"All words are pegs to hang ideas on."
- Henry Ward Beecher
Words are comprised out of necessity to label and describe legitimate notions. Language is the expression of meanings through words. It would be impossible to dismiss a word unless its connotation has completely disappeared. Even so, it is still necessary to have a word to describe the notion that is no longer entertained.
Although the word "patriotism" fails to exist with clear significance & its proper connotations vary with opinion we would be losing something from disposing of it.
"One of the greatest attractions of patriotism--it fulfills our worst wishes. In the person of our nation we are able, vicariously, to bully and cheat. Bully and cheat, what's more, with a feeling that we are profoundly virtuous."
- Aldous Huxley
In my opinion, blind loyalty dissolves integrity. Informed support & critique are valuable and therefore, patriotism should not be dismissed.
1 comment:
Great Blog! I think Jensen is calling for us not to abandon the word patriotism but the idea of it being like u said "blind loyalty" especially if that is applied to a particular nation with the total disregard of other nations and their citizens.
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