Differences Between Nationalism and Patriotism-Which Is Better for Nation Building

Differences between Nationalism and Patriotism-which is better for nation building

What is nationalism? Nationalism means to give more importance to unity by way of a cultural background, including language and heritage. Nationalism is also a feeling that one`s country is superior to another in all aspects. It also can be a little aggressive and radical by nature. It also makes one to think only of one`s country`s virtues and makes one try to find justification for the mistakes made in the past. On the other hand, patriotism means the love for a nation, with more emphasis on values and beliefs and is merely is a feeling of admiration for a way of life. It is also passive by nature because people all over the world are considered equal. Patriotism also pertains to value responsibilities rather than just valuing loyalty towards one`s own country and enables people to understand both the shortcomings and improvements made. Based on statements above, I think patriotism is better for nation-building. Nation-building is the process of constructing or structuring a national identity using the power of the state. This process aims at the unification of the people within the state so that it remains politically stable and viable in the long run. Nation-building can involve the use of propaganda or major infrastructure development to foster social harmony and economic growth. The first and most important reason I think patriotism is better for nation-building is because it allows individuals to care about their country as a whole. To put it in a simpler way, it allows them to think twice before taking an action and making decisions that are going to affect their nation. For example, a visitor from America would never behave indecently in Malaysia because he or she is aware that it would bring bad name to their country. This will increase our respect towards their country which would lead to the rapid growth of their