Greetings to everyone who finds this either by luck or boredom. I have recently finished my final commentary essay for my English Composition class and, though this is a requirement, I wanted to put down a concise essay as to my position on this topic.
References:
"The Execution of Nathan Hale, 1776," EyeWitness to History, www.eyewitnesstohistory.com
(2000).
Logan, J. (2001, December 1). General George Washington. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=1
Key, F. (2014, August 28). The U.S. National Anthem. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://www.music.army.mil/music/nationalanthem/
Worden, R., Matles, A., & Dolan, R. (1987, January 1). China: A Country Study. Retrieved August 29, 2014, from http://countrystudies.us/china/124.htm
Hickman, K. (2014, August 28). What Caused the Vietnam War? Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/vietnamwar/a/VietnamOrigins.htm
Patriotism is not Nationalism.
Though often
confused, Patriotism and Nationalism are almost opposites in reality. The patriot is easily identified by their
love the red, white and blue. They often
wear flag themed garments and jewelry during national holidays and sing loudest
during any singing of the National Anthem.
Some patriots would take it so far as to know the full 4 verses to the
Star Spangled banner and find offense at anyone who does not remove their hat
or place their right hand over their heart during it's singing. As a
Veteran of 8 years in the US Army, I fall easily within this group. The United States was founded on the backs
of it's patriots. People like George
Washington, who's leadership in the face of adversity led to him being our
first president and Nathan Hale who was execute for spying on the British in
New York but who's last words "I only regret that I have but one life to
lose for my country." are not for himself, but his country. The patriot would fight for the defense of
his country and way of life.
Nationalism is
a much more sinister beast. Our most
notable historical example of Nationalism is the NAZI Party of Germany during the
earlier parts of the 20th Century.
As Hitler gained power and the German War machine was being warmed
up, propaganda about racial purity and
the belief that strength of body was better than strength of mind was spread
liberally throughout the German educational system and through distributed
materials. Strong belief that one’s country
is the best and it’s leadership the most suited to rule can lead straight to
disaster, or in this case, World Wars.
Most often strong Nationalist leaders have won the hearts, minds, and
fists of their people only to later destroy the very thing they used to gain
power. Such was the case with China
under Moa Sedong and Vietnam under Ho Chi Minh. In each case, the use of Nationalism was
used to push a people either in war, or into communism, and sometimes
both.
References:
"The Execution of Nathan Hale, 1776," EyeWitness to History, www.eyewitnesstohistory.com
(2000).
Logan, J. (2001, December 1). General George Washington. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=1
Key, F. (2014, August 28). The U.S. National Anthem. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://www.music.army.mil/music/nationalanthem/
Worden, R., Matles, A., & Dolan, R. (1987, January 1). China: A Country Study. Retrieved August 29, 2014, from http://countrystudies.us/china/124.htm
Hickman, K. (2014, August 28). What Caused the Vietnam War? Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/vietnamwar/a/VietnamOrigins.htm