Patriotism and parrotism
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05:32
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democracy,
nationalism,
patriotism,
Philippines,
Singapore
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"What is patriotism?" asked Emma Goldman at the beginning of her stinging indictment of 20th century patriotism. And this was the answer she gave: A ploy to win public support for the country's elite, who are either synonymous with the political establishment or the ones whom the politicians serve.
To further refine this point, let's ask ourselves the same question here. I wrote several years ago that patriotism can be a force for good. I still think so. But whether it is hinges on the answer to that question.
So what is patriotism? Is it about flag-waving, military training, having marching bands every year and fireworks with celebratory champagne? Claps on backs saying how great it is to belong to the country? Is it about loyalty to the state?
Singapore just celebrated its day of independence, and here I treat you to some highlights from the festivities:
Pictures from SingaporeVR
Very impressive. The military trains every year for this event, the one community service it performs regularly and with consistent zeal. Fireworks can only entertain us for so long, but such faithful commitment never gets old.
All in the name of the stars and stri– moon.
In contrast, the Philippines just observed the passing of one Corazon Aquino. No, not an FHM model, fortunately, but a former president who was a key figure in the popular revolution that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Yes, that's husband of Imelda Marcos who had that fabulous shoe collection. I'm waiting for her label to appear on the market too.
But, anyway, what was that popular revolt all about besides the usual rowdiness characteristic of Third Wold nations?
No wonder half of them are domestic workers today. Maybe they were protesting the construction of Ion on hallowed ground.
But something in me says that we have to admire the solidarity that these people had. They could have been shot at if things hadn't swung in their favour with defections sweeping through the ranks of the military. Marcos even had his 'finest hour', insisting that force was not to be employed despite the advice he got. But did the people know how it would turn out when they set off to stand up for themselves?
So maybe that's what patriotism is about: Solidarity with your fellowman and the courage to stand up as a people. And not about loyalty to the state, which is liable to be hijacked by special interests. Maybe these people, poor as they might be, know a very important thing about the essence of democracy. What is a nation primarily about after all – the piece of land and the flag, or the people who make it thrive? Maybe amidst our stability and our fortunes we have forgotten something that those people knew on that day.
So who is ‘First World' and who is 'Third World', really?
Well, we all love colourful parades. I enjoyed the ones in Disneyland.
But I don't think I enjoy this sort much:
But I don't think I enjoy this sort much:
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