Patriotism Vs Nationalism | What is the difference between Patriotism and Nationalism?

Summary

In 'Illustrate to Educate,' Dan Zimmerman explores the nuanced differences between patriotism and nationalism. He traces the origins of both terms, noting that while patriotism emerged in 1653, emphasizing love and unity for one's country, nationalism appeared later, around the 19th century, and has evolved to include a sense of superiority and exclusivity. Zimmerman highlights that patriotism is generally positive, associated with devotion to a country's values like freedom and justice, whereas nationalism can carry negative connotations, often linked with distrust of other nations. He also discusses the potential positive role of nationalism in uniting people against injustice, such as in the Zionist movement. The video invites viewers to reflect on these concepts and their implications in contemporary society.

Takeaways

• 📜 The term 'patriotism' dates back to around 1653, while 'nationalism' didn't emerge until the late 18th century, about 150 years later.
• 🔍 Initially, 'nationalism' and 'patriotism' were used interchangeably, but their meanings have diverged over time.
• ❤️ Patriotism is defined as a love for one's country and unity with fellow citizens who share that love.
• 🏛 Nationalism involves loyalty and devotion to one's nation, with an emphasis on promoting its culture and interests above others.
• 🤔 The distinction between patriotism and nationalism is debated, with no official consensus among scholars.
• 🌟 Patriotism is often associated with positive values like freedom, justice, equality, and bravery.
• 🏅 Nationalism can imply a belief in the superiority of one's nation and may include distrust or disapproval of other countries.
• 💭 Patriotism is seen as inherently good, believing in the goodness of the government and people working together for a better life.
• 🏙 Nationalism can be associated with political ideologies that promote extreme and exclusionary love of one's country.
• 👍 Nationalism has been a motivator for independence movements and can be used to unite people against injustice.
• 🌐 The script suggests that embracing a strong national identity might be key to achieving peace in regions divided by tribal and religious identities.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video 'Illustrate to Educate' by Dan Zimmerman?

The main topic of the video is to explore and explain the essential differences between patriotism and nationalism.

When does the word 'patriotism' date back to, according to the script?

The word 'patriotism' dates back to around 1653, with the word 'patriot' traceable even further to the Greek word 'patrio', meaning 'one's father'.

How does the script describe the early use of the word 'nationalism' in comparison to 'patriotism'?

The script indicates that 'nationalism' was not in use until just before the 19th century, almost 150 years after 'patriotism', and initially, the two terms were largely interchangeable.

What is the current definition of 'patriotism' as per the video?

Patriotism is defined as the feeling of love for one's country, along with a feeling of unity with those who share those feelings, and is also described as devoted love, support, and defense of one's country.

What is the modern definition of 'nationalism' according to the script?

Nationalism is defined as loyalty and devotion to a nation, with an added emphasis on exalting one's nation above all others and promoting its culture and interests over those of other nations.

What is the key difference between patriotism and nationalism as discussed in the video?

The key difference is that patriotism is based on positive values and the belief in the inherent goodness of one's country and its people, while nationalism is based on the belief in the superiority of one's country over others and can carry connotations of distrust or disapproval of other countries.

How does the video describe the connotation of the term 'nationalism' in contemporary usage?

The video describes the term 'nationalism' as generally having a negative connotation, often associated with extreme and exclusionary ideologies that prioritize one's country at the expense of others.

What is the perspective of Sidney J. Harris on the difference between patriotism and nationalism, as mentioned in the video?

Sidney J. Harris suggests that the difference between patriotism and nationalism is that a patriot is proud of their country for what it does, while a nationalist is proud of their country no matter what it does.

Can nationalism ever be seen as positive or beneficial, according to the video?

Yes, the video suggests that nationalism can be a strong motivator for uniting people, driving independence movements, and potentially contributing to peace negotiations by fostering a strong national identity over tribal or religious identities.

What is the script's advice on how to use the terms 'patriotism' and 'nationalism'?

The script advises to keep context and connotation in mind when using these terms, as 'patriotism' generally has a positive connotation associated with love of country and serving the greater good, while 'nationalism' often has a negative connotation linked to extreme ideologies.

What does the video suggest for viewers to do after watching?

The video encourages viewers to like, share, and subscribe to 'Illustrate to Educate', comment on their thoughts about patriotism and nationalism, and to check out other videos on the channel.