Too often, patriotism has been used as a tool of division rather than unity. So we asked: what does patriotism mean to you? This is what you said
What does patriotism mean to you?
Being house proud
“It’s a bit like being house proud, but of my country– looking after it, keeping it tidy, investing in it, caring for the people in it, looking out for neighbours and making visitors and newcomers feel welcome.” – Zoe, Barnsley, England
Progression
“Carl Schurz said ‘my country, right or wrong. If right, to be kept right. If wrong, to be set right.’ The truth is more involved. A nationalist believes the appearance of supremacy is so important he will attack his own countrymen for criticising it. A patriot will criticise their own country so it can become greater tomorrow than it was yesterday.” – William, US
Shared humanity
“Patriotism is not wrapping yourself in your country’s flag; it’s wrapping yourself in your shared humanity.” – Gary, Rhode Island, US
A quieter, enduring love
“Patriotism isn’t loud. It’s not about flags or anthems and proving who loves their country most. For me, it’s a quieter and enduring love. The kind that stays, even when things aren’t perfect. Patriotism is caring enough to see what’s wrong and still believe we can do better. It’s shown in small things –helping a neighbour, listening, choosing kindness when anger would be easier. True patriotism doesn’t draw lines between people. It asks only that we care enough to build something worth belonging to. Because love of country isn’t shouted. It’s shown – in hope, in effort, and in how we treat each other, irrespective of our origins.” – Brian, Portishead, England
Duty and understanding
“Patriotism is the feeling of love for your country. However, like conventional love, the feeling is not unconditional and, to be sustainable, should not be all encompassing. Patriotism is understanding that your country has a history, some of which can be celebrated, some of which should be addressed critically and all of which can be learnt from. Patriotism is understanding that your country is alive, ever changing. Patriotism is understanding that while you had no role in being born in the country you consider home, it is your duty to look to help shape and improve it.” – Richard, Croydon, England
Setting a positive example
“Patriotism for me is a sense of flying my own personal flag for those before me – my late mum and grandmother – and being a positive role model for my daughters. Caring for Mother Earth as much as possible, continuing to be charitable to those in my community.” – Joanna, Essex, England
“As a biracial child growing up in the UK in the 1970s I’ve already been told that [certain patriotic] symbols are not mine. Moving from England to Scotland as an adult again reinforced what I am not. So without much sense of conventional patriotism, I try to be a useful citizen of planet Earth; through work, through actions, through care.” – Devinder, Scotland
Kindness
“It means embracing all that is kind and welcoming in our country, striving to rescue our natural habitats from capitalism and to rescue our human population from the scourge of social media. It’s about smiling and saying hello to anyone and everyone.” – Ann, Bishop’s Stortford, England
Being welcoming
“For me, patriotism is the land. I love the English countryside, the trees, meadows, moors and beaches – that is where I feel my peace, belonging and roots, and what I want to protect. This land should be welcoming to anyone who loves and cares for it and wants to belong here, no matter where they were born or what their race or religion is. Love is all that matters.” – James, England
“I recently became an immigrant and I’ve been overwhelmed by how welcoming my new home is. In turn I’ve done my best to return that love through voluntary work, donating to local causes, and being there for my neighbours when they need help. I don’t speak the local language yet but despite that, I feel a stronger sense of belonging here than I ever have before.” – Gem, Berlin
Aiming high
“Patriotism means wanting the UK to be the best, cleanest and fairest it can be, with no one or nowhere left behind.” – Candida, West Sussex, England
Preserving identity
“I think being patriotic means preserving our country’s unique identity. It can mean learning and teaching our local history, folk songs, arts and crafts… and also looking after our local wildlife.” – Beth, Lancashire, England
Main image: Saj Shafque / Unsplash
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