Patriotism is not "cool". That's the message driven into the minds of our youths today.
I recently met a teacher who complained that her upper secondary students did not know the meaning of "patriotism". It seems as if it is an outdated belief, applicable only in the horrors of the World Wars, or the revolutions of the Cold War. Afterall, all those who love their country are brain-washed, government stooges, right?
However, that is a misinterpretation. Patriotism is not love for the government, but rather, love for the nation. Currently, it is widely believed that it is cool to oppose authority. Think DX in WWE, or Prison Break. Those who value the individual's rights over the country are deep thinkers, and usually right. Please take a step back and think about it -- not all patriots work for the government. Think Nelson Mandela -- he suffered as a convict because he believed hs country could be cured of racism!
Another important think to note is that we must have a reason to love the nation. In other words, this love is conditional. It is not uncommon to hear statements such as "I love Singapore because it is a safe country", "Australia is the best place due to it's cool weather" and "I ashamed to be French as they did not win the World Cup". Whatever happened to unconditional love? Everyone seems to expect something in order to love it. As Zubir Said, the man behind Singapore's National Anthem, once said (ignore the pun), "We should uphold the land we live on."
What I am saying here, is that each of us should be responsible to the country. Although it may look as if it is limiting patriotism to a single, untangible principle, we have to recognise it for what it is -- an ideal. Those who believe in it are not brain-washed stooges, but instead mature, and convicted individuals.
The 198
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