(Thanks to the good Samuel Johnson for the title.)
Apparently Japan will now teach patriotism in schools. Patriotism is a useful tool in politics: indeed, one would be pressed to think of a better tool. For when you invoke patriotism you invoke tribalism; you invoke the spectre of your enemies; you simplify and view subtleties in black and white; but worst of all, you stifle debate. Two plus two not only appears to be five, but those who question the logic become targets, despite their intent.
This misdirection, of course, is a superb tool for the suppression of thought. Immigration is often assaulted not due to its faults or merits, but because ‘immigrants won’t integrate and will destroy our way of life’¹. A removal of a contentious war memorial becomes an attack on Russia, rather than bitterness over the Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe. Western nations are accused of attacking Zimbawbe with neo-colonial intent, while the lack of food (let alone political freedom) remains unanswered. And when politicians are rewarded with power for dumbing down their ideals and appealing to our baser natures we should not be surprised to see the increasing authoritarian bent of western governments.
Of course, it’s not just governments and politicians who are to blame. The Scientologists have proved their lack of moral sense with their attack on Panorama: a mediocre piece of journalism has been turned into a media event in which shrills appear on both sides, attacking the anti-religious BBC and the Bond-villain evil Scientologists in equal measure. They’ve also accomplished their purpose, ensuring that everyone is talking about the story rather than the methods of the organisation itself.
The problem that presents itself it how to surpass the call of patriotism: or, indeed, if we can. We all have our pet beliefs that we do not subject to the rational exposure we should. But we do seem somewhat hamstrung in a society where whole sections of belief are considered outside the bounds of polite conversation, or (more worryingly) rational debate. And when you have these taboos you cannot expect people to behave sensibly, let alone constructively, when they do find themselves in a situation with such topics on the table. As always, it would appear perhaps education is the only answer: in which case teaching patriotism would seem to be the polar opposite to the sensible course, no matter what your affiliations.
¹ Which is somewhat ironic in a country where the natives are infamous for setting up expatriate enclaves, save from the corrupting influence of foreigners.
² It is not a church in the UK. Small mercies.
