Patriotism - Changing Landscape of National Identity

Patriotism is a concept that has been both celebrated and questioned throughout history. While it is often used as a shield by individuals with a weak track record in working for the betterment of people, its true meaning and relevance in today's world deserve further exploration.

Once celebrated, people now try to hide behind patriotism while failing to make significant contributions towards the betterment of society. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable within the government, where public servants and those involved in certain professions may have a sense of obligation to their constituents or the security and armed forces. However, for the majority of individuals, this connection to the land and its people is not a practical or realistic expectation. As an outsider you can observe how it’s been playing out in India for sometime now. In fact it’s another level where states protect their citizens and employees or should I say voter base may be?

Our families are no longer confined to a single location. Seeking a better life, our grandparents moved from villages to cities, cities to smart cities, and even from one nation to another. Today, even while living in the United States, people readily move to a new location for improved opportunities, be it in their careers, proximity to family, pursuing their passions, or for the sake of their spouses. The average person does not have a significant obligation to the land they reside in, realistically speaking.

Though language and roots may connect us initially, as the years go by, maintaining a sense of patriotism towards a foreign nation becomes increasingly challenging. The recent focus on protecting borders, the rise of the EU, Brexit, and promoting local industries are attempts to preserve a sense of local identity and minimize conflicts. However, in the next century or so, borders will evolve into different forms. Whether or not we discover other planets with life, people will be able to move around the Earth as easily as changing states, and the concept of patriotism tied to a specific nation will undergo further transformations.

Many recent trends, such as the growing animosity towards China, slogans like "Make America Great Again," initiatives like "Make in India," and even Brexit, are primarily driven by the need to sustain local economies and secure jobs for their respective populations. It is unrealistic and even cruel to expect individuals living in poverty, who earn only a fraction of what the rich do, to prioritize patriotism over their own immediate needs. It is not practical to assume that the poor will choose to buy locally-made products simply because they are cheaper or made in their own country.

However, this does not imply that being patriotic is inherently bad or wrong. It is essential to recognize that the times have changed, and the definition of patriotism has evolved. We must acknowledge that borders, nations, and divisions were created by humans. In the grand scheme of things, Earth is just one planet among many in the vast universe. It is crucial to allow people to live in peace, transcending the constraints imposed by artificial boundaries.

If we were to strip away everything from a person and ask if they would still be a patriot, it is likely that they would become disillusioned, feeling let down by the nation they once loved. When considering the relationship between government or nation and its citizens, it is akin to that of a company and its employees. When individuals contribute to the security and economy of their country, the nation thrives and provides opportunities for personal growth. In return, citizens pay taxes, fulfill their civic duties, raise awareness, and live fulfilling lives. However, if a government fails to ensure security, makes poor decisions, or burdens its people with excessive taxes, the most likely outcome is that the skilled and talented will leave in search of greener pastures, where their contributions are valued. Thus, the relationship between citizens and their nation is more akin to an employee and company dynamic, with a veneer of patriotism and pride.

Amidst the complexities of modern society, it is crucial to strike a balance between patriotism and a broader sense of global citizenship. While patriotism can foster a sense of unity and collective identity within a nation, it should not be used as a tool for exclusion or as a means to justify harmful actions towards other countries or cultures. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, it is essential to cultivate an understanding that our shared humanity transcends national borders. Embracing a global perspective alongside a sense of patriotism can enable us to work towards a more inclusive and compassionate future, where the well-being of all people, regardless of nationality, is upheld as a shared responsibility.

Looking 20-25 years down the line, the future of borders appears to be undergoing significant transformations. Advancements in technology, changing political landscapes, and evolving societal norms are likely to reshape the concept of borders in several ways. Digital Borders, Soft Borders, Security Emphasis, Climate Change and Resource Disputes, Virtual Citizenship and Mobility, Borderless Initiatives are few that comes to mind that will drive lot of it.

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