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Originally Posted by DigitalShadow
What does the word Patriotic mean to you?
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Patriotism is love and loyalty toward one's country.
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Do you consider yourself patriotic? If so, in what way?
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Yes and no. Yes because I am an American servicemember who has sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution of the US. I have no reservations whatsoever about dying for my country and its citizens.
No because, while I love America and its citizens, I can't help but feel that patriotism is just a hop and a skip away from nationalism, which takes love and loyalty to the next level: pride. I'm not proud to be an American. I am grateful that I was born into a free American society, but I see no reason to take pride in it. Nations are just social constructs meant to divide the people of the world. Americans are not, by nature, any better than Brits, Africans, or Mexicans. We are all represented by different flags, but we are united in our humanity. I am proud to be a human being.
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Is patriotism always a good thing? Why or why not?
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I already partially covered this one. Patriotism is good because it can unite societies that are facing tough times, the way that America was united after 9/11. It can potentially be bad if it is taken too far to the point that an us vs them mentality arises. Our country may be better than others, but we as citizens of that country are no better or worse than citizens of other countries.
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Can someone be patriotic but still criticize aspects of their government? Why or why not?
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I believe that criticism is the truest form of patriotism. After all, how can you say that you love your country if you're not willing to speak up when you see something wrong with it?