Lesson 2.

3 Patriotism and Nationalism

Patriotism and nationalism are oftentimes used interchangeably people usually tall to distinguish the
two. Nationality is "our connection with the race that 1s "merely natural or physical," while patriotism is the
awareness of our moral duties to the political community (Acton 1972, 163). Elie Kedourie (1985, 73-74)
contradicted, presenting nationalism as a full-pledged philosophical and political doctrine about nations as
basic units of humanity which individual can find freedom and fulfilment, while patriotism was presented as
mere sentiment of affection for one's country. In time, both patriotism and nationalism have gained different
meanings.
Patriotism is the love of and/or devotion to one's country, identification with it, and special concern
for its well-being and that of its fellow citizens. The word comes from the Greek patris, meaning "fatherland.”
However, patriotism has had different meanings over time, and its meaning is highly dependent upon context,
geography, and philosophy. Patriotism is a direct expression of loyalty and devotion to one's country such as
sacrificing one's life in defence thereof. Words of Benigno S. Aquino Jr., "The Filipinos are worth dying for,
indicates patriotism. Jose Rizal, who is the greatest Filipino patriot, is not only proud of his identity, but also
gave his life for a noble cause. In the Philippines today, Filipinos lack the sense of patriotism because of the
declining Filipino values, culture, intensifying western influences, and the worsening bad governance. What
the country needs need are Citizens who truly understand the basic of their political well-being, sincerely
recognize the government, who honestly represent the people and their common interests, and who are
ready to stand and fight for the Filipino interests, dreams, aspirations, and hopes.
Nationalism is simply defined as the devotion and loyalty to one's country. It is characterized by an
attachment of superiority to one's country, an aspiration for its continuity, and prosperity, and maintaining a
high regard and respect for the laws, principles, and policies of one's country. It speaks of one’s national
1dentity, ethnicity, and cultural ties. It is an expression of love of country that can be manifested in several
ways. The term "nationalism is generally used to describe two phenomena: (1) the attitude that members of a
nation have when they care about their national identity, and (2) the actions that the members of a nation
take when seeking to achieve self-determination.
Philippine nationalism 1s an upsurge of patriotic sentiments and nationalistic ideas in the Philippines in
the late 1800s that came as a result of the Propaganda Movement from 1872 to 1892. The earliest signs of
Filipino Nationalism could be seen in the writings of Luis Rodrigues Valera, who proudly called himself "Conde
Filipino." He and along other nationalists like Padre Pelaez and Padre Jose Burgos spread out the creole
ideology which gave rise to the Filipino nationalism. Within the context of being a Filipino, nationalism
includes patronizing Filipin0 made products, and being proud of our heritage wherever life takes you. It is your
pride as a Filipino. It 1s the fire that keeps on burning in the heart irrespective of time and space. The "Filipino
First Policy" of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, and Jose Rizal’s ”Ang taong hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika
ay higit pa sa mabaho at malansang isda" are nationalist feelings.