Patriotism- A Dying Phenomenon

Patriotism- You may Google and come across a number of different definitions and interpretations of this single word. You could ask around your social circle and have different versions of the same phenomenon. But to me patriotism is not just limited to the very definition of the word. Patriotism may be taken as a feeling that every person should have for his or her country. Or an expression, which one needs to express time and time again to maintain the love for his/her country. Similarly It even might be a myth or a dying phenomenon as we move towards globalization.

Almost every Pakistani would claim to be a patriot but are we really patriots in its true definition? I fear the ratio of true patriots to the number of Pakistanis is getting pretty low. My analysis might be wrong and masses might disagree as they have every right to do so, it’s a democratic country after all (supposedly).

So what makes me have this rash overview of the Pakistanis of today, you might ask. Truth is, even I can’t answer that question as I don’t feel like a true patriot myself. But do I love my country? Yes I do have a strong affiliation with the country I was born in. Would I die for my country? Not really, but if the same question is asked while our national songs are on the speaker or our national team wins a match, my opinion might change. It's like finding solace for 2 minutes in the isolation of an enclosure where you have come to escape the reality of life. I love national holidays though, who doesn’t like a day off from the normal course of life.

I might be wrong in assuming the general youth having similar perception as mine, but I haven’t yet come across any event which might make me think otherwise. We all love to love Pakistan, as an expression. But I doubt if we really feel it most of the time. It’s like an unhealthy relationship, in which the three golden words have lost its meaning.

What’s the cause of this negativity? I’m uncertain about the answer, yet again . But do we really get a chance to be positive, is optimism still applicable in Pakistan or being so would be considered as a fool’s paradise. We have been on the news for quite some time now, and rarely for any good reason. But I don’t blame any of those events to be a major factor in this negativity, not even the government as I’m not willing to blame myself. The whole root of negativity is derived from the hypocrisy which lies within me. I don’t recall being thankful for being a national to an Islamic republic , I don’t even remember being gratified for any single blessing I have (without any personal effort from my end) . Am I taking everything for granted ? not sure , but still I have every right to complaint for all the things I could have had , since we are in a democratic country .

I might not be speaking for the masses but there would surely be a number of people out there who might be able to relate my curious state of mind . But sincerely I wish to be blessed with the true feeling of patriotism somehow , until then I’ll keep finding solace in the bliss of ignorance.

An average Pakistani

Usama Nasir

10U0775- Section E