Comments on: Friday book review: Reclaiming Patriotism

By: Rena Zurawel

Rena Zurawel — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:28:08 +0000

We are all tribal. And we are territorial. Then we get this sense of belonging to a particular tribe and territory. Then we develop theories, ideas, life style and the value system; we fell strongly about how to protect our tribe and our territory from other tribes. We call it patriotism and sometimes the term is too broad so we have to narrow it to a nationalism.
It all works very well, until… we desperately need a new pool of genes.
When I was in London, a friend of mine, an English gentleman proper, told me that the Brits were lucky (and clever) to let Indians from the British Empire in. This fresh blood helped to jazz up Angelcynn and had a miraculous effect on the beauty of English wenches.

By: jocelynne scutt

jocelynne scutt — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:05:57 +0000

Patriotism is not simply ‘not enough’ (as she said) - it is too much! Far too much. Agree with Rundle et al that surely we need to get beyond patriotism - which is a scourge - onto thinking generously in positive human and humane terms - extended to all. What difference does it or should it make from which country a person comes, at least in the terms patriotism qualifies it? Patriotism has been at the back of war and warmongering, jigoism and attendant ills for too long and has no cause for a resurgence. Disturbingly, it appears that some of those who consider themselves ‘left’ in the USA are a part of the notion that it is time for a revival of patriotism, the flag and attendant paraphenalia. Goddess! Not what is needed at all.

By: RV

RV — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:42:23 +0000

Yes, “love of place” etc. should be embraced. But that doesn’t mean patriotism, nationalism - those words are forever tainted.

By: mike bazan

mike bazan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:59:47 +0000

Rundle hits the nail on the head again. To me patriotism is a sense of being part of the country without trying to shove it down other people’s throat. I could not imagine being australian without speedos & chisel & vegemite & the afternoon sea-breeze on a hot beach, and people who think that’s naive “sentimental mush” just don’t get it.

By: Gavin Moodie

Gavin Moodie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:10:15 +0000

I prefer no patriotism, since all forms are used by warmongers to alternately incite and shame people into joining the military to kill people overseas.