Nationalism and Patriotism

What is nationalism?
Nationalism is often confused with patriotism. We should treat both as entirely
different words which are just related to each other although there is a blurred
line between them.
Nationalism as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is the
loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially : a sense of national consciousness
exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion
of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational
groups. And patriotism as simply the love that people feel for their country.
Even these definitions seem confusing but the famous quotations by George
Orwell seem to clear it all out. According to him,
Nationalism is the worst enemy of peace. Nationalism is a feeling that ones
country is superior to another in all respects, while patriotism is merely a feeling
of admiration for a way of life. These concepts show that patriotism is passive by
nature and nationalism can be a little aggressive.
He continues,
Patriotism is based on affection and nationalism is rooted in rivalry and
resentment. One can say that nationalism is militant by nature and patriotism is
based on peace.
Good thing in a sense that it nurtures us to be people who truly deserve our
nation. Through wars with the Spaniards, the Americans and the Japanese, it

fueled many of us to be united against our enemies who want our country for
their own betterment and welfare. It made us forget our differences and set aside
our self-interests and conflicts and bound us to be one with a common goal to
protect and defend our country.
It only becomes a bad thing at times because our leaders and the people do not
agree with each other. People sometimes forget the proper way to show
nationalism and go the wrong way to achieve it. The government also fails to
listen to their concerns so the problem arises. It is the peoples deeply rooted
emotions that give them the will to fight, not only for themselves but for our
county. But often times, they are regarded as enemies of the state. I believe that
they have their reasons, as well as the government. They just both need to have
a clear understanding.
Philippine Nationalism and Patriotism
The words nationalism and patriotism are often used interchangeably, meaning
one for the other. There is, however, a wide distinction between nationalism and
patriotism as political concepts. Let us consider the following.
Nationalism, etymologically, means love, care for, preservation and patronage of
ones native land and everything in itthe country of birth of a national, whether
it be Filipino or otherwise. To be a Filipino nationalist, therefore, the ethnological
ramifications of nationalism must all be present in ones being. This implies a
heartfelt dedication for the love, care, and preservation of the Philippines and
everything that is identified with it: the Philippine territory, the inhabitants,
Philippine sovereignty, its government, all things that represent and symbolize
the country; the aspirations, hopes, dreams and needs of the Filipino people.
On the other hand, patriotism is taken from the Latin term pater, which literally
means father. Patriotism is the willingness and determination to lay down ones
life for the fatherlandthe constant resolve to sacrifice ones life and limb for the
preservation of the State. It is the total realization of that love for the country,
which is nationalism. In other words, to be patriotic is to be nationalistic.
Conversely, one cannot be patriotic without being nationalistic.