Monopolization of patriotism: Case of developing countries

[This was published in Dhaka Courier on 15 February 2013]

On all counts monopolization of patriotism is one of the most heinous acts, which is not only a threat to   the birth-right of a person but should also be treated as an offence in the final version and understanding of the term. Patriotism implies love for one’s motherland under all the circumstances, favorable or not, even at the sacrifice of one’s life if a need arises. Its exposition may take place both from micro and macro standpoints. When it is exposed and set by an individual singularly from his/her standpoint it is called ‘patriotism at micro standpoint’. When the same is aired and shown by many an individual collectively it takes the form of ‘patriotism at macro standpoint’. For a nation both these two standpoints are essential. One cannot be isolated from the other. These two together constitute patriotism in the true and fullest sense of the term. If there is no existence, practice and continuance of ‘patriotism at micro standpoint’ there can hardly be an existence, practice and continuance of ‘patriotism at macro standpoint’ or vice versa. But which one is antecedent or which one is descendant that is not the central point all the time as/and it largely depends on the time, space and dimension. Or they may be simultaneous as well. Moot point is whether there is patriotism in full having both the forms living and marching together.

Since patriotism is a zeal and sacrifice for common interests and goals linked to the cause(s) of motherland it’s a futile exercise indeed if anybody either in a family or in a body polity makes any attempt to monopolize patriotism passing message with a so-called credence that other or others inside and outside the fold are not qualified or capable to show or practice it. Door to patriotism is open to all irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith, age and gender. Therefore, patriotism resides more or less inherently in the vein and spirit of each singular and plural digit of population in a state and territory across the world.

Nature of patriotism is such that it is not only fascinating but also full of thrills, suspense ad sensation. It is sometimes uncompromising, arrogant and roller blind and at times strategically it is compromising, mathematical going beyond emotion and poetic hallucination while from time to time it may appear as bewildering even. From the point of view of getting unfolded and moving forward, it may be gradual and revolutionary. When it follows a line of gradual marching initiators (person(s) concerned) may be misunderstood because of the not-so-clear-defined course of actions at the outset.  People usually like to side with revolutionary approach in most of the cases of patriotism. All these happen targeting the realization of the interests of motherland, immediate or remote.

There are many means and mediums to express one’s patriotism. It may be a line of individual approach or group, organized or not. Reality is that problems arise when political parties in a country try to establish that they are the champion of showing and practicing patriotism upholding the causes of national interests in a challenging mood and mode. The matter becomes grave when it is found that a political party being in power shamelessly starts beating the drum that it is the only safe and sound resort of patriotism at the same time branding others as playing role detrimental to national interests. The matter takes the form of the gravest one when the main figure of the very political party ventures to styles himself/herself as the most or sole carrier and reservoir of patriotism showing total disregard to the patriotism of others in the field. If a country is chronically faced with such undesirable landscape then the very question of sale and purchase of patriotism enters formerly into its politics passing to the people at large a sense of ‘phobia’ of getting into a trap of being no-patriot.

Yes, looking at the ongoing politics and statecrafts in the developing countries entailing Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, South Africa and so on one may safely reach at a conclusion that a kind of monopolization of patriotism is on in full swing particularly by the party/alliance when it is voted to power. All the political parties/alliances that were in power in the past did so faithfully and blindly. Hence, all are equally liable for fostering, nursing and carrying this self-destructive play of monopolization of patriotism. We believe that all are patriots from respective standpoints, individual or collective. Degree and strategy of monopolization may vary from one country to another. But the underlying truth is the same Let the political leaders sense and realize this very truth from the very bosom of mind that patriotism is not a property that be taken away and held by any person or group on any logic and mathematics. It is the property of each and all.