Patriots vs Loyalists
Patriots and Loyalists are two words that are often confused due to the appearing similarity in their meanings when strictly speaking, there is some difference between the two words. A patriot is one who loves his country very deeply. A patriot may willingly sacrifice his life for his country because of his love for the country. On the other hand, a loyalist is a person who remains loyal to the established ruler or government. This is the main difference between the two words. Through this article let us examine the differences between the two words while gaining a comprehensive understanding of each word.
Who is a Patriot?
A patriot is a person who strongly supports his country. He will do anything for his country. For example, a patriot would not hesitate to show his support or love for the country even if it can be damaging to him. Such an individual never dislikes his country. He would not even leave his country for higher placement or better career prospects. This is due to his strong patriotism. A patriot criticizes the concept of brain drain and criticizes those who seek better opportunities abroad. He would prefer to work in his country.
A patriot would always speak highly of his country to the other nationals. He would never like his country criticized or slighted by others. A patriot cannot be lured by the materialistic pleasures that any other country would offer. A patriot also loves his countrymen dearly. He would never want them to suffer due to poverty and disease. At times of wars, the state tries to appeal to this patriotism of people so that they can be recruited as soldiers for the war. However, a patriot is quite different to a loyalist.
A patriot strongly supports his country
Who is a Loyalist?
A loyalist is a person who remains loyal to the established ruler or government. Unlike a patriot, the support of a loyalist is for the established ruler or the government, and not the country. For example, a political leader may have a few loyalists working for him to improve his party and make his party win the elections. They remain as loyalists all through their life.
A loyalist would even give up his life to save the life of his ruler. He would never leak any secret pertaining to the life of his master or the individual for whom he discharges his duties. Loyalists cannot be lured by money or wealth. Also, a loyalist would never like his master or the organization to suffer loss. He would stand by him at all times, especially during distressed times. This highlights that there is a clear difference between a patriot and a loyalist.
A loyalist is loyal to the established ruler or government
What is the difference between Patriots and Loyalists?
• Definitions of Patriots and Loyalists:
• A patriot is a person who strongly supports his country.
• A loyalist is a person who remains loyal to the established ruler or government.
• Support:
• A patriot supports his country.
• A loyalist can work for an individual or an organization. This usually refers to a ruler or government.
• Dedication:
• A patriot will do anything for his country.
• A loyalist would do anything for his ruler.
• Concern:
• A patriot is more concerned about the country than the government or ruler.
• A loyalist’s support is mainly for the ruler more than for the country.
• Criticism:
• A patriot never criticizes his country though he may criticize the ruling party.
• Influence of Money and Wealth:
• Both Patriots and Loyalists cannot be lured by money or wealth.
• Love for Countrymen:
• A patriot loves his countrymen dearly, but this may not be the case for a loyalist.
Images Courtesy:
- Bedford Patriot by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (CC BY-ND 2.0)
- Present-day monument by Sydney March to the United Empire Loyalists in Hamilton, Ontario by
