What is Patriotism

The word patriotism is a noun that means “devoted love, support, and defense of one’s
country; national loyalty.”

The term often brings to mind people directly involved with the defense of a nation,
namely military service members as well as state and local government representatives.
For example: The soldiers showed exemplary patriotism defending their country from
attack.

Patriotism, however, can take many other forms outside serving in the military and
public office. Diplomats, teachers, first responders, and so many more all exemplify
patriotism in the many forms of good they do in service of their communities.
There are millions of government employees, as well as millions who volunteer their time
in the interest of their country. Individual acts of pride, such as displaying an American
flag at one’s home, are also examples of patriotism.

The word patriotism is first recorded in the early 1700s. Interestingly, by the 1770s, the
word patriot could refer to “a member of a resistance movement, a freedom fighter,”
specifically those who fought against the British in the war for independence—
associations that persist today.

Patriotism is based on patriot, which is recorded in the 1500s. This word ultimately derives
from Greek patriṓtēs, “fellow-countryman or lineage member.” The root of this word, in
turn, means “fatherland.” Paternal, patriarchy, and even English’s own father are
related.

What is nationalism?

In most contexts today, nationalism is “the policy or doctrine of asserting the interests of
one’s own nation viewed as separate from the interests of other nations or the common
interests of all nations.” In short, nationalism is a kind of excessive, aggressive patriotism.
Modern nationalism is rooted, in part, in French and American revolutions that fought
for the sovereignty of their people over monarchies. This historic nationalismis generally
viewed favorably, a cornerstone of Western liberalism and democracy.

However, fascist regimes have merged the fervor of nationalism with the notions of
superiority, especially when it comes to ethnicity and religion. In such contexts,
“patriots” can become those who happened to agree with you or look like you, and
“traitors” those who do not.

This form of nationalism is what happens when patriotism gets out of hand and morphs
into something more exclusionary, isolationist, and … well, chauvinist. For example, The
lecturer’s speech on immigration and foreign policy quickly devolved into nationalism,
blaming undocumented migrants for the climbing unemployment rate, making much
of the audience feel uneasy.
Such nationalism can result in jingoism, which is a form of extreme nationalism
promoting vigilant preparedness for war and an aggressive foreign policy. It can also
result in isolationism, or “the policy or doctrine of isolating one’s country from the affairs
of other nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economic commitments,
international agreement.”

Recorded in the early 1800s, nationalism, as you probably guessed, is based on nation,
ultimately from a Latin word meaning “birth, tribe.”

10 Modern Ways to Express Filipino Nationalism

Nationalism is a devotion of love for one’s country. A country’s identity is seen through
its culture, traditions, religions, beliefs, and even the unity or togetherness of the people
in it. The history of the Philippines reflects the kind of nationalism the Filipinos have. Their
heroes stood and fought to preserve the Filipino identity and attain freedom and
independence.

The following are 10 modern ways to express Filipino nationalism:

1. Respect the Philippine flag and value the Filipino identity

Being Filipinos, we should respect our Philippine flag and its purpose. The history and
value of this flag are connected to the freedom we have today. Encourage our
fellowmen to participate and respect our flag and its anthem and even our different
symbols. They provide us our identity as Filipinos or citizens of the beautiful Republic of
the Philippines.

2. Be a productive citizen
Be industrious and make ourselves productive, not only for ourselves but for our country
as well. Serve the people, serve our nation.

3. Be aware of the issues in our country

We must be aware and updated on the significant issues happening in the country.
Extend help to the needy fellowmen, especially the victims of disasters like typhoons,
flooding, and the like.

4. Stand proud for every Filipinos achievement

Filipinos is globally competitive in many aspects. They are proud to be a Filipino and for
the honors they bring to our country. They unite every Filipino for their achievements.
We can be proud of Filipinos like Manny Pacquiao, the Azkals Football Team, the Gilas
Pilipinas Basketball Team, and many more.

5. Patronize and support our own products

The Philippines has rich resources to create quality goods and products. The manpower
services we provide are also globally competitive. Our economy will improve more if we
ourselves patronize our own products which characterize our creativity, resourcefulness,
and industry.
6. Preserve the Filipino culture
Philippines is rich in various colorful cultural elements. They are our identity. Be proud
and preserve the culture we have for they are our treasure. We have to keep them for
the future generation.

7. Respect everyone and value our traditions

Filipinos are very courteous and respectful. Even in modern times, many Filipinos show
and value their noble norms and traditions. So we Filipinos must continue to exercise
these good traditions like respecting our elders and others, by using “po at opo”, being
hospitable, and being religious.

8. Speak out our own language

Using our own language is manifesting and preserving our national identity. It is our
unique means of communicating and interacting with our fellowmen. Our language is
an important tool to achieve further unity and national development.

9. Remember and commemorate our heroes’ sacrifices for our country

There were many Filipinos who died for our democracy, freedom, and independence.
Some fought using their pens and tongues, while some used the power of their arms
and weapons. Each had their own way of showing their love and respect to our
country. In today’s generation, let us value and treasured our heroes sacrifices and
devotion for our country.

10. Love our family, our neighbors, and our compatriots

Love and help one another. That way, we are showing the world that we are proud to
be Filipinos. Stand united! Do something to help each other and for the greater good
for mother country. Love everyone and love our country as we love ourselves.

There are many ways to show our love for our country. In our generation, there are
things that test our nationalism. What is important though is that we stand united as
Filipino people and we love Philippines as our mother country. Let us manifest the
essence of nationalism in every aspect of our life.