Renounce Patriotism

In the United States today, it is unthinkable to question patriotism. Most Americans see patriotism as a virtue in and of itself, and, to the extent that some Americans even acknowledge that patriotism can be abused, anyone bold enough to identify such abuses are quick to articulate an acceptable definition of patriotism that insulates themselves from being labeled "unpatriotic" or "anti-American."

Patriotism is not a virtue. In fact, it is quite the opposite; patriotism is a form of political indoctrination responsible for horrendous human carnage. If we are to stop this unending cycle of violence, we must acknowledge that glorifying militant divisions within the human race is an anathema to world peace.

Three possible objections might be raised to an unqualified rejection of patriotism.

First, some may attempt to differentiate between patriotism and nationalism. I reject such a distinction. A selective nationalism that seeks to celebrate only the positive ideals and accomplishments of a nation is no less nonsensical or inappropriate. Should Germans celebrate Adolf Hitler's birthday because he oversaw some positive accomplishments? Should Southern courthouses fly Confederate flags as a symbol of "heritage" rather than racial hatred? No. Positive ideals and accomplishments can be celebrated on their own accord; they do not need to be subsumed within broader nationalist propaganda.

Second, some might say that criticizing patriotism disrespects the sacrifices of those who have served in the military. Military sacrifices can likewise be celebrated on their own merit, to the extent that a soldier believed he or she was defending innocents from harm or promoting some other coherent moral principle. Tragically, such sacrifices have often been made unnecessarily because of patriotism in the first place. Celebrating a soldier's arbitrary membership in a geopolitical community has nothing to do with her integrity or valor.

Third, it may be argued that patriotism can be exploited for good. Abraham Lincoln invoked patriotism to end slavery, for example. This is true, but the vast weight of historical evidence has proven the opposite. Patriotism has been responsible for more global death and destruction than any other ideology - race or religion included - and it is appropriate that we recognize its inherent tendency toward abusive militarism.

Renouncing patriotism is not a new or radical idea. As my video demonstrates, many historical figures and intellectuals have rightly condemned patriotism for its evils, and have emphasized the primacy of a universal human identity. As we find ourselves in an ever-globalizing world, it is time that we denounce patriotism once and forever for the irrational barbarism that it is.

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[deNIALL92]

before even opening a political or philosophical book i just knew that patriotism is a mind-control weapon

[mralanv]

It's good to find people that think like me.

[islamictvdotcom]

do not be a patriot nor nationalist. They can make a persona arrogant of other races or countries.

[JUGAopet1]

IMAGINE - John Winston LENNON

& NO religions 2 !!

[ThiefFanatic]

@SamuelAdams1722 What a short-minded comment. Nation is a TOOL, used above all by the elites you so fear. And having no nations wouldn't make the world a single state, but states would be built according to interest of peoples of certain regions, REAL interests, not fake "national" interests.

[ThiefFanatic]

@freeeekyyy It is. As soon as you consider members of your nation inherently superior to those of other nations, you're a nationalist, like it or not.

[SamuelAdams1722]

Excellent video! Your programming is complete! You are now ready to serve the New World Order! Welcome to beautiful slavery. Your life from now one will be to serve the glorious global corporations who control our beloved United Nations. We are all now ONE and will serve no nation but serve the beautiful global green corporations and live in the sacred Diversity of Oneness. Long live Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser!

[KohrsFM]

@zombieiscool

You understand each other but you don't understand anything far form that

[skinnyman1423]

true patriotism is that you will defend your country in a way that you deem fit you don't have to pick up a rifle and march into war. you can question your government and it's actions, you aren't a traitor if you fight your government for the preservation or reestablishment of your freedom. blind patriotism is a cancer that builds armies to fight misguided wars and to crush revolutions that are for a justified cause.