Eleanor Roosevelt True Patriotism

PATRIOTISM OR HATE-RIOTISM? Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth, universal brotherhood and good will, and a constant and earnest striving toward the principles and ideals on which this country was founded.” Growing up in one of the most patriotic countries in the world, The United States of America, patriotism is everywhere. Patriotism is defined as devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty. Whether it’s expressed through hanging the U.S flag outside one’s house, a bumper sticker on the back of a car, supporting one of the many sports teams with the American colors, or even serving in the military. Americans are born and raised to be patriotic. But does everyone agree that patriotism is positive?

For example, Mark Twain expressed his hatred by stating, “A patriot sets himself apart in his own country under his own flag, sneers at other nations and keeps an army of uniformed assassins on hand at heavy expense to grab slices of other people’s countries and keep them from grabbing slices of his. In the intervals between campaigns he washes the blood off his hands and works for ‘the universal brotherhood of man’ with his mouth.” Twain makes many valid points by bring up how patriotism encourages hatred and distrust for other countries, promoting war by having an army of assassins, and washing away wrongful violations within the country. Numerous Americans have shown similar controversy in regards to whether they should support patriotism. Despite the fact that patriotism can bring social culture and bonding together, it can ultimately become destructive and does more harm than