Patriotism

I am trying to make sense of a rather interesting note I read somewhere on the net which seemed to be arguing the case for Brexit- basically opposed to the “remain” campaign. It said that Patriotism is not felt by the cosmopolites, who are nothing but rootless mercenaries, itinerant participants in an international money manipulating racket- defined by nameless cubicles, microsoft lync, virtual meetings, airport lounges, espresso, white bubbly, mixed nuts and long hours away from family members. Entities such as these are unable to “bellyfeel” the love of England’s green and pleasant land—or something of the sort. I can relate to this portrayal, it does in bits and pieces remind me of myself. I do think , though, that patriotism is not a natural feeling. It is a complicated ideology and whether it is truly a virtue can be open to debate. It is good in so far as it makes one actually action things for the betterment of one’s country out of one’s own volition-altruism is generally welcome even it comes in the garb of a bittersweet pill that is patriotism. But I have the following questions surrounding the idea of Patriotism- I am not an unbeliever , just a bit torn , as I do find the idea of giving back to one’s country quite worthwhile.

1) It is MY country so I should love it- I have been born there but it was not by my own choice. Well, my country made me what I am today- gave me a childhood and an education so I that I now live the cosmopolitan sophisticate dream- but this would suggest that people who didn’t make it as good- lost out in comparison and thus should not be patriotic. But the guy above said that people like me cannot bellyfeel this virtue. The guys that can bellyfeel this virtue, curiously are the same ones who’s bellies are not all that full with food as they could be. 

2)The Parent argument- I’ve seen this bandied about a lot. Your parents are your parents and thou shalt love your parents even if you do not approve of them in some ways, it is no different when it comes to your country—but your parents brought you in this world- usually intentionally, and then raised you. It was just done in one particular land versus another. The land in which they raised you may have an oblique consideration for some form of credit but to expect patriotism in return of some physical and emotional real estate is a bit much I think. 

3) Patriotism Assymetry- Clearly, when your country has got it all together, it is infinitely easier to be patriotic. Americans, Japs, Germans and Englishmen can all wear a smug smile of patriotism while on their deathbeds- rather easy to do. How do you intend for a Sudanese to be equally patriotic then? fuck off, I say.

4) Our forefathers fought for Independence-  A fight for independence is often mistaken for having something to do with patriotism. I would argue it is more to do with being manipulated, oppressed and humiliated into some form of reactive rebellion. And the theme has to have a label which makes it easy to describe such rebellion- it could relate to a country, a faith, a district, an economic situation or whatever. The Idea of my country was concocted in order to develop a consistent label which could help in gathering some momentum for a structured rebellion- something that cut across differences in language, culture and any intellectual predispositions or lack thereof.

 5)It is necessary to keep it all together- how do we send soldiers to kill and get killed if they are not patriotic, for example? The real problem here is patriotism- this is an area where patriotism ceases to be a virtue. You need soldiers to defend yourself from some “other" folks who might invade you and kill you. They, in turn, will also have soldiers that will do this who are also equally patriotic towards their own countries. IF nobody were patriotic then the entire killing infrastructure might actually collapse. All the patriots then would just be defined by their creativity in helping the downtrodden, and, perhaps, by their charity. Surely, that’s no bad thing

High five if you have also asked yourself these questions , even if done in private.