Patriotism means having an unbiased love for your country of origin and all the people who live within it. Your country is a geographic entity encompassing diverse tribes, religions, cultures, and beliefs.
To be patriotic means that you accept and embrace these diversities and believe in the possibilities of flourishing human life in your country. It is an understanding that there will always be problems. Our role is to contribute to problem-solving.
Nationalism on the other hand is a devotion to a specific group of people who share a common language and heritage above and beyond your loyalty to the country.
I recently joined a group on Clubhouse where the members are focused on inspiring patriotism in Nigeria. Surprisingly, a group of people can be so dedicated to raising the consciousness of Nigerians towards believing in the country.
The group was formed in response to the deteriorating economic and social conditions of Nigeria. The impoverishment of the majority of the people is a cause for concern. The rising inflation and corruption have contributed to the destruction of the economic fabric of the nation.
We gather to discuss issues of national importance and try to find solutions to the problematic issues. The individuals within the core group run projects in the real world that solve real world problems.
To be patriotic is to be a problem-solver.
