Why Patriotism is Hindering a Truly United Humanity

Red
Jan 8, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Oct 1, 2024

Patriotism and national traditions often serve to celebrate the past, but we believe that this can slow societal progress. We envision a world that goes beyond traditional notions of national identity. While we acknowledge the importance of historical awareness, we propose a paradigm shift that challenges blind loyalty and promotes global citizenship. This article explores the flaws of patriotism and calls for a re-evaluation of our values so that we can construct a Utopian society. Instead of glorifying the past, we should view it with shame and use it as a reminder that we need to become better.

History

Before we proceed any further, it is crucial to remind ourselves of the importance of our past. Our goal with this article is not to undermine the value of our history as a species, but rather to encourage a fresh perspective on how we approach it. Studying history is of utmost importance, and it is something that we should consistently strive to do. As the famous adage goes, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." [1] We must learn from our collective history to avoid falling into the same mistakes and pitfalls of the past.

In many ways, we have unfortunately forgotten the lessons of the past. When we examine history and compare it to the present, we can see patterns of human error that have persisted over time. One example of this is the rise of fascist ideologies across the world. Many have questioned how the Nazis were allowed to come to power in the early 20th century, but we are currently witnessing similar movements gaining momentum globally.

This one example is a good display of how our education systems have failed us. And how after 100 years, we are once again seeing people fall for right-wing, and macerated fascist propaganda all over again. This calls for a transformative approach to historical education, and education in general. We need interactive curriculums that go beyond memorization, fostering a nuanced understanding of history. By contextualizing events and encouraging critical thinking, we must create a populace well-equipped to shape a future untethered by the mistakes of the past.

Patriotism's nature is conservative

One of the best examples of how education has failed is patriotism [2]. Patriotism, in simple terms, refers to an unconditional love for one's country or state. However, the issue lies in the unconditional part of it. Because it is difficult to understand how someone can maintain a sense of patriotism given the terrible histories of many countries.

Upon delving into the history of most, if not all, countries around the world, it becomes evident that they have been built upon systems deeply rooted in sexism, racism, and discrimination in general, particularly the colonial powers. Most countries have been responsible for terrible events both within their borders and across the globe, causing harm to their citizens as well as those of other nations. Unfortunately, even in the present day, we come across incidents that can make us feel ashamed of our country.

Patriots are people who take pride in their country and celebrate its past achievements. They view their nation's history as a time of glory and greatness. However, patriots also tend to desire to preserve their country's greatness, which can be seen as a conservative trait. This conservative nature of patriotism can hinder humanity's progress toward unity as a species. Patriotism promotes sectionalism and the division of nations and their people, which is contradictory to the idea of progress.

Therefore, patriotism becomes a common form of conservatism, often present in those who consider themselves progressive, because they fail to recognize that the existence of borders and nations can be a hindrance to progress.

Humanity Over Nationalism

Excessive love and admiration for one's own country can often lead to a sense of superiority and create a divide between people. Patriotism makes us forget that we all belong to the same species and that our similarities far outweigh our differences. This can lead to a form of self-betrayal, where we compromise our values and beliefs for the sake of blindly following our country's interests.

Nationalism [3] takes this sentiment to an extreme level, where a nation's interests are placed above those of other nations. This often leads to a willingness to use force or violence to protect one's country, even if it means sacrificing the existence of others. It creates a sense of "us versus them," and can lead to animosity and conflict between nations. It is important to remember that we are all part of the same global community and that working together towards a common goal can lead to progress and prosperity for all.

The concept of "the country" has been shaped by various factors throughout history, including the desire for power and control over resources, as well as imperialist ideals. However, we are all members of the same species, and we share a common home. To address the many challenges facing our world today, we need to work together and find ways to bridge our differences and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all of us.

Conclusion

To build a flourishing society, we must prioritize the well-being of each individual. This can be achieved by recognizing that we are all part of the same species and that the concept of "country" is insignificant. Instead, we should focus on valuing freedom of expression and encouraging people to pursue their unique goals and aspirations. By doing so, we can establish a foundation that emphasizes health, happiness, and collective prosperity for everyone.

We must abandon old-fashioned ways of thinking and adopt new principles that allow us to build a society that genuinely encourages and uplifts each member. We require a significant shift in mindset that goes beyond the constraints of patriotism and conservatism. By reassessing historical accounts, accepting change, and promoting a global outlook, we can create a strong foundation for a utopian society. Only then will we be worthy of patriotism, for we will have achieved something significant, something that encompasses all of humanity.

Explore more with us! Join our Newsletter, support us on Patreon, listen to our Podcast, and discover our other captivating content. Together, let's shape a better future. #Politdigm