Do you consider yourself a patriot? [DISCUSSION]
This is where I find it helpful to distinguish carefully between Nationalism and Patriotism. Patriotism is love of one’s country. It’s being able to look at our country, flaws and all, and say, “I’m really glad to be an American.”
Or, as author James Baldwin put it, “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” — James Baldwin
Nationalism is different. Nationalism says not, “I love my country,” but “My country is better than every other country.” It elevates love of people to a place where the people or nation can’t be criticizes. My nation is perfect, so any criticism can’t come from a place of love, but hate.
That’s an idol, plain and simple.
