Is there any difference between nationalism and patriotism?

Is there any difference between nationalism and patriotism?
Apr 3, 2009 03:26
guest2622	Reading Sunnydream's thread "What is patriotism?", I noticed Marrie's post "There is a difference between patriotism and nationalism. The latter is more like racialism and is always utilized for dark purpose under the name of patriotism." Then I was trying to figure out the difference but didn't get a satisfying answer. Thus, I'd like to heare your opinions about nationalism and patriotism. Do you think there is difference between them?

Apr 3, 2009 03:26

guest2622

Reading Sunnydream's thread "What is patriotism?", I noticed Marrie's post "There is a difference between patriotism and nationalism. The latter is more like racialism and is always utilized for dark purpose under the name of patriotism." Then I was trying to figure out the difference but didn't get a satisfying answer.

Thus, I'd like to heare your opinions about nationalism and patriotism. Do you think there is difference between them?

Apr 3, 2009 07:41

APAULT
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Join Date: Mar 11, 2006
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I consider patriotism to be enthusiasm for one's country, but nationalism goes further and is a basis of a political philosophy or agenda. Nationalism need not be racial or used for dark purposes, but the word has been used so often in this context it is no longer a neutral word. Thus we end up with two meanings for nationalism, the cire meaning which I suggested, and a more evocative or subjective meaning.

This is a common feature of 'living languages': we get into lots of problems because we use words in a way that was originally not correct rather than creating a new word or phrase.

Apr 5, 2009 20:29	#2
SHESGOTTOBE Points: Join Date: Nov 23, 2007 Status: Offline	My 5 cents: Patriotism – love for one’s country. It is natural to love a country where you were born and raised, same thing like loving your hometown. This is like loving your parents because, well… they gave birth to you and raised you. Nationalism – blind allegiance to your country and the belief that your leaders can do no wrong, almost like deities that cannot be criticized lest you be punished, extremist belief that your country is the best in everything, that the citizens of your country are superior and the best, therefore other countries are ‘small’, insignificant, inferior second-class citizens and do not matter, therefore deserve to be scorned. This is very dangerous and I can probably bet that every country has at least one nationalist. There is a saying that 'Too much of anything is dangerous'.
SHESGOTTOBE Points: Join Date: Nov 23, 2007 Status: Offline	Last edited by SHESGOTTOBE: Apr 5, 2009 20:35

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