Editor's Note: Two weeks ago, the Times announced a special writing contest, asking you to do define "nationalism" and explain your thoughts on this surprisingly complex ideal. Below is the winning submission, another great piece from one of the Times' leading writers.... Think about what's written here. Do you agree? What do terrorists around the globe fight for? Is it always the same thing? When is it more like nationalism and when like unadulterated violence?
Patriotism is the willingness to kill and be killed for trivial reasons.
~Bertrand Russell
If my name was Bertrand Russell and I had said this, I would have changed one word. I wouldn't have that "Patriotism is the willingness to kill and be killed for trivial reasons", but rather terrorism. And both of us would have been right. Are the two really all that different?
Patriotism is all the soldiers who got killed in the recent war against Iraq, and terrorism is the dozen or so hijackers who died in the September 11th attacks. Yet, while we frown upon terrorism, nationalism is supported and we bravely salute all our soldiers who have gone off to fight in a war. Why is it that dying for your country is noble, but using extreme methods to bring attention to your groups and ideas is considered one of the most evil acts of our time?
The FBI has defined terrorism as "the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives." I'm sure that everyone can agree that 9/11, one of the largest terrorist attacks, was a blunt demonstration of this. But when the U.S. goes to war against Iraq with very little evidence supporting them, trying to remove Saddam Hussein from power, it is not unlawful. Where exactly, do we draw the line?
To fight for your country is a noble cause. Freedom cannot be bought, but it comes with a price all the same. Why is it then, that fighting for your religion is wrong? Because the methods we use are extremes?
There are people who consider Osama bin Laden a hero. While no one with incredible power defends these people, they are being freed in their own way. Al-Qaeda was established in 1989 to help fight the holy war. They are trying to get people to treat Muslims all over the world with more respect. According to many governments, their means and methods are unjustifiable. Yet, fighting for the freedom of the citizens of the United States of America is a good reason to go to war. I call that a double standard.
Perhaps patriotism is justifiable. Without it, we would not have the right to vote, and African-Americans would not have the same rights as Caucasians. But it's these same freedoms that terrorists seek to win, isn't it? Why are their wishes ungrantable?
The truth is that it all comes down to power. Often, the people with the most power abuse it. George Bush is the head of Armed Forces of the U.S.A. That gives him the right to declare war when he sees fit, apparently... although it always used to be only in the hands of the U.S. Congress. Meanwhile, in countries that are not so powerful, honest voices are struggling to be heard and no one will listen. How far would you go to have your voice heard? Some people are just fighting for what they believe in, and no one will listen because it will look like we're giving in. Sometimes pride should not be the most important issue. And for that matter, would it not be easier to sit and talk and risk some pride than let your country be ravaged by terrorist groups?
One example I found while doing research is that of Michael Collins. He led a group of men who, on November 21st, 1920, ambushed and killed British agents that had been sent over to help control the Anglo-Irish War. This day became known as ???Bloody Sunday??? because not only were the British Secret Services terminated in Ireland, but the assassins were also killed in the process. Essentially, Michael Collins liberated the Irish people, but was he not also a terrorist?
Terrorism is still being defined. The U.S. Supreme Court says that they know terrorism when they see it. But when do they see patriotism?
Giggler01
Pending Patriot
Sources
"The Patriotic Quote ??? Our 'Top 10' List of Favorite Patriotism Quotes..."
[Online] http://www.famous-quotes-and-quotations.com/patriotic-quote.html
"Terrorism defined." [Online] http://www.terrorism.com
"Exactly what is terrorism?" [Online]
http://www.csmonitor.com/specials/terrorism/start.html
"Terrorism". BBC Newsround. [Online] http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/world/terrorism/newsid_2529000/2529233.stm
"Michael Collins." [Online] http://members.cruzio.com/~sbarrett/mcollins.htm
Various Authors. "What is Patriotism?" The Nation. [Online]
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml%3Fi=19910715&c=1&s=forum
