A note on the chauvinistic love we shower upon our country which is a matter that needs thorough reflection.
The stature of a country is often denoted by the mixture of many elements, like; the framework, the foundation, the history, its people, its political structure, geography, environmental concerns etc.We are bounded by duties and rights, some take them in the spirit of a traditional compulsion and some take them at face value.
But the matter of concern is not this. It is the manner in which we celebrate the living in the country. The fact that a country is not a feeling but a geographical portion where we live, a location of our birth, has to be fostered and taught. How could a country be a feeling??… It is patriotism that is the feeling and it means a strong love for the nation. And no where, in any dictionary does it state that wishing ill of a neighbouring country is patriotism. It isn’t!!!!
Hating a neighbour country is mere feel of jingoism, its chauvinism that takes one to a height that one despises said country’s very existence. When flying abroad and working with people of different countries and states sounds normal to us, shouldn’t the acceptance of them as a part of the world be normal too?
Terrorism, corruption and violence aren’t attached with any country’s name. These are societies or groups that the world has to deal with or fight with to maintain harmony. A recent Indian magazine cover page portrayed an image of a Pakistani personality with a slap mark on his face – so as to prove that India is stronger as per the perception of the hands that designed it – this cover is pure example of jingoism.
Anything above the level of normalcy has to be examined, this is a fact we all agree to.
When you think you are a nationalist so brimming with national pride that you would raise sword against anyone who dares speak of its shortcomings, this isn’t the spirit of nationalism. It’s in fact mere chauvinism covered in a fake mask of nationalism. Accepting, even celebrating a country’s weather conditions is one thing, adapting to and naturalising its crime environment is an appalling extreme.
Actions are meant to be taken; intolerance to injustices is commendable; it isn’t a matter of shame. Global citizens are we, don’t you think??? It could have been a different system, another scenario if one were born in another country. It’s all just like that. Let’s accept it…!!!!!
