New version
Being proud of one’s nationality is a sentiment that can evoke mixed reactions. However, for me, as a Ukrainian, it is a simple truth I hold dear.
In a world filled with countless disruptions, expressing love for one’s country should not be seen as peculiar, but rather as an act of patriotism. Patriotism, often associated with the United States of America, refers to a deep affection and unwavering support for one’s own country. Some may argue that nationalism carries the same meaning, but is it really so? Let’s delve into the nuances and find out.
When referring to people from different countries, we tend to interchangeably use terms like “citizens” and “nationals.” However, many native English speakers may not fully grasp the distinction between these two. Allow me to explain further. A national of a country is someone who is born there; this is an inherent aspect of their identity. For instance, if you are born in Russia, you will always be Russian, and the same applies to any country around the world. On the other hand, citizenship can be obtained through various means, and unlike nationality, it is subject to change. One can acquire a different citizenship, gain dual citizenship, or even lose citizenship. In my case, I am a national of Ukraine, a citizen of both Poland and Russia, and I currently reside in Russia.
“Wait a moment!” Some astute readers may have noticed that, in most cases, the usage of both “citizens” and “nationals” is incorrect. Being a national of a country does not necessarily mean that you reside in that country, nor does it imply that you hold its citizenship. Likewise, being a citizen of a country solely indicates your legal status without specifying your residence or nationality.
“You simply don’t understand English!” On the contrary, I do. Both the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries support my assertions. The appropriate terms to use in such contexts are “inhabitant” or “resident.”
When it comes to the English language, it has become increasingly accessible over time. Nowadays, we see non-native English speakers as young as four years old confidently communicating in English. English has rightfully earned its reputation as the international language, with finding a child or young person who doesn’t speak or write English being highly uncommon. However, this simplification of English has led to the blending of many words. Take, for example, the word “foundling,” which in this case means “an abandoned child” or “castaway.” Instead, people tend to use “orphan” or “refugee.” While the original word still exists, it has fallen out of common usage and may even be unfamiliar to native English speakers.
This brings us back to the two words at hand: nationalism and patriotism. The answer to the fundamental question is a resounding “No, they are not the same.” Moreover, it is crucial to understand that much of what is regarded as patriotism is, in fact, not true patriotism but rather nationalism. Patriotism involves a profound love and support for one’s homeland—the country of your nationality, the place where you were born. The key distinction is that unless you were born in a specific country, a deep love and support for it cannot be classified as patriotism; it becomes nationalism. Therefore, patriotism and nationalism are fundamentally similar, with patriotism being more specific but not fundamentally different.
In conclusion, it is essential to comprehend the disparities between nationalism and patriotism. While patriotism represents a genuine affection for one’s homeland, nationalism encompasses a broader love and support for a country. They may appear distinct, but ultimately, they share similarities that challenge the notion of patriotism as being inherently superior to nationalism. It is a nuanced and complex topic worth exploring further to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of national identity and belonging.
Old version (Nationalism And Patriotism – Not The Same, But Still As Bad)
“I am Ukrainian, and I am proud of it!”
That single phrase might be disliked by many, yet that is the only truth I could speak.
In a world where almost everything is disturbing, these phrases should actually not be weird, as what I do is patriotic.
Patriotism is a British English word that most will connect to the United States of America, which means having a great love and support to your own country.
Some will say Nationalism is the same, but is it?
Let us find out!
When it comes to countries, we like to use “the Citizens of” and “the Nationals of” to state the same, the people who are living at a country.
As many native English speakers do not even know the difference, let me explain the difference.
Being a national of a country is when you are born at a certain country, this is unchangable as long as you live, so if you are born at Russia, you will always be a Russian, if you are born at the Ireland you will always be Irish, and you can do that with every possible country worldwide.
Being a citizen of a country is by getting citizenship of a country, this you could do in many ways, and unlike a nationality, you can change citizenship, get another citizenship and even lose citizenship.
In my case, I am a national of Ukraine, citizen of Poland and Russia, and currently reside at Russia.
“Hold on!”
Yes, those who were reading well noticed that both the usage of citizens and nationals is, in almost every case, both incorrect.
Being a national of a country does not mean you reside at that country, neither that you have citizenship of this country.
Being a citizen of a country only means you have citizenship of a country, yet does not mean you reside at this country, neither that it is your nationality.
“You just do not understand English!”
Actually, I do, as both the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries back me up at this.
The correct words people are looking for are “inhabitant” or “Resident”.
When it comes to the English language, it has only become easier and easier over time, and by now you see non-native English speakers of ages going as young as 4 years old…
The English language should be called the international language, as chances of finding any child or young person who does not speak nor write English is highly uncommon.
Still, by English becoming so easy, many words have overlapped each other…
Think for example of a word I still use, “Foundling”, which (in this case) means “An abandoned child” or “Castaway”, yet people instead tend to use “Orphan” or “Refugee” instead of it.
The word still obviously exists, yet is no longer used, and sometimes even not known, even by native English speakers…
Which brings us back to those 2 words, Nationalism and Patriotism.
The answer to the big question is: “No, they are not the same.”
But actually, even more important, a lot of patriotism is actually no patriotism, unlike with nationalism…
Patriotism is “a great love and support to your own country.“
More importantly is that this is about your “Homeland”, the place of your nationality, the country of which you are a national, the country you were born at.
The simple thing is, unless you were born at a certain country, a great love and support to a country is not patriotism, it is nationalism.
That is the actual difference between nationalism and patriotism, patriotism is great love and support to your homeland, nationalism is great love and support to a country.
Which actually equals in another answer, patriotism is as bad as nationalism, as patriotism is just more specific, but not different apart of that…
