According to dictionary.com,
patriotism is described as "devoted love, support, and defense of one's
country." This definition brings into mind soldiers or people tasked with
defending the country. Yet, patriotism is not just about being a soldier.
Patriotism can mean so much more and can be practiced by anyone in their own way. There seems to be a disconnect between what students think patriotism is and what it actually is. Here is why we should teach students patriotism at schools.
It will instill in them a love for their
country
The basic form of patriotism is having a love for your own
country. If patriotism were to be taught in schools, the students would be able
to slowly develop and sense of pride for his/her country.
The students will also understand why it is important to have
respect for the fundamental structures of the country. Students could even have
lessons about important institutions like the government and the constitution.
The goal is to make them feel that the country is worth fighting for.
Free essay
examples on patriotism
Before we move on with the rest of the points, it is important
to mention that writing about your country and presenting it positively raises
awareness and you feel good about it. Students love to write about various
countries of the world but mostly ignore their own country in the process. It's
always a wonderful idea to write about your own country and for that, you can
refer to https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/patriotism/ for free essay
examples on patriotism. You can give it a new angle by including your country
in it and it is sure to achieve your education goals and impress your school or
college teachers.
It will give them a sense of identity
Young people these days sometimes have a hard time identifying
with a certain group. They might feel like loners who have no place where they
belong. Teaching patriotism in schools will help students build up a sense of
identity. It will help them feel like they belong in their country.
The students get the chance to understand that they have a
purpose in society. It helps builds the students' character development. A
sense of pride grows in them that there is nothing wrong with strongly
identifying with their nationality.
Learn to appreciate and respect their fellow
citizens
Patriotism does not have to do with only loving your country. It
also means loving and respecting your fellow citizens. Patriotic rituals do not matter but
you cannot be patriotic if you do not stand up and help the people around you.
Students should know that they can practice patriotism by being supportive of
their fellow citizens.
You can cheer for athletes representing your country in
international competitions or help your fellow neighbors. Students should learn
that practicing patriotism is not just a grand act, but even small gestures can
help.
Teaches them to become selfless and do what
is best for the country
In the past few years, the terms patriotism and nationalism have
been mixed up. If you are patriotic, you do not wish for the downfall of a
certain section of society. Being patriotic does not mean you consider yourself
superior to other people.
You instead become selfless and strive to do what is right for your fellow citizens. As students grow older,
they will not do things only to benefit themselves but also the less fortunate.
They will work and wish for the nation's advancement as a whole, not for just a
few specific people.
Patriotism becomes more of choice and less
forced upon
Some students may not have the full picture when it comes to
being patriotic. As these students get older, they may not get into being
patriotic as easily if they were not taught it in school. Teaching patriotism
in schools will help the students see patriotism as more of choice and not
something that is being forced upon them.
The things the students learn while they are young follows them
when they become adults. They take what they learned about patriotism with them
to the real world. They choose to become patriotic and do it properly.
Conclusion
Patriotism is so much more than just loving your country. There
are also many more ways to be patriotic than becoming a soldier or serving the
country. Just by being a good person in society, you have already become
patriotic. This is why it is important to teach patriotism in schools. Students
learn about what patriotism really is, and it also helps positively develop
their character at a young age.
Author's
Bio:
Michael Turner is a digital marketing professional working with
a leading FMCG company and handling their international branding and online
sales plans. In his free time, he works as a freelance academic writer and
helps students with their assignments. Other than his work, he loves
meditating, reading books, and traveling the globe.
