A Night Unremembered
13 years ago
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Where Was I?
Oh yeah... patriotism. I was going to try to define it as I understand it.
The dictionary says:
"love that people feel for their country."
That's about as simple as can be. But we aren't born with it, not in this country, we come to feel it over time. Some of us apparently never do get that feeling.
Myself, I never understood why African-Americans volunteered to serve in WWI and WWII. But they did... in great numbers. Only to serve in mostly support duties and under white officers but many fought and died or were wounded during those wars.
Did they think that serving would prove they be treated equally? I think many knew it wouldn't matter in the long run but they volunteered anyway.
That, to me, is the true definition of patriotism. Put another way...
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." Even if those "friends" aren't truly friends but a country. And you don't actually have to die for your country, just be willing to.
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3 comments:
Interesting, insightful point of view. But aren't we all born with a natural affinity for our own kind -- our own family, our own town, our own heritage, and ultimately our own country? But I agree, true patriotism probably has to be encouraged, supported and nurtured. But then again, while patriotism is a good thing, it can easily devolve into nationalism, chauvinism, jingoism and exceptionalism -- all of which just get people into trouble.
Last point first: Yes, patriotism can be a two-edged sword... what you didn't mention was that it can stir revolution.
I really think we are born with that natural affinity but, in this country, it is both encouraged and suppressed. Which is why I didn't feel it in myself until about the middle of my tour of duty.
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