Is Nationalism the New Patriotism- A war between Pride and Ego

Picture Courtesy: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/8/16/1560820/-Indian-Nationalism-A-Production-Of-The-Produced

This article was written by Ankita Sharma, a student of Law Centre II, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

Going through the dictionary meaning of word Patriotism, it tells us that it is the quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support to one’s country, on the other hand it defines Nationalism as identification with one’s own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations. But some words are more than their dictionary meaning, they are like open threads, they need interpretation and whenever a word is open to interpretation, our great scholars come to rescue.”Patriotism is when the love of your own people comes first; Nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first”  stated by Charles de Gaulle.

Nationalism and Patriotism are the two sides of the same coin. There is a thin line that differentiates between the two of the ideologies. Nationalism is the ideology based on the premise that the individual’s loyalty and devotion to the nation-state surpass other individual or group interests. The nationalist sees the country in such a way that it can do no wrong, he boasts its virtues and denies  deficiencies, nationalism gives more importance to one’s cultural background which includes heritage and religion.

George Orwell has very well said that While nationalism can unite people, it must be noted that it unites people against other people. Nationalism has played a very important role in the framing of our country as a free nation, since Independence, we were able to get this freedom by various national movements started by great leaders by motivating countrymen to fight together against the Britishers. If this spark of nationalism had not been unfolded like vast movement, then it would have been difficult for us to fight against the Britishers for national independence. The collective expression of sentiments is important for the national enlightenment and its well being. It is the instrument that can unite the countrymen during wartime. Every aspect of development-social, economic, political and cultural is informed by the spirit of nationalism and moved by its emotional thrust. For a nascent nation like India, awakening from centuries of political subjection and economic degradation, it is only natural that the nationalist spirit should be the presiding force in society.

Whereas Patriotism pertains to the love for one’s nation, with more emphasis on its values. A true patriot is proud of the country’s virtues and always willing to correct deficiencies for the betterment of the country. He not only takes pride but is ready to serve his nation. He is ready to sacrifice himself for the freedom and peace of his country. Patriotism inspires people to live, love, fight and die for the country.

The latest trend in India, post-2014 elections has brought tremendous change amongst the people’s way of expressing their love towards the country. The group confuses Patriotism with Nationalism. A difference of opinion does not declare others to be anti-nationalist. Criticizing the government does not mean that you don’t respect the nation, it is irrational to call them anti-nationalist just because they do not follow the majority of the view. The criticism shows the love for the nation and the person is willing to work for the betterment of the nation.

The former group is not open to a discussion, they have their definition of Patriotism and they want others to follow that, not following them results in verbal and physical abuse. They portray themselves as the protector of the nation, to the contrary the way they are expressing themselves not only brings hatred among the people, it also endangers the future of our country as a Democratic Nation.

They are forcing Patriotism which is unethical, the forced patriotism will lead the nation nowhere. Our country is Democratic in nature, fundamental rights have been given the high precedence, violation of any of the fundamental rights empowers the citizen to move to a court of law. Article 19(1)(a) of Indian Constitution- Right to Freedom of expression and speech, the apex court has pronounced in its various judgments that the  Right to freedom of expression also includes Freedom of non- expression.

Recently there was controversy over the M.S Dhoni wearing the gloves that had the insignia of the special forces at the on-going ICC world cricket, most of the Indians got offended by the ruling of ICC, not allowing  Dhoni to wear them on the field. But they have to understand that Dhoni does not play cricket for  India as there is this misconception amongst the Indians, he is an employee of the BCCI which is affiliated to the International Cricket Council. The World Cup is a contest between private clubs.

Like any, powerful weapon like religion, nationalism can be very perilous. Nationalism without Liberalism is like a monster which can be very dangerous if not used cautiously. Nationalism and liberalism should go hand in hand. In our country, the current state is that the political leaders and their followers are portraying India as a Hindu nation, they are promoting Hindutva in the name of nationalism, I’m not saying promoting Hindutva is wrong but publicising it for the sake of nationalism could be very, very dangerous to the secular and democratic country like ours. Because it privileges India’s Hindu majority in political order and neglects the other minority religions like Islam and Christianity.

Dissent is not betrayal or disloyalty, but it is also not an excuse for being disruptive. Dissent plays an important role in making of a democratic nation as it enables citizens to contest law and actions of the government. A society intolerant to dissent is one that isn’t open to new ideas, betterment of a country instead it is fearful of it. A society should be open to criticism, tolerant towards dissent, this increasing intolerance is like a poison in the society that should be uprooted.

Emmanuel Macron, President of France has rightly said that Nationalism is a betrayal of Patriotism. By putting our own interests first, with no regard for others, we  erase the very thing that a nation holds, the dearest and the very thing that keeps it alive: its moral values.