Can patriotism be taught

Answer 1

Yes, it is possible to inspire people, however patriotism is like religion or music. You cannot force anyone to be a patriot of the country they live in. There are quite many people that like cosmopolitanism and they are patriots to the whole world. The most common myth is if a person isn't proud of the country they live in, that they dont know how lucky they are to live in their country, so they tell them to go to poorer countries where freedom is limited. Things like this still can't inspire people to become a patriot of their country. It all matters how the citizens of the country behave to each other. If someone is growing up in a nice family and has wonderful friends, patriotism can be bigger than someone who is growing up in a violent family. There are many people who suffered abuse as children and later they change their names and even start a new life in a different country. It helps them to get rid of the horrible memories, cause simple everyday national things can remind them of the abuse they have suffered. Even if someone suffered emotional, verbal abuse, later they will learn a different language, cause the language they were growing up with can remind them of hurtful emotional abuse and insults. Patriotism can be taught. However patriotism is a choice. It is not nice to force someone to listen to Classical Music, if they like more calm music for meditation. People will follow what they wish. There are democrats, republicans, liberals, conservatives, communists and some wish to be world citizens (cosmopolitanism). A patriot will learn the national anthem and enlist in the army, while a cosmopolite will sing few hippie songs and go around the world either as a UN peacekeeping soldier, demining of mine fields, extra protection at night in violent cities, or as an aid worker helping poor children and adults. You can inspire someone to be a patriot, except it only works if they truly wish to. There are democrats and cosmopolites, rocks stars and piano players.