Patriotism

Patriotism:

"A person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it." - Oxford University Press Dictionary, 2005

Does the above definition offer persons the rights to forcefully defend their country and defeat those who don't? Does this definition provide citizens with the rights to discriminate and humiliate those of a different country, yet furthermore, does this definition provide any sort of power to those who display it? Though American's can't be blamed for their overt patriotic actions any more than any other diverse patriot, there seems to be a strong feeling of pride and superiority granted when donning the title "American" that makes our society seem self-centered at times. Our patriotism reaches so deep and has maintained such a strong civilian collaboration over the years that we have simultaneously become one of the most forceful nations on the face of the planet. We are definitely one of the most powerful, but beyond that, we are the most influential and most arrogant above all others. However, though our patriotism has given us an image we'd rather not hold, it has also drawn us together as a collective unit; a family of sorts.

My Definition of Patriotism:

To display a definitive respect and love for one's country while simultaneously supporting, or going against, it fairly in any governmental and/or social choice.