NATIONALISM VS PATRIOTISM, ANOTHER MEANS OF SIMPLIFYING ONE'S LIFE
Do not confuse nationalism with patriotism. Nationalism is a political concept and applies to governments and the political system. As such, it is in the same categorization as communism, capitalism, liberalism, etc. A person cannot show their nationalism or socialism. To be nationalistic is a different matter and is no different than being racist or a chauvinist.
Patriotism, on the other hand, means commitment to the ideals, beliefs, emotions and aims regarding the interests of your country as specified by the founders, the politicians who followed, the educational system which indoctrinated the youth and the propaganda machine which promulgated the adherence of the citizens so that they will be willing to sacrifice themselves, their families and property for the published “good of the state” sometimes meaning, the good of an elite, the good of politicians, the good of certain organizations……so that they can have a real or symbolic place at a special cemetery, having fulfilled their missions.
The best you can do to show your nationalism as a student is to wave the flag of your country at any opportunity, learn the names of all high level government officials and make obeisance to them in public.
Showing patriotism requires that you enlist in the military or a militia, or a vigilante group and that you argue vehemently and sometimes violently at every occasion that your country and your way of life is the best of all possible ones, past, present and future, or you may prefer a clandestine organization with similar activities.
PS. These are not class notes and were never disclosed in any college course.
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