what does patriotism mean to you?

[Akshay]

I just think that majority of 'definitions' tend to be unidimensional.

I agree with that. Definitions change with perceptions, as you pointed out in another previous post.

[Akshay]

Philanthropy, Enlightenment, Voluntary-Service, noble themselves though they are, should not be confused with patriotism.

this is what i dont get ... what is the use of patriotism if it is does not imply any one of those things?

I think use of patriotism is a different topic from patriotism itself.

It is upto every patriot to do something or nothing about his identity, just as it is upto every living being to do something or nothing with its life. For me personally the identity is a strength.

However abstract, fuzzy, brain washed or artificial the identity may be, it provides a framework and a sense of belonging for humans. This is the reason communities resist the radical cultural and historical takeovers, they loose their identity once such happens; at least until the later generations identify themselves with the replacement and their patriotism alligns with the new reality.

So, at least one use of patriotism is to retain the identity and reduce radical transitions. This leads to a smoother transitions in human/cultural/national evolution and avoids the risk associated with radical transitions.

how is it different from the warm fuzzy feeling you get when the team your'e rooting for wins?it seems to be the same thing ... and therefore as useless ..

The fuzzy feeling is because of identification/patriotism, but not a useless one. It reinforces the bonds. It is the same feeling a parent gets when its progeny succeeds, or when one's efforts succeed. All these feelings are because one cares for things one identifies with. The feeling itself might be materially useless instantly, but the reason for the feeling itself is a strength not to be underestimated for well being of both the unit and the unity.

[OsmaniaBiskit]

OsmaniaBiskit wrote - [b]

I think everyone has it easy as all definitions are so abstract or 'fantastic' and do not ask you to make any sacrifices or [b] just act responsibly on daily basis.

May be patriotism should be defined by very specific actions -
Feed 10 hungry kids a day.
Teach 10 illiterate people to read/write each evening.
Join Homeguards and help traffic police maintain traffic or stop some moron from honking near a hospital.
etc.,

HP wrote -

OsmaniaBiskit..A true patriot may not do the things that you've mentioned. But he will do several other things and not do many others because of his love for the country. Why limit the scope of patriotism to just a few parameters.

For example, every true patriot will...

1. Pay all taxes - You probably would feel that this does not denote patriotism on one's part....but then, it does.
2. Help anyone in need in sudden situations. Like a road accident victim, or an old-aged person, or as someone posted a thread recently, a rag-picker who was being heckled by someone.
3. Fight against corruption.
4. Maintain regulations while driving.
5. Keep his sorroundings clean.
6. Save fuel, electricity, water.
7. Prevent the incidence of corrupting socio-political elements wherever he can control them.
8. Vote responsibly.

All these may seem to be very small things, but they go a long way in establishing a great nation.

Reado - comprehendo - Nice conspiracy theory about DQ though

[HH]

True Patriot ...

Visit:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images ... 55&s=books

[CtrlAltDel]

....Nice conspiracy theory about DQ though

:lol: i think u dont know it yet...but DQ's the baap of all conspiracy theorists...every sneeze and cough is traced back to Israel and Modi...

[HH]

Paco the Patriotic Parrot - Standing In Front of Her Trophies ... Has Sung The Canadian Anthem On Television!

Visit:
http://www3.sympatico.ca/beddy/Patriot.jpg