Part 2 of 3: Would You Do It For Your Country?
Patriotism: A Force for Good or Evil
Part 2 of 3: Would You Do It For Your Country?
By: Josue “Josh” Alvarez Mapp
On the subject of what good can patriotism provide, there are two minor benefits and one major benefit from patriotism to make any country wish to desire patriotic citizens.
One minor benefit comes in defense of one’s country. European countries learned long ago that paying an army is much better than basing an army on loyalty (since men’s loyalty only goes so far as their compensation for their work). And thus was the birth of modern professional armies. But when you have soldiers who are soldiers because they love their country, or have the desire to protect their families, community, and/or the ideals they believe is right, you have yourself a soldier of greater capabilities than that of a soldier merely fighting for a paycheck.
Another minor benefit comes in to motivating a nation to work for the greater cause. The United States, Europe, and Japan were able to enter into a “Total War” frame of mind because citizens were patriotic enough to know that they must eat less, get less clothes, or other such things, as well as work harder, especially at products that help “the cause.” Citizens understand that though they can’t see what the entire nation is doing, they know everyone is working for whatever is necessary for survival of themselves and their country – the greater cause. Non-patriotic citizens are less willing to sacrifice if called upon to get less food, or less quality of certain products, or to work more for no overtime.
But the greatest good from patriotism is something a bit more abstract than these two minor benefits. In my opinion, the greatest benefit of patriotism benefits everyone in a subconscious/unconscious manner. Patriotism is one of the cheapest products that provides happiness to many (and hopefully all). From September 11, 2001 to 2002 (give or take a few months), Americans were always grateful and always patriotic. It was hard to look around and not see someone grateful to our soldiers, our police officers, fire department, and emergency responders. It was hard to find someone who was not only willing, but happy to do whatever merely because they love their country. If recruits across the country were anything like in my area, they were happy to join. The 4th of July in 2002 led to many tears and many people happy.
What people don’t put much into account, which I believe (for reasons I cannot prove) is that patriotism makes people happy in their daily lives. Because everyone was touched by 9/11, everyone believed in the greater good/cause. But not only that, I’m sure it would be able to follow that productivity, efficiency, and/or effectiveness increased nationwide. To boot, the government could do less or more, and no one would care because they were patriotic, and as such, they were happy, no matter what. It was a nationwide happiness.
Generally, the greatest good of patriotism can only be produced in times of crises. But no matter what, there are other smaller goods. The hardest part is motivating people now a days in a modern world to be less apathetic and less egoistic, to become more altruistic.
There is always a patriotism of peace and a heroism of war. You can be a good citizen on the fields of battle or the perpetual battlefield. Everything depends on whether you are merely looking out for yourself, or if you would do it for your country.
These pics capture America’s need … the Courage of Conviction! Thanks for sharing!
Great post! We need a revolution!
I haven’t had any issues, but have you contacted the wordpress administrators? They should be able to help with that issue.