patriotism (day 2)

Patriotism

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Patriotism denotes positive and supportive attitudes to a 'fatherland' (Latin patria < Greek patris, πατρίς), by individuals and groups. The 'fatherland' (or 'motherland') can be a region or a city, but patriotism usually applies to a nation and/or a nation-state. Patriotism covers such attitudes as: pride in its achievements and culture, the desire to preserve its character and the basis of the culture, and identification with other members of the nation. Patriotism is closely associated with nationalism, and is often used as a synonym for it. Strictly speaking, nationalism is an ideology - but it often promotes patriotic attitudes as desirable and appropriate. (Both nationalist political movements, and patriotic expression, may, yet need not, be negative towards other people's 'fatherland').
Patriotism has ethical connotations: it implies that the 'fatherland' (however defined) is a moral standard or moral value in itself. The expression my country right or wrong - perhaps a misquotation of the American naval officer Stephen Decatur, but also attributed to Carl Schurz - is the extreme form of this belief. Patriotism also implies that the individual should place the interests of the nation above their personal and group interests. In wartime, the sacrifice may extend to their own life. Death in battle for the fatherland is the archetype of extreme patriotism.

patriotism

liberty, it seems,
is overrated

freedom, i feel,
is a bit contrived

this space we inhabit
inhibits

and the universe
holds more than our lives

you see
my livery does not define me
and your colors
i’m afraid they do run

their armor is the same
as the armor that was made
for my brother
his sister and your son

and now
pain is not limited to family
and evil
does not follow a creed

the idea that we know
how we’ll reap what we sow
is an issue
not settled by greed

so please
let your eyes roll back softly
and let your ties to security
go loose

and look
ever so closely
at the steps
that we take toward the noose

day
night
follow the lead
darkness
routing
streets
please

run
faster
escape
the path
run
hurry
breathing
last

green
emerges
yellow
must die
find
the cause
escape
the night