Patriotism

March 17, 2010 · Posted in Tao 97 views

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The Daodejing has some things to say about what happens when a nation strays from the natural flow of the Tao:

When Tao is forgotten, piety and righteousness are empowered.
When a nation falls into confusion, there is a call for loyalty to officials and patriotism.

I know that, at least where I’m from, patriotism has always been considered an essential trait. As children we learn such things as the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem to inspire pride and commitment to our nation. Isn’t it however, a bit paradoxical if not outright hypocritical to promote the idea of patriotism while at the same time teach that discrimination is bad?

Patriotism represents defending and promoting a social and political viewpoint. How many people have been asked to die in other countries in the name of their patriotic duty? How many have been killed by the patriots of another country? Patriotism focuses on differences and compels people to push away those who do not adhere to a specific set of values or beliefs.

We’ve made great advances in technology, and we like to think of ourselves as socially advanced as well. Yet we continue to indoctrinate our people to the point where millions still accept war as a viable solution and think people who are unlike themselves are enemies because of it.

Countries can exist and maintain awareness of their cultural heritages without the need to exclude “outsiders” or training generations with oaths of allegiance and loyalty. Many cultures change, even the most patriotic ones. Consider an American patriot right now. Which “American” way of life are you protecting? The one from 2010, or maybe the one from 1970? Perhaps a true patriot should protect the ways of the founding United States era. Of course, that would mean less rights for women and no laws against slavery.

What is a patriot? Someone who’s afraid of what’s going to happen next. Someone who’s afraid of change. When a nation lets go of fear, it can take pride in itself without the need of patriots.

Tags: discrimination, hypocricy, patriot, patriotism