Patriotism according to Merriam Webster is defined as "devotion or love for one's country." I believe this definition does not capture the true essence of the meaning of patriotism. This definition would be outstanding, if there were no other conditions factored in this complex equation, but it seems that patriotism is a double edge sword. So often more a persons loves their country, the more they hate every one who is not of their country. In other words they tend to become close-minded toward other cultures. A prime example is the tragic incident on September 11; it provoked patriotism worldwide. It was not only Americans rising out of the shadows to lend a helping hand to his brother, but other nations showing support. Patriotism also has an ugly side. Through the attack patriotism rose through out the extreme Muslim community supporting the terrorism attacks on the Untied states declaring that Americans deserved what had happen. Through patriotism many people had contempt for any American with Middle East heritage, no matter how strong their patriotism to the states was.. The only difference between on form of patriotism and the other is a matter of degree. So how do we determine what side of the sword it is? We can't, because patriotism is a point of view. The more extreme it is, the worst its gets and that when it become an us or them scenario. Being a proud American believing in the good of the society is one thing, but being willing to kill others to further the goals of my country is another. Not all patriotism that because a bloody is bad; many civil revolutions all over the world have sacrifice for the promotion of equality and the rights and continue to so to this day. This further muddies the waters; patriotism is not cut-anddry as Webster makes it.
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