Stitch: Patriotism
Looking back at it, I supposed the passage preceeding the final statement in my #1255 message would give some indication of my awareness of the dire circumstances, extreme hardships, and sacrifice that so many endured via Mao's Cultural Revolution.
Yes, yes. I know. How could anyone claim awareness, yet imply that those who lived it could precipitate or partake of an extremist event?
Know that the appearance of the word "patriot" in my message was not entirely of my own design, as I have seen it used on more than one occasion in similar context. (No, no. I don't plagiarize.)
Briefly... The word "patriot" in any of its forms, especially when defined by a superlative, (e.g. very patriotic, fiercely patriotic, extremely patriotic) alerts me to the possibility of enthusiasm in search of direction, conjuring all sorts of images.
"He (or she) is a patriot," period. No modifiers required. Add a modifier and I become concerned, and somewhat suspicious.
I am also alerted when someone presents themselves to me as a patriot. (Oh, yes. It's happened.) And at the same time, insulted.
That's it. |
