Would you flip the switch?

[PLAYER57832]

What's the difference between your definition of patriotism regarding the country and having nationalist sentiments?

I sincerely ask because I've been wondering exactly how others define patriotism and nationalism.

They are related, but nationalism has specifically to do with political boundaries and is more often turned negative. It can often be as much about excluding as including (xenophobia). Patriotism is a more general term that often cooincides with political boundaries, but not necessarily (the southern US is sort of an example). Also, it is more often associated with the positive. It generally does not include xenophobia.

[PLAYER57832]

Nationalism is good for me... I'm not concerned with what happens to future generations, I care about me right now. Is it short-sighted? Yes. Does it have a limited perspective? Yes. Do I care about perspective of the long-term? No.

I hope you are being sarcastic here?

[Woodruff]

You are attempting to pervert the word "patriotism". If you wish only to take the most negative use of a word, you miss a lot.

if you think I have failed to see the bright side of Patriotism, feel free to mention some points/aspects of that side.

"Patriotism" is just another word for pride. We all need pride. Pride in self, pride in our town, pride in our country. Without it .. disaster. At the same time, go too far and, again.. disaster. In an individual, those without pride don't take care of themselves, often have a hard time caring about others, etc. Too much pride -- and you get a megalomaniac. The same scale exists for communities and nations.

You mention some of what happens when patriotism is distorted into its extreme. Patriotism, in a good sense, makes people care about parks, be willing to pay taxes, support one another when away from one's own country, etc, etc. It makes people want to run for office to improve the country (yes, cynacism at that comment is well earned, but it does make GOOD people run). It makes people fight crime and yes, sometimes be willing to put up their lives to defend the country.. but note, I said "defend", because even though the military can be and has been abused, it's purpose is defense. Like the word patriotism, people pervert use of the military for their own gain.

What's the difference between your definition of patriotism regarding the country and having nationalist sentiments?
I sincerely ask because I've been wondering exactly how others define patriotism and nationalism.

I've always considered "nationalism" to mean "my country first". Which is considerably different than "patriotism" (for most people, certainly me).

[Symmetry]

I guess I've always seen nationalism as more about geographic, or political boundaries, and patriotism as more about values inherent in culture. I say "more about" though because I don't see strict lines dividing any of the terms here.

[PLAYER57832]

I guess I've always seen nationalism as more about geographic, or political boundaries, and patriotism as more about values inherent in culture. I say "more about" though because I don't see strict lines dividing any of the terms here.

I don't think there are strict terms for this.