"patriotism"--have never really managed to grasp the significance of the word. The dictionary says it means loyally supporting one's country".I always assumed it meant loving one's country.Or believing your country is the greatest in the world by virtue of your auspicious birth within its borders.These days patriotism is in vogue. A guy from a prominent business family fought successfully for the right to fly the indian tricolour anywhere and everywhere--American Style. In a multiplex you are obliged to stand before the movie begins and have that weird sinking feeling in your gut as you watch the indian tricolour fluttering on the giant screen and the national anthem playing in thebackground. After that you are free to watch the movie you paid for--even if its about how the American Army saves the world from being overrun by crazed maniacs(yet again!) by going into another country and blowing up the baddies into smithereens.
Is n't Patriotism being aware of your culture and history-- even the unflattering and downright gruesome bits.Most ancient civilizations have seen a lot of bloodshed and thats a fact that has to be contended with.And appreciative of the nice bits of course.The interesting fact is patriotism needs an adversary to manifest itself.Now that the Goras have gone how about the Pakistanis.So here is the deal.I come from a rich civilization with an enduring heritage which goes back hundreds of years.Yet i'm supposed to owe allegience to an entity which was carved out from the Indian subcontinent 60 odd years ago.And i'm supposed to hate the people who fall out of that chunk.The funny thing is if you go to England you might be called a'Paki'--- a common racist slur for all brown-skinned people.Which would be doubly insulting because you hate Pakis.You might stop to state your opinion of Pakis and how you are decidely not a Paki but dont think it ll make a difference.