Module 1: Fundamentals of Patriotism and Nationalism

OVERVIEW

This module is intended for learning about the fundamentals of nationalism and
patriotism that both are the feelings of love people feel for their country but the values
upon which those feelings are based are very different. Feelings of patriotism are based
on the positive values the country embraces—like freedom, justice, and equality while
feelings of nationalism are based on a belief that one’s country is superior to all others.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Discuss the importance of patriotism and nationalism;

2. Distinguish patriotism and nationalism;
3. Describe the indigenous community and early concept of patriotism

DISCUSSION

UNDERSTANDING FREEDOM: AN ATTEMPT TO CONTEXTUALIZE

The discourse on the indigenization of the social sciences- particularly where

anthropology, psychology, and sociology are concerned- along with the experience,
values, as well as fundamental and associated ideals, have been in existence for a little
over twenty years. Indigenization was and continues to be a response to what many
non- Western social scientist perceive as the inability of Euro- American social science
to constitute a relevant and liberating discourse in the context of Asian, African, and
Latin American societies (Van Bremen et al., 2004)

This problem is exacerbated by the fact that much of social science literature in
this field, which tackle the core values and fundamental principles, have been
assimilated uncritically outside of their countries of origin by students, lecturers,
researchers and planners. While the problem of irrelevance and its concomitant issues
raised in the discourse on indigenization had been recognized by non- Western
scholars as early as the beginning of this century, the term “indigenization” has only
become more popular since the 1970s. it could be said that indigenization is a relatively
new term which addresses a problem that has already been recognized quite some time
ago (Van Bremen et. al, 2004)

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Philippines- the first social science to be taught, history, was introduced as early
as in the seventeenth century, with anthropology, economics, political science,
psychology and sociology emerging during the American colonial period (Feliciano,
1984).
- The sacrifices that our ancestors had to make in the name of freedom,
democracy and peace during the 333 years of Spanish occupation
serve as a proof that, indeed, we are a nation of heroes- great people
who cherish these values.
Self- identify is an essential aspect of our life. Humans need others not just for
the development of basic functions, but also for the formation of their identity,
psychological being, and self- concept. How human think and fell, as well as their
conceptions of themselves, are formed by their membership in their extended group.
Patriotism in a nation- state has become a central value and a motivational force
that is potentially involved in a wide range important processes, such as political
participation, supportive and critical evaluation of the leadership and relevant policies,
political mobilization, societal conformity and obedience, conflict management and
resolution, and even international trade.

PATRIOTISM

Is defined as “love of one’s country”, or one’s “country of the birth” because it

is the one’s forefathers. This concepts includes the love of county of one’s
“naturalization” and a “devotion of one’s country”. It derives from the Greek word
patriot, which means, “fellow countryman” and practice which means, “Fatherland”
or “country”. The term also derives from the word pater, which means “father”. A
patriot is someone supports and acts in defense of his/ her country and the term
generally refers to a concept of national loyalty.

Historically, “patriotism” refers to one’s connection to the land of his/ her origin.
The strong feelings toward the land continued and by, extension, toward the people
inhabiting those lands, further developments took place. Customs and traditions were
included in the historical pride. According to Washington Times, there are two
orientations of patriotism: a traditional and postmodern perspective (
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jul/7/the-patriotism-gap/ on October 11,
2018). Traditionally, patriotism comprises love, loyalty, defense, sacrifice, and support
of one’s country. The postmodern conception, however, approaches patriotism from
subjective, emotional viewpoint leading to love of one’s country.

Patriotism- is considered to have different meanings according to the history, context,

and location. It is universally fundamental to liberty because pride in one’s nation-state-
and willingness to defend it if necessary- is the basis of national independence.
- Is the courage of national self- determination
- (Johnson 1990) views patriotism as a predisposition to behave
altruistically on behalf of the comprehensive social system of which an
individual is a member, and emphasizes its inborn nature and
independence of short- term incentives and sanctions.

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- Consists the acts and beliefs based on securing one’s identity or self-
benefits.
- As a person’s identification with social values that are anchored in the
historical experience and in the present, on the existence of a given
country.
- Is the consequence of the development of the collective system of
meaning, which is determined primarily by social values and social
identification
- Based on the acquisition of common social values that are reflected in
traditions, rituals, historical events, and other aspects of collective
system of meaning, which serve as a source of social identity for group
members.
- Provides the glue that binds together the individual, the group, and the
territory in which the group resides. In a nutshell, this can also be
explained as follows: “karanasan, kaisipan, kalayaan, at pagiging
makabayan”.

Maslow’s motivational theory- the needs of belongingness, love and self- esteem are
necessary in one person’s life, and patriotism plays a significant part in fulfilling such
needs. Specially, these are the needs for security, positive identity, effectiveness and
control, and connection to other people.

“Negosyo O Kalayaan? Bayan O Sarili? Pumili Ka!”- Heneral Luna

Every society sets an important objective to inculcate patriotism among citizens

using all available cultural, educational, societal and political mechanisms. Literary
works sculptures and paintings and often used to eternalize a country’s patriots.

NATIONALISM
“Nationalism” means to give more importance to unity by the way of a cultural
background, including language and heritage, whereas “patriotism” pertains to the love
for nation, with more emphasis on values and beliefs.
Nationalism is a feeling of national superiority, in contrast to patriotism, which
refers to love of nation. Feshback and Sakano as cited by Stuab and Bar-tal 1997
Nationalism as “commitment, principle, sentiment, or ideology that nations be
self- governing”, suggesting that it overlaps with patriotism only when the members of a
state are coterminous with a particular homogeneous ethnic group. Johnson
Differentiate between the psychological nature of nationalism and patriotism,
suggesting that nationalism is defined as “an attachment to a nation characterized by a
desire to enhance one’s personal welfare and thus is inherently selfless”.
Nationality is believed to be a natural part of a person’s identity, as revealed in
both material culture (clothes, food, and national symbols) and in character and
behaviors of the individual. In this concept nationalism, self- image is not an “ism” or an
ideology, but a basic condition for human existence. The nationality of an individual is
perceive as inevitable, fixed, and determined from the moment of birth; it cannot be
acquired nor can others disclaim a person’s nationality.

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Module 1: Fundamentals of Patriotism and Nationalism

Nationalism gives a feeling that one’s country is superior to another in every

aspect; hence, it is often described as the worst enemy of peace according to the
great thinker George Orwell. Another difference between nationalism and patriotism is
that patriotism does not pave the way for enmity towards other nations, rather, it actually
helps strengthen the admiration towards one’s own country.
Nationalism is nourished by a sense of history. It is of its essence to know
profoundly the past, so that we may be in complete openness with the men who made
that history and in intimate communion with their thoughts, their deeds, and their noble
lives. Claro M. Recto 1960

NATIONALISM- refers to several phenomena

1. Refers to the within- group motivation for actions aimed at creating a state. This
type of nationalism arises from a past history of suffering and aims to create self-
determination and a new better identity.
2. Refers to the motivation to enhance the group’s power, wealth, and influence.
3. Refers to the identity-building actions other than the creation of a state.

TWO TYPES OF ATTACHMENT TO THE NATION (KEILMAN as cited by STUAB

and BAR-TAL 1997)

1. SENTIMENTAL- based on the perception that the group represents (i.e., reflects,
extends, or conforms) personal identity
2. INSTRUMENTAL- based on the perception that the group meets the needs and
interest of its members.

Why Should We Study Patriotism and Nationalism?

“Upang maitindig natin ang bantayog n gating lipunan, kailangan radikal nating baguhin
hindi lamang ang ating institusyon kundi maging ang ating pag-iisip at pamumuhay.
Kailangan ang rebolusyon, Hindi lamang sa panlanas, kundi lalo na sa panloob!”
Apolinario Mabini
La Revolucion Filipina (1898)

Bob Proctor- “it is difficult to teach an old dog with a new tricks”, the uneducated
individuals in the twenty- first century are those who cannot learn, unlearn, and re-
learn.

The goal of a good citizen should be to practice the virtue of patriotism. On our
country, next to God and our parents, is our greatest benefactor. Being the land of our
birth and the land of our birth and the land where we live, our country deserves our love
and devotion. We should love our motherland not only because it is the source of our
very own existence, but also because we owe allegiance to her in the same way as we
owe loyalty to our God and our parents.

While it is trough that the concepts of patriotism and nationalism emanate from
Europe and our ancestral frame of thinking is based on their idea because we were

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under Spanish and American colonial rule. Its nature is innate in any civilized society.
However we only learn from them, but we are ultimately not like them. It is like a person
being raised and imbued with certain values by his/her parents. Since our birth, our
parents have been responsible for molding us to become humans; however as we
mature, we become responsible for creating our own identities. Countries like the United
Kingdom, the United States and even ancient Greek and Rome are just role models,
and their experiences can be used as we reflect on ourselves as a nation.

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY AND EARLY FILIPINO CONCEPT OF PATRIOTISM

“We own the land and mock us saying ‘where is your title?’ when we ask the meaning
of your words you answer with taunting arrogance, where are the documents to prove
that you own the land?’ titles? Documents? Proof of ownership? Such as arrogance to
speak of owning the land when we instead are owned by it. How can you own that
which will outlive you? Only the race owns that because the race lives forever.”
Macli-ing Dulag
Kalinga Chief, Defender of the Cordillera

To claim a place is the birthright of everyman. If the lowly animals have claimed
their place, how much more can be said of man’s ability to do the same? Man is born to
live. According to the beliefs of some of our ancestors, Apo Kabunian, love us all, gave
us life and placed us in the world to live human lives. Where then shall we obtain life?
From the land Hence, to work an obligation and not merely. In tilling the land, you
possess it; land is a grace must be nurtured with thee. In fact to enrich the land to be
productive are the external exhortation of Apo kabunian to all his children. Land is
sacred, land is beloved and from its womb springs are Kalinga life.

The following excerpt is taken from a presentation of bro. Carl Gaspar entitled
The Quest for a Mindanaoan Indigenous Philosophy.

“[In] the words of Datu kajogjog of the resprected Manobo tribe, ancestral domain is the
life and blood of our race. This was given to us by the Magbabaya so that our race will
live on. Thus, we are ordered by the Magbabaya to care for, defend our lands just as
the Magbabaya cares for us and defends us. When we speak of the right of of self-
determination, this is related to our ancestral land. What else will we manage or care for
if our lands are lost, not respected, [and] not recognized? How will we ensure the
customs and traditions our very people will live on? As a nation, have we asked
ourselves this question? Do we enter the uniformed service for the protection of our
motherland or do we do all endeavors for the benefit of our country and for the
betterment of the Filipino nation?

In this light, one wonders what could have been the outcome of our country if we
have applied the indigenious wisdom of datu kajogjog and datu Dulag on how to relate
to the land (ang tahanan n gating lahi na kumupkup at tumulong upang maging
malagaya, malakas at kapakipakinabang). This is tantamount to embracing a serious
effort to attaining a good amount of competencies and skills that are necessary in the

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conduct of service (bilang ganti), which are tangible, meaningful, moral, and
transformative and are done for the love of country (para sa bayan).

Such an indigenous understanding must be the fountain of one’s desire to serve

and protect his/her motherland beyond regional boarders and ethinicity. In other wordz,
through ethnicity must be the source of love for one’s country, it should not be the limit
of such love; if we are to be true Filipinos, we must act as one and move as one
ethnicity. Moreover, regionalism should enliven nationalism and patriotism. We can be
one family under such an orientation if we are to achieve great feats as a nation. As a
great general once said, “Ang sumumpa ng katapatan sa rehiyon at tribo, yan ang
patunay na hindi pa tayo handa sa ating sariling kalayaan”. The question now arises,
are we ready to become more than just a tribeand mlore than just a family?” are we
prepared to become Filipinos?

We have to learn from other countries’ experiences, particularly on how they

demonstrated we must re-learn our history so that we can better internalize and
appreciate the freedom that we have now and give credit to those who sacrificed their
lives to achieve the freedom we are enjoying. We must also unlearn different practices
that weakened our nation and caused fragmentation. We are “Filipino” by birth and by
blood and “Philippines” is our beloved country. Therefore, it is our duty to defend our
country from internal and external threats as this is the only way for us to preserve our
democracy and our identity as “Filipinos”.

We can learn so much from our first people (indigenous people) for they had
deep intimacy with the land, which was ingrained in their way of life- almost like second
nature to them. We can also gain insights from their tradition so that we can re-orient
ourselves to values that are fundamentals in allowing us to demonstrate the makabayan
spirit among civilians, most especially in serving the government. Nothing is far noble a
profession than public service; if you love your country, you will look after its welfare and
the welfare of its people. For this, we must attain a decent degree of admiration.

MGA ARAL NANG KATIPUNAN (NG MGA A.N.B)

EMILIO JACINTO

1. Ang kabuhayang hindi ginugugol sa isang Malaki at banal na kadahilanan ay

kahoy na walang lihim, kundi damong makamandag
2. Ang gawang magaling na nagbubuhat sa pagpipita sa sarili, at hindi sa talagang
nasang gumawa ng kagalingan, ay di kabaitan.
3. Ang tunay na kabanalan ay ang pagkakawang gawa, ang pag-ibig sa kapwa at
ang isukat ang bawat kilos, gawa’t pangungusap sa talagang katwiran.
4. Maitim man at maputi ang kulay ng balat, lahat ng tao’y makakapantay;
mangyayaring ang isa’y higtan sa dunong, sa yaman, sa ganda. . . ; ngunit di
mahihigtan sa pagkatao.
5. Ang may mataas na kalooban inuuna ang puri sa pagpipta sa sarili; ang may
hamak na kaloonban inuuna ang pagpipita sa sarili sa puri.
6. Sa taong may hiya, salita’y panunumpa.

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7. Huwag mong sasayangin ang panahon; ang yamang nawala’y magyayaring

magbalik; ngunit panahong nagdaan na’y di na muli pang magdadaan.
8. Ipagtanggol mo ang inaapi at kabakahin ang umaapi.
9. Ang taong matalino’y ang may pagiingat sa bawat sasabihin, at matutong
ipaglihim ang dapat ipaglihim.
10. Sa daang matinik ng kabuyahan, lalaki ay siyang patnugot ng asawa’t mga anak;
kung ang umaakay ay tungo sa sama, ang patunguhan ng iaakay ay kasamaan
din.
11. Ang babae ay huwag mong tingnan isang bagay na libangn lamang, kundi isang
katuang at karamay sa kahirapan nitong kabuhayan; gamitan mo ng buong
pagpipitagan ang kanyang kahinaan, at alalahanin ang inang pinagbubuhat’t
nagiwi sa iyong kasangulan.
12. Ang di mo ibig gawin sa asawa mo, anak at kapatid, huag mong gagawin sa
asawa, anak, at kapatid ng iba.
13. Ang kamahalan ng tao’y wala sa pagkahari, wala sa tangus ng ilong at puti ng
mukha, wala sa pagkaparing kahalili ng Dios wala sa mataas na kalagayan sa
balat ng lupa; wagas at tunay na mahal na tao, kahit laking gubat at walang
nababatid kundi ang sariling wika, yaong may magandang asal, may isang
pangungusap, may dangal at puri; yaong di nagpapaapi’t di nakikiapi: yaong di
marunong mag damdam at marunong lumingap sa bayang tinubuan.
14. Paglaganap ng mga aral na ito at maningning na sumikat ang araw ng mahal na
Kalayaan dito sa kaaba abang Sangkalupaan, at sabugan ng matamis niyang
liwanag ang nangagkaisang magkalahati’t magkakapatid ng ligaya ng walang
katapusan, ang mga ginugol na buhay, pagud, at mga tiniis na kahirapa’y labis
ng natumbasan. Kung lahat ng ito’y mataruk na ng nag iibig pumasok at inaakala
niyang matutupad ang mga tungkulin, maitatala ang kanyang ninanasa sa
kasunod nito.

LET US ASSESS

1. What do you think is the role of patriotism and nationalism in your actual
profession?
2. In one word, how do you define patriotism? Why?
3. Make an illustration of nationalism.
4. Pick one aral of katipunan and make a reaction paper.

REFERENCES

References:

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Module 1: Fundamentals of Patriotism and Nationalism

1. Leo Carlo B. Rondina, PhD, Anne Aldeguer-Talib, Roen Caesar S. Cardinal

Character Formation, Patriotism and Nationalism

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