Happy 4th of July-A Day of Nationalism and Patriotism

Fourth of July is upon us and we set out celebrating our victory in releasing man from the bonds of the Monarch. It is also a day to remember those who have served our country in combat or support services. It is a time when nationalistic and patriotic sentiment is high and people celebrate with fireworks, social gatherings and lots of flags. 

To laymen nationalism and patriotism conjure up the very same image but have dramatically different meanings. A patriot sees a moral duty to the people of a nation while a nationalist identifies with particular race, religion, or political party that advocates for nation independence. It seems like splitting hairs but the difference can be significant.

It is beneficial to define the two for understanding.

Patriotism involves (Nathanson,1993, 34-35):

1. Special affection for one's own country
2. A sense of personal identification with the country
3. Special concern for the well-being of the country
4. Willingness to sacrifice to promote the country's good

According to the Stanford Dictionary of Philosophy Nationalism is (1):

1.      The attitude that members have when they care about their national identity.

2.      The actions that members take when they seek self-determination. 

Patriotism is focused on the beliefs of people within a nation while nationalism is more concerned about national identity. The difference can be further elaborated by saying patriotism is awareness of our moral duties to a political community while nationalism is more of a connection with race and natural identities (Action, 1972, 163). 

As you celebrate Fourth of July consider what you believe and why you believe them; most never question. Try and remember those who fought and sacrificed for their nation. Did they believe in an image of America as represented by symbols or did they believe in human truths as manifested in their moral sentiments? Either way, celebrate and do your part to further the nation's legacy.

Acton, L. (1972). Nationality, Essays on Freedom and Power. Gloucester: Peter Smith, 141–70.

Nathanson, S. (1989) In Defense of ‘Moderate Patriotism’,” Ethics, 99: 535–552. Reprinted in Primoratz (ed.) (2002).

Celebrating National Independence Day

Independence Day is a celebration of charting a new course in America’s history. Freeing ourselves from the British afforded the opportunities to develop one of the greatest nations the world has ever seen. Few believed that the nation would be able to make its way through the turmoil of a war with a much more powerful mother country.  They didn’t know how it would turn out in the end but they risked much to grasp the impossible. 

The Declaration of Independence was a thought that spread throughout the colonies quickly.  It was as much as a mental declaration as it was a military and economic proclamation. It was founded in basic human rights and the right to self-determination. This was not something that could happen under the European collective mindset. 

Without the independence of government needed in the new world as well the lessons of individualism learned from Native Americans  our country would not exist today. Throughout this time, we have overcome conflicts that may have destroyed our very nature. Yet through the difficulties, we eventually succeeded and flourished.

The Fourth of July helps us remember our past but it should also help us envision our future. We are not done with our trials and tribulations. True economic and social equality has not yet been fully realized due to the mental prison people live in. We have made great strides but have failed to free our minds one more time to chase the dream. America’s success relies on the vision of creating an economic system where every individual has an opportunity to succeed based upon their own skills and abilities. Such systems develop full productivity. Only through full economic engagement can the nation rebuild its powerhouse.

Such ideals create beliefs and motivations in people to challenge what is not right and cling to what is beneficial for the nation. We are not alone in this world and if we put in order our house, we can still show the world that we have capitalized on new challenges and overcome them.  The hope of a great nation, beacon of light, and the dream of true human development has not waned....but does face challenges. It requires foresight of mind, fortitude of collective focus, and a pathway to success.

Concord Hyme

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world,

The foe long since in silence slept,
Alike the Conqueror silent sleeps,
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone,
That memory may their deed redeem,
When like our sires our sons are gone.

Spirit! who made those freemen dare
To die, or leave their children free,
Bid time and nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and Thee.