Patriotism and Global Joy Cannot Coexist

Patriotism, in my view, can stop us from loving and accepting those who are different from us. This can make it hard to feel joyful and positive.

(Photo by Christian Kuntz Photography at Lake Laberge, Yukon)

Being able to love and appreciate your country, your language, your culture, and any other symbols of your identity that you feel a sense of pride in is a truly wonderful thing. Indeed, it is crucial that you feel a sense of pride in these aspects of your identity, as they form the very essence of who you are as an individual. I, too, harbour a love and appreciation for the symbols of my own identity. However, it's important to draw a clear distinction between this pure love and the concept of excessive love, in other words - patriotism and nationalism.

Patriotism, as I see it, is a restrictive force that prevents you from extending your love and acceptance to people who do not share your identity. It is a force that breeds hate, incites violence, and sows divisions among people. It is a catalyst for polarization, pushing us further apart rather than bringing us together. Then there is no joy, hope and positivity in the presence of these “created fears” around us.

Unfortunately, the global trend that we see unfolding in many parts of the world today is a shift towards patriotism. However, it is crucial to remember that we are all residents of this planet we call Earth. We all belong to each other. We all have a shared responsibility to take care of each other, regardless of our individual cultures, religions, identities, and countries.

At present, our world is suffering due to two ongoing wars, in addition to numerous smaller conflicts that are raging in every corner of the globe. The root cause of many of these conflicts is an excess of patriotism, or way too much love of our own identity. Our Earth is but a small dwelling place in the vast expanse of the universe, dwarfed by many of the other planets that surround us. Despite this, we have chosen to further divide our Earth into separate countries.

We are all global citizens. We are not only connected to nature, we are actually a part of nature. We belong to the whole universe. We limit ourselves to very small borders, and we waste lifetime by just clinging to some generations-old ideas. When one country suffers, we should all feel that pain, regardless of our national allegiances. Your patriotism should extend to that suffering country in the same way it does to your own country. This is the true essence of global citizenship.

Let me share with you a personal anecdote that has significantly shaped my perspectives. During my childhood, our family possessed a simple radio, a beacon of connection amidst our otherwise modest living conditions. Our village was not too far from the border of Pakistan, and due to this proximity, our radio could catch frequencies from both India and Pakistan.

As a child, I would eagerly tune in to these radio stations, enchanted by the diverse voices. During times of tension and conflict between the two countries, the radio became a portal to the outside world, broadcasting news about the escalating war. Amidst the reports of strife and discord, songs and speeches of patriotism would punctuate the airwaves.

The Indian radio stations would often play patriotic songs that lauded their soldiers as heroes. Those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty were revered as martyrs, assured a special place in the heavens. Similarly, the Pakistani radio stations echoed the same sentiment. Their broadcasts were filled with praises for their soldiers, with the fallen ones also hailed as martyrs who would be rewarded in the afterlife.

As a young child, these conflicting narratives left me confused. I wondered who the real heroes were, who the true martyrs were, and who would indeed earn a special place in the afterlife. As I transitioned into adulthood, my understanding of these narratives evolved. I realized that the governments of both countries were leveraging these patriotic songs and speeches to consolidate their power and control.

The harsh reality dawned upon me that the common citizens of both countries were being exploited for the vested interests of the powerful. Innocent lives were being lost in this struggle for power, and the governments, religious leaders, and other influential figures were manipulating emotions to perpetuate the war.

In reality, there was no grand sacrifice or noble martyrdom. It was a tragic loss of innocent lives on both sides, where the powerful reaped the benefits at the expense of the common people. Concepts like patriotism, martyrdom, sacrifice, loyalty, borders, and dying for one's land were tools used by the controlling mindsets to incite people into war, only to gain an upper hand. These sobering realizations profoundly shaped my understanding of the world and the manipulative ideas often used by those in power and politics.

In numerous regions across the globe, a phenomenon is unfolding that has existed for thousands of years. This phenomenon is primarily driven by individuals with an insatiable desire for power and control. Historically, these individuals have capitalized on the influence of religion as a tool to consolidate their hold over the masses. They have woven together the concepts of religion, patriotism, nationalism, and identity to create an deep rooted fear that resonates with the masses. Their strategy has involved filling the collective mindset with notions of patriotism and nationalism. This "created fear” has manipulated public sentiment and steered the course of nations, which eventually caused many wars.

If you've read this far, it's time to take a break and watch a joyful video. I'd like you to watch a simple video that my bagpiper friend and I made two years ago at Inverness Beach on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. The video will bring you peace, joy, and some understanding about our common human-sentiments:

In a world filled with conflict and strife due to patriotism and nationalism, where various regions are constantly at odds with each other, it is difficult to create an atmosphere of joy, positivity, and trust. This situation stands as a barrier to the establishment of a truly positive global environment. However, this does not mean it is an impossible task. If we want to see a change, we need to take an active role in spreading this crucial message. Each individual has the power to contribute to a more peaceful world by promoting the idea of coexistence, acceptance, and inclusivity. No matter where we come from or what our backgrounds are, we are all part of the same human race. Just by extending our love beyond our own identities, it is possible to foster a sense of unity among different cultures, regions, races, and religions. It's a task that requires effort, but it's a worthy endeavour if we want to instil a sense of lasting joy in the world. We are all interconnected and intertwined, bound together by the common thread of humanity.

In simple words, patriotism and global joy cannot coexist.

(If you can, write your thoughts in the comments below)