"What is Patriotism?" by Emma Goldman
“Conceit, arrogance, and egotism are the essentials of patriotism.
Let me illustrate. Patriotism assumes that our globe is divided into little spots, each one surrounded by an iron gate. Those who have the fortune of being born on some particular spot consider themselves nobler, better, grander, more intelligent than those living beings inhabiting any other spot.
It is therefore the duty of everyone living on that chosen spot to fight, kill, and die in the attempt to impose his superiority among all others. The inhabitants of the other spots reason in like manner, of course, with the result that from early infancy the mind of the child is provided with blood-curdling stories about the Germans, the French, the Italians, Russians etc.
When the child has reached manhood he is thoroughly saturated with the belief that he is chosen by the Lord God himself to defend his country against the attack or invasion of any foreigner. It is with that purpose that we are clamoring for a greater army and navy, more battleships and ammunition. An army and navy represents the people’s toys.
We Americans claim to be peace loving people. We hate bloodshed; we are opposed to violence. Yet we go into spasms of joy over the possibility of projecting dynamite bombs from flying machines upon helpless citizens. We are ready to hang, electrocute, or lynch anyone, who, from economic necessity, will risk his own life upon that of some industrial magnate.
Yet out hearts swell with pride that America is becoming the most powerful nation on Earth, and that she will eventually plant her iron foot on the necks of all other nations. Such is the logic of patriotism.”
Have a woke Fourth, y'all.
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