Nationalism vs. Patriotism

The reporter was addressing the fact that Germany would be playing in the Quarterfinals against Argentina in the FIFA World Soccer tournament, but the report didn’t take the course that I halfway expected. He was reporting on the fear that was starting to grip the German citizens as the fervor for Deutschland was growing to a crucial point. Numbers of German flags were starting to appear with great anticipation. Tension was growing within the country because many citizens could remember, painfully, when this fever pitch had been reached previously. Numerous pubs and other sports clubs have been declared as “flag-free” sites to view Saturdays match in an attempt to calm the waters so to speak. Those attending cannot chanted nor sing nationalistic songs – they can cheer, but there will not be any Deutschland, Deutschland, Deutschland tolerated because that would simply be a reminder of the 1930s, a very painful period in their history.

The conflict, as addressed by the reporter on NPR, was about Nationalism vs. Patriotism. What happened in German as a lead up to Hitler taking over the country – in a period of economic downturn called the Great Depression – was nationalism … too much identity with the country and a low tolerance for anyone who didn’t speak the German language, wasn’t born in Germany and/or had family in another country … one had to look, walk, speak and act German or else. Nationalism at its worst … the fear is still evident throughout the country according to this reporter. Once again it is raising its ugly head and creating a widespread fear. Patriotism – having pride in your country – is acceptable, but nationalism will not be tolerated.

This radio report was on the heels of a conversation I had just participated in concerning what is taking place in America. It dawned on me that the conflict between Nationalism vs. Patriotism speaks directly to our situation … and I am fearful for America. The whole conservative vs. liberal debate can be housed in the same imagery of what took place in Germany. It is a debate driven by fear, bumper stickers and angry talk show hosts. It is a debate about who is and who isn’t legitimate to be in the country. It is a debate about language … about taking “back” our country … about race and racial hatred … individual rights vs. what is best for the entire country … it is a debate driven by fear and lots and lots and lots of anger.

Taking pride in America is a great thing. Chanting USA, USA, USA is a good thing. Singing the national anthem with great pride and emotion is a good thing. Allowing a tear or two to well up in ones eyes is a good thing. Celebrating the freedom of our beloved country is a good thing. Honoring our soldiers is a good thing. But demanding that everyone think and act alike is dangerous. Demanding that only English speaking individuals can get jobs is dangerous. Demanding that only white American Christians be permitted to stay and hold political office is dangerous.

We are entering a very dangerous period in our history. I pray that true patriotism wins out. God blessed Israel by giving them the Promised Land, but they failed to understand the purpose of the gift. They were to be a blessing to the other nations … to be a channel by which all people would come to understand that God was a loving and caring God. God blessed America in its early years so that we could be that channel, but like Israel we began to see the blessing as a right instead of a privilege … a privilege to be shared with all people regardless and without reservation.

My fear in trying to “keep America safe” is that the blessing with be removed from our hands and given to another people. Yes, “God bless America,” but only so we can bless the disenfranchised of this world. Long may Patriotism live!

Quote for today: We should behave toward our country as women behave toward the men they love. A loving wife will do anything for her husband except stop criticizing and trying to improve him. We should cast the same affectionate but sharp glance at our country. J. B. Priestley.