How to Be Patriotic Nigerian

Patriotism runs deeper than flag lapels and bumper stickers. If you want to learn what patriotism means and how to develop your own sense of patriotism for your country Nigeria, you can learn how to get more involved.

Part 1 Understanding Patriotism

Learn the difference between patriotism and nationalism. Nationalism refers to a blind belief that one's nation or cultural heritage is superior to others, while patriotism refers to a feeling of admiration for a particular belief or way of life. The two terms are often used interchangeably, and it's important to distinguish patriotism for what it is. Nationalism is often marked by "us vs. them" rhetoric and behavior. Nationalists believe that people who don't believe in the superiority of a nation or culture are somehow lesser.
A patriotic attitude is marked by an understanding of a nation's history, accomplishments, and positive contributions to culture. Patriotism also recognizes a nation's failures and negative influence.


2a Understand how patriotism is used. Patriotism is one of the most common beliefs manipulated in propaganda. Patriotic values and rhetoric is commonly subverted by those who try to manipulate certain beliefs or behaviors. The word "patriot" and "patriotism" is often used as a bludgeon to question someone's commitment and love for their country in a way that's actually more akin to nationalism. A patriotic person may be moved by an appeal to their love of their country. However, alert citizens should be aware of the intentions of the messages they hear and the potential impact of the actions they seek to accomplish. How patriotic you are is not determined by how well you conform to what messages propaganda circulates as truth. Patriots can love their country without blindly following the popular majority.



2b Learn about where you live. Discover the history of your nation and how it grew to be what it is today. Find facts that surprise you, challenge you, make you laugh or make you proud. Try finding more about your country's past leaders, flag, national animal, famous landmarks, gastronomy, traditions, films, literature. Learn everything and anything unique to your nation. Read books and articles by authors writing today. Stay as up to date as possible about what it means to be a member of the country where you live.




2c Learn about your cultural and natural history as well. The land that you stand on existed long before a government was there to name it. Greece, for example, became its own country by declaring independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, although Greek culture is ancient. A patriotic Greek person may have a fairly complicated interpretation of what it means to be Greek, and nuanced opinions about culture and government, entirely separately. What people were native to the lands that are now your country? What grows there? What animals call it home? Learn everything you can about the place you call home.