What Does Patriotism Mean

Patriotism, to me, simply means love for one's country - a supportive, respectful love that is big enough, and secure enough, to also question, challenge, and face the shadows of the past or present, without fear of rupturing that deeper connection. If your love for country, like your love for a person, is based mostly on ideals and images, it is unstable and therefore needs to be rigidly defended. It may be loyal, but it isn't wise. For me, healthy patriotism is somewhat like the healthy, intimate love one has for one's husband or wife: you have a strong commitment to their well-being, and you have an intimate knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses that grows out of relationship rather than ideals or wishful thinking. In our present