Tag: solidarity

A recent YouGov survey reveals the scale that patriotism is waning in Britain. British people may become more patriotic as they grow older, but 18-24 year-olds are so much less as likely than over-60s to be ‘very’ patriotic (15% compared to 49%) that even if a significant proportion of the younger generation turn proud in… Continue reading Patriotism Part 28

Britain may briefly have felt patriotic in 2012, when Jubilee parties and the London Olympics stirred a dormant pride, but even in the past decade there’s been a significant drop in patriotism, and when YouGov tested the nation on the ‘Life in the UK’ exam that all aspiring immigrants must pass to gain citizenship, 51%… Continue reading Patriotism Part 27

The Commonwealth gets very little political attention – it was deliberately ignored by New Labour, yet it has more shared history and values than an artificial institution such as the EU. Every Brit trusts a New Zealander or Canadian or South African. When I edited Reader’s Digest, I uncovered a wealth of untapped patriotism among… Continue reading Patriotism Part 26

Obama’s description of the Queen was significant as well as heart-melting. “I think what the Queen symbolises, not just to Great Britain but to the entire Commonwealth and obviously the entire world, is the best of England. “ https://vk.com/video503532632_456240794 [user-submitted-posts]

We can have good reasons for being patriotic towards our country and people. British patriotism, arising from empiricism, can help us, individually and as a country, to be prosperous in a competitive world, safe in a dangerous world and happier, comfortable with ourselves and at peace with each other.  Indeed the Best of British can… Continue reading Patriotism Part 24

Idealism as a basis for nationalism or anything else is potentially dangerous because there is little or no reality check. Thus, things can be manipulated to extremes, by for example the unscrupulous or deluded. Typical consequences include jingoism (aggressive or warlike foreign policy), xenophobia intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries)… Continue reading Patriotism Part 23

Underlying patriotism generally is a philosophy of reality and knowledge.  Patriotism can be founded on empiricism, where knowledge comes from experience and fact, or on idealism, where reality is largely a creation of the mind.  Empiricism acts as a reality and humanity check, and making patriotism outward looking towards also seeing and learning from the… Continue reading Patriotism Part 22

Patriotism can provide us with inspiration for creativity, innovation and perseverance.  One way is through incorporation of existing elements from our national culture into art, music, literature etc., or in developing a unique national style.  But inspiration can also arise from other activities, not least from existing acts of bravery or defying omnipotent power.  Re-discovery… Continue reading Patriotism Part 21

Patriotism can focus on preservation, protection and furtherance of what is best in our national way of life, including liberty, democracy, culture, heritage and history etc. Perhaps we are naturally inclined to protect ‘territory’ and the familiar. Typically, Rule Britannia includes the words: ‘Thee haughty tyrants ne’er shall tame: All their attempts to bend thee… Continue reading Patriotism Part 20

Patriotism can exert a benign influence through being proud and appreciative of something worthwhile. Starting with pride in ourselves, in our achievements, in our communities or organisations we work for, and then by extension in our country, acts as something of an incentive and reward for efforts.  We can see something of value to us… Continue reading Patriotism Part 19