Farmer Ted :
Oh. Lort.
Dear Malinformation,
Patriotism is a sincere love for one’s country (expressed by not burning or otherwise disrespecting one's country's flag nor by waving foreign flags) rooted in shared values, civic responsibility (a concept loathsome to the Progressive Cult of Perpetual Victimhood), and a desire to see the nation improve. It allows for criticism and embraces diversity as long as it enhances the nation, aiming to uphold democratic (small d, not pure) ideals.
In contrast, nationalism is a belief in national superiority, often intolerant of dissent and hostile to outsiders who don't embrace its culture and laws. It demands loyalty above reflection (a key characteristic of the ProgressiveCultofPerpetualVictimhood), often glorifying its concept of "nation" (like how the left views its cult of fascism) uncritically.
While patriotism is conditionally inclusive and reform-minded-within-reason, nationalism can become exclusionary (labeling opposition as deplorables) and aggressive when opposition to its concepts of "nation" are threatened (Summer of Love riots, autonomous zones, showtrials against opponents, lawfare, etc).
One unites through shared ideals; the other divides through perceived supremacy, be it morals, values, intellect (paging academia), etc. Patriotism builds a better country, which is why America is prospering; nationalism risks undermining it through arrogance and authoritarian tendencies, which is why the Confederate Democrat Fascist Party is imploding under the weight of its own utter bullshit.
Glad I could help and as always, do better.
2025-07-24 15:09:09