Nation and True Patriot
A Patriot A patriot. Many people have different views and opinions on such a title. For example, in Oliver Goldsmith’s “National Prejudices” he describes one man with a rather questionable view on patriotism as a “Pseudo-Patriot”. (Goldsmith. 33) Some believe a patriot is someone who loves their country full-heartedly and without question. This of course is how most would see it I assume. A true patriot is someone who can have pride in their country and everything it stands for with honor, and respect. A patriot can love their country without hating or discriminating other countries and cultures. They should help and serve others selflessly, no matter their nationality. Finally, a true patriot should stand for their country, and realize it is not perfect and that all nations have their faults. A true patriot is someone who can have pride in their country, and also respect other countries and nationalities for what they are, human beings. They can love and have pride without taking that away from others, simply because of their nationality. This also goes back to Goldsmith’s essay “National Prejudices” when he ponders on the words of a famous philosopher when he was asked where he was from he simply replied, “I am a citizen of the world.” Meaning, to him, there is no difference in people of different nationalities, for we all inhabit this earth. As most people think, a patriot should help and serve others selflessly, no matter the nationality of the person in need of help. To many, this shows that the person isn’t so proud and haughty as to shun away someone in need simply because of the color of their skin. For example, in an essay by George Orwell “Marrakech” he witnesses pain and suffering of a poor Moroccan population, but does not help them. He only ponders on the suffering of these people and how they live their lives going almost completely unnoticed. (Orwell. 37) In my own opinion, this also shows a lot about that person and their character. It