Nationalism vs Patriotism
Nationalism and Patriotism are two terms that show differences between them even though both of them are concerned with individual relationships towards nations. Nationalism consists in showing interest in the unification of a nation based on cultural and linguistic equanimity. On the other hand patriotism consists in developing love for a nation based on its values and beliefs. This is the major difference between nationalism and patriotism.
Nationalism gives a feeling that one’s country is superior to another in every aspect and hence it is often described as the worst enemy of peace according to the great thinker George Orwell. On the other hand patriotism does not pave the way for enmity towards other nations but on the other hand strengthen the admiration towards one’s own country. This is another important difference between nationalism and patriotism.
Patriotism is rooted in affection whereas nationalism is rooted in rivalry and hatred. Patriotism has peace as its substratum. In other words it can be said that patriotism works from the base of peace. On the other hand nationalism has militancy as substratum and it works from the base of enmity.
There is some difference between the two when it comes to the way in which a nationalist and a patriot think. A nationalist believes that his country is better than any other country whereas a patriot believes that his country is one of the best and that it can advance in many fields with effort and hard work.
Patriotism is thus considered a common property and is construed equal all over the world. On the other hand a nationalist considers that the people belonging to his own country alone are important. Patriotism expresses the love of an individual towards his country in a passive way. Nationalism is on the other hand aggressive in its concept.