Here is an idea I have been toying with for the past few weeks:
Fear has become patriotic.
Before I say more, I'll say that I am not a fan of patriotism, I think it is a mild form of bigotry, but I recognize the positive connotations it has to the population at large. I think that patriotism has also traditionally been associated with traits that are seen as positive. Traits like self assurance, confidence, pride, and bravery.
You might be afraid that Hitler is going to cross the channel, but you are going to put on a hard face and proudly declare that the RAF will continue to kick ass and take names. That is how you make yourself look patriotic.
That has changed slightly though. Now, if you want to present yourself as a patriot, you must present yourself as a coward who fears the enemy first and foremost, even if you really don't. That's why you get nonsense like this prefacing editorials: "Our first priority is to keep Americans safe from the threat of terrorism." You think that terrorists are going to implement Sharia Law in your podunk town in Kansas? A wildly irrational fear. So is that cowardice? No, it is patriotism! Advertise this fear to the world with a giant decal on your pickup truck; show your neighbors just how damn patriotic you really are.
I am soooo going to plagiarize the crap out of that.
I have my doubts that it was ever the way you described it. But given these discussions are often rhetorical I don't think that detracts all that much from the concept.
Fear has become patriotic.
Before I say more, I'll say that I am not a fan of patriotism, I think it is a mild form of bigotry, but I recognize the positive connotations it has to the population at large. I think that patriotism has also traditionally been associated with traits that are seen as positive. Traits like self assurance, confidence, pride, and bravery.
You might be afraid that Hitler is going to cross the channel, but you are going to put on a hard face and proudly declare that the RAF will continue to kick ass and take names. That is how you make yourself look patriotic.
That has changed slightly though. Now, if you want to present yourself as a patriot, you must present yourself as a coward who fears the enemy first and foremost, even if you really don't. That's why you get nonsense like this prefacing editorials: "Our first priority is to keep Americans safe from the threat of terrorism." You think that terrorists are going to implement Sharia Law in your podunk town in Kansas? A wildly irrational fear. So is that cowardice? No, it is patriotism! Advertise this fear to the world with a giant decal on your pickup truck; show your neighbors just how damn patriotic you really are.