Why is patriotism almost always equated to war?

[plifter]

Here in the USA, even our national anthem was written during a war about war. That's why I tell people I'm not patriotic.

 

[Jacob Creutzfeldt]

Life is the yardstick by which all other values are compared. If you are willing to go to war (end your life) for the perceived advancement of your nation's cause, then your country has a higher value than your own existence. Many "isms" require death or the willingness to die on behalf of their believers to justify the power behind the belief. I think part of this theory is rooted in the nature of collectivist though ie. the needs and will of the individual is at odds with the needs and will of the 'greater good'.

 

[javaguru]

Life is the yardstick by which all other values are compared. If you are willing to go to war (end your life) for the perceived advancement of your nation's cause, then your country has a higher value than your own existence. Many "isms" require death or the willingness to die on behalf of their believers to justify the power behind the belief. I think part of this theory is rooted in the nature of collectivist though ie. the needs and will of the individual is at odds with the needs and will of the 'greater good'.

TITCR

Look at terrorists, they are united in a common cause/belief with like minded individuals. The willingness to end your life for a cause/ideal....that takes a lot.

 

[dirty~d~]

So because I'm a patriot, that makes me a war monger? Oh well.

 

[Jacob Creutzfeldt]

TITCR

Look at terrorists, they are united in a common cause/belief with like minded individuals. The willingness to end your life for a cause/ideal....that takes a lot.

I actually think most collectivist death wishes take little effort. All one needs to do is not think about what is being asked or not think of other alternatives. Thinking takes energy and effort and is usually a conscious choice made by individuals. Lack of effort being easier than a surplus of effort, dying is easier than living given the proper preconditions.

Ever notice that much of the time the people who invent or promote the philosophies people die for don't do any of the dying themselves?

Not thinking is the key.

 

[Jacob Creutzfeldt]

So because I'm a patriot, that makes me a war monger? Oh well.

I don't think plifter is saying that. I think that he is observing that people must 'prove' their patriotism by coping the front that they are willing to die for their nation and the only avenue some people find to express patriotic thought is through reverence for war.

I think plifter feels that this is an incorrect way to look at patriotism and has shunned the label 'patriot' due to the assumption of others that patriotism can only be exercised as an act of war.

 

[dirty~d~]

I don't think plifter is saying that. I think that he is observing that people must 'prove' their patriotism by coping the front that they are willing to die for their nation and the only avenue some people find to express patriotic thought is through reverence for war.

I think plifter feels that this is an incorrect way to look at patriotism and has shunned the label 'patriot' due to the assumption of others that patriotism can only be exercised as an act of war.

Thank you, sir.

My apologies Plifter, if I misunderstood.

 

[Beachboy6294]

I'm as patriotic as you can come I love my country and joing the Army at 17 and went to Somalia, Iraq, and volunteered for Afganistan and went. If I hadn't been hurt I would still be in and volunteering to go back. If there is ever a draft and they need people bad enough that they'll take me I'll go back in right away. I don't like war but if my country comes calling I'm there. God bless the USA!

 

[Jacob Creutzfeldt]

I could never effectively go to war. I would likely wet myself on the battlefield, patriot or not.

 

[javaguru]

I actually think most collectivist death wishes take little effort. All one needs to do is not think about what is being asked or not think of other alternatives. Thinking takes energy and effort and is usually a conscious choice made by individuals. Lack of effort being easier than a surplus of effort, dying is easier than living given the proper preconditions.

Ever notice that much of the time the people who invent or promote the philosophies people die for don't do any of the dying themselves?

Not thinking is the key.

You're touching on the leader, manager, follower dynamic. The leader creates the vision, the managers work to bring the vision to fruition and the followers do most of the dying.