Ink And Reason

Let’s talk patriotism, folks. Not the flag-waving, eagle-screaming kind that makes the news (although, let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a good fireworks show?). I’m talking about the quiet, everyday kind that lives in the heart of everyday people like you and me.

For me, patriotism isn’t about blind nationalism or chest-thumping superiority. It’s about knowing my roots, understanding the struggles and triumphs of those who came before me, and using that knowledge to shape a better future. It’s about feeling a connection to the land, the culture, and the people who share my heritage.

But here’s the thing: that connection doesn’t come with an exclusionary clause. Being patriotic doesn’t mean shoving my culture down anyone’s throat or pretending mine is the only one that matters. It’s about appreciating the tapestry of cultures that make up our world and respecting the unique experiences of others. I live and Europe and we had our fair share of badly understood patriotism that led to war and incommensurable pain. We even struggle now to refrain those who tend to forget about what is making us unique and makes us bond rather than fight. We have more things in common than those that differentiate us. If everyone of us in Europe will take a DNA test (like I did) we’ll see that we are so closely related, and borders, language, culture are only concepts that make us more interesting. Even economically we are stronger together than separately. As the EU motto sais: United in Diversity.

Think of it like a giant potluck. My grandma’s sarmale might be the best (don’t argue with me, it’s a fact), but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the spicy kimchi or the fluffy naan someone else brought. In fact, the more diverse the spread, the more delicious the experience, right?

So, what does this “responsible patriotism” look like in action? Well, it could be:

Learning about the history of my country, the good, the bad, and the ugly. No sugarcoating, just honest reflection.
Celebrating my culture, but also being open to learning and appreciating others.** Cultural exchange is the spice of life, y’all.
Contributing to my community, whether it’s volunteering, paying taxes (grudgingly, but responsibly), or picking up that rogue banana peel on the sidewalk. Small acts, big impact.
Holding my government accountable, because even eagles need occasional beak-trimming. (Although, maybe not literally. Please don’t try that.)

Now, I’m not saying I’m some paragon of patriotic virtue. I still complain about the potholes on my street more than I probably should, and my knowledge of traditional dances might be limited to the “Hora” (it’s a banger, don’t @ me). But I’m trying. I’m learning, growing, and striving to be the kind of patriot who makes my country a better place, not just for myself, but for everyone who calls it home.

So, what about you? What does patriotism mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments, but please keep it civil. Remember, even responsible patriots can disagree (sometimes heatedly) about the best way to fix those potholes. Just don’t bring up my grandma’s sarmale again. We can agree to disagree on that one.