic than people who opposed such measures.
Further reading brought forth other distinctions: Patriotism was defined in terms of national loyalty and the love and support of one's country, but while nationalism sounded similar, it was usually described in a more aggressive and excessive sense. Nationalism is patriotism but with a fascist bent. It deliberately excludes and diminishes people who don't fit with the way nationalists see themselves, and it folds in nicely some of the malignancies that have tried to cling to American society since the nation was formed - things like racism, classism, homophobia, and a general intolerance of anyone who is seen and regarded as different.
It's really a simple distinction. Patriots recognize the nation in all of its diversity and work for the betterment of the whole, and Nationalists see the nation in terms of those who look and act like themselves and regard everyone else as a threat.
And when religion is added to the mix, it gets worse.
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