Nationalism
vs. Internationalism
Patriotism means the love for one's country. My country right or
wrong is the motto of a patriot. Patriotism gas created heroes out of men of
mud. Inspired by this powerful feeling, many have won fame and glory for
themselves and their country. History tells us that all through, it has been a
strong commenting force. It has made men rise above provincialism and casteism
and sacrifice their own narrow interest for the sake of their country. In has
given rise to nationalism. Patriots have lived for their country, fought for
their country, and died for their country.
Indeed, love for one's country is a good thing. But nationalism
becomes an evil when it gives rise to hatred for other countries. Such
fanatical patriotism has been the root cause of modern wars. Many are the
crimes that have been committed in it name. Pride in one's own country has
often give rise to a feeling of one's won superiority as compared to the people
of other countries. Nationalists have often looked down upon others. They have
often considered themselves to be the chosen people of God, whose mission was
to civilize other peoples and nations. Thus nationalism has given rise to
patriots run mad. They caused the Second World War and so much misery and
suffering to humanity. They symbolize the evils of nationalism. In recent
times, nationalism has made the Indians aggressive and violent.
Patriotism might have been useful and necessary in the nineteenth
century, but it is certainly not enough in the present day world. Owning to the
swift means of communication invented by science, the globe has shrunk and the
entire world has become like one big family. All humanity is one today.
National barriers have broken down and the world has become like a big bazaar
in which man moves about buying and selling with perfect ease. Nationalism has
outlived its day; love for one's own country must now be replaced by love for
the world. We are no longer Pakistani or Chinese, but citizens of the world.
Patriotism may be good, but it is certainly not enough today. It
must be replaced by internationalism. While loving the good in our own country,
we must also love what is good in others. The view of the Thinker, that East
and West can never meet, no longer holds true. Increased contacts are resulting
in greater appreciation of the cultures and ways of living of each other. The
two-the East and the West are now co-operating and working together in number
of fields. They are learning much from each other. Mutual trust and confidence
has increased and a number of treaties regarding the reduction and banning of
chemical and nuclear weapons have been signed by the two super-powers. Russia
and America have been drawing closer, slowly but steadily. All these facts
indicate that they would come closer together still with the passing of time.
The two have already met and their meeting is good for the future of mankind.
Internationalism means world peace and prosperity for mankind; narrow
nationalism is bound to lead to total destruction.
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