Difference between Patriotism and Nationalism: Patriotism vs Nationalism
The Difference Between patriotism and nationalism is that the patriot is proud of his country for what it does , and the nationalist
is proud of his country no matter what it does ; the first attitude
creates a feeling of responsibility while the second a feeling of blind
arrogance that leads to a war.
These two words Patriotism and Nationalism have been bandied around
both by the government, the media and the people at large for some time
now. Add to that another word that may be related in some way and that
is 'intolerance'. In fact perhaps it is the word intolerance that has
incited the other two words. And this is in spite of articles on the BJP
website which claim 'Hindu society has an unquestionable and proud
history of tolerance for other faiths and respect for diversity of
spiritual experiences.'
"Nationalism Definition.
The strong belief that the interests of a particular nation-state are
of primary importance. Also, the belief that a people who share a common
language, history, and culture should constitute an independent nation,
free of foreign domination." This was nationalism definition actually you can say or write anywhere. However there are many more words to say those lines.
Three words that were not common in our vocabulary for 68 years
after independence have become common in everyday parlance in almost
every discussion on the 'state of the nation' discussion. You almost
stumble over the words thinking they may mean much the same thing.
For example when Aamir Khan spoke about intolerance six months ago in
a public forum he was dubbed unpatriotic. And he was severely
reprimanded by the Government in public, the first telling sign of which
was to remove him unceremoniously as an ambassador for 'Incredible
India'. But when Kanhaiya Kumar was released from judicial custody the
judge used the words anti-national.
“The time is ripe that while giving some concession to the
petitioner on monetary aspect for purpose of furnishing the bond, he can
be required to furnish an undertaking to the effect that he will not
participate actively or passively in any activity which may be termed as
anti-national. Apart from that, as president of JNU Students Union, he will make all efforts within his power to control anti-national activities in the campus. …”
And it is not only in India that these words are becoming important.
In the race for the next President in the US, whenever people refer to
Donald Trump people use the words 'new American nationalism'. Meaning
that the old American nationalism is over. Or perhaps the much touted
American Dream is now under threat, and a new American nationalism is
required to save the American Dream. It is no wonder that Donald
Trump's campaign line is ' Make America Great Again'. Suggesting it is
not great anymore.
Difference between Patriotism and Nationalism
What if any are the difference between these two words patriotism and
nationalism ? Are they being used almost interchangeably? Do they
mean different things?
If one looks at the dictionary meaning of the two words the meanings are as follows:
Patriotism means devotion to one's own country and concern for its defence
Nationalism is devotion, especially excessive or undiscriminating
devotion to the interests or culture of a particular nation-state.
Nationalism and patriotism both show the relationship of a citizen
towards his or her nation. The two are often confused and frequently
believed to mean the same thing. However, there is a vast difference
between nationalism and patriotism.
Nationalism means to give more importance to unity by way of a cultural background, including language and heritage.
This is understandable given the cultural leanings of the current
Indian government. Again an article on the BJP website actually says
'Hindus are at last free.' Suggesting that they have been imprisoned for
the last 68 years after independence. The cultural inflection comes
from thoughts like these about Hinduism that are expressed in public
forums.
Patriotism pertains to the love for a nation, with more emphasis on values and beliefs.
In his Notes on Nationalism George Orwell says 'By "patriotism" I mean
devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one
believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other
people. Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and
culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseperable from the
desire for power. The abiding purpose of every nationalist is to secure
more power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or
other unit in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality.'
is proud of his country no matter what it does ; the first attitude
creates a feeling of responsibility while the second a feeling of blind
arrogance that leads to a war.
These two words Patriotism and Nationalism have been bandied around
both by the government, the media and the people at large for some time
now. Add to that another word that may be related in some way and that
is 'intolerance'. In fact perhaps it is the word intolerance that has
incited the other two words. And this is in spite of articles on the BJP
website which claim 'Hindu society has an unquestionable and proud
history of tolerance for other faiths and respect for diversity of
spiritual experiences.'
What is the meaning of nationalism?
"Nationalism Definition.
The strong belief that the interests of a particular nation-state are
of primary importance. Also, the belief that a people who share a common
language, history, and culture should constitute an independent nation,
free of foreign domination." This was nationalism definition actually you can say or write anywhere. However there are many more words to say those lines.
Three words that were not common in our vocabulary for 68 years
after independence have become common in everyday parlance in almost
every discussion on the 'state of the nation' discussion. You almost
stumble over the words thinking they may mean much the same thing.
For example when Aamir Khan spoke about intolerance six months ago in
a public forum he was dubbed unpatriotic. And he was severely
reprimanded by the Government in public, the first telling sign of which
was to remove him unceremoniously as an ambassador for 'Incredible
India'. But when Kanhaiya Kumar was released from judicial custody the
judge used the words anti-national.
“The time is ripe that while giving some concession to the
petitioner on monetary aspect for purpose of furnishing the bond, he can
be required to furnish an undertaking to the effect that he will not
participate actively or passively in any activity which may be termed as
anti-national. Apart from that, as president of JNU Students Union, he will make all efforts within his power to control anti-national activities in the campus. …”
And it is not only in India that these words are becoming important.
In the race for the next President in the US, whenever people refer to
Donald Trump people use the words 'new American nationalism'. Meaning
that the old American nationalism is over. Or perhaps the much touted
American Dream is now under threat, and a new American nationalism is
required to save the American Dream. It is no wonder that Donald
Trump's campaign line is ' Make America Great Again'. Suggesting it is
not great anymore.
Difference between Patriotism and Nationalism
What if any are the difference between these two words patriotism and
nationalism ? Are they being used almost interchangeably? Do they
mean different things?
If one looks at the dictionary meaning of the two words the meanings are as follows:
Patriotism means devotion to one's own country and concern for its defence
Nationalism is devotion, especially excessive or undiscriminating
devotion to the interests or culture of a particular nation-state.
Nationalism and patriotism both show the relationship of a citizen
towards his or her nation. The two are often confused and frequently
believed to mean the same thing. However, there is a vast difference
between nationalism and patriotism.
Nationalism means to give more importance to unity by way of a cultural background, including language and heritage.
This is understandable given the cultural leanings of the current
Indian government. Again an article on the BJP website actually says
'Hindus are at last free.' Suggesting that they have been imprisoned for
the last 68 years after independence. The cultural inflection comes
from thoughts like these about Hinduism that are expressed in public
forums.
Patriotism pertains to the love for a nation, with more emphasis on values and beliefs.
In his Notes on Nationalism George Orwell says 'By "patriotism" I mean
devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one
believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other
people. Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and
culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseperable from the
desire for power. The abiding purpose of every nationalist is to secure
more power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or
other unit in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality.'
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