Paranormal
Much too often have we seen people declaring themselves to be true patriotic citizens of a country, without even knowing what they are actually involved in. Without even knowing the definition of patriotism, without bothering to learn its definition, or wanting to follow it. The main thing that is important to them, instead, is following a fad.
Such people are known as the "bleating sheep."
A patriot is one who loves his country and wants what's best for the country. It means what it says: you want what's best for the country. It does not mean that you get excited and jubilant about your country engaging in an unjust war, performing genocide on an unwanted populace, or feeling great when your country shows its defiance to the world by not agreeing to a nuclear proliferation treaty. It's odd how people usually don't stop to think about what's being fed to them by the local media, and don't realize that their feelings of psuedo-patriotism have come about as a result of wanting to be part of the crowd.
The sort of crowd we speak of are more or less apathic towards national events, but will definitely start flag waving and chanting the anthem whenever there's a matter of national pride involved. They are uninformed, and are most likely so devoid of any individuality that it takes an event such as this to make them feel better about themselves. In other words, they cannot think for themselves, but would rather have someone else do it for them. Hence, sheep.
What's more, is that anyone who dares to express their own views, or a bit of individuality are immediately labeled as traitors or unpatriotic idiots. Quite the contrary, in fact. This so-called idiot, has actually done something more productive by allowing his gray cells to engage in the purpose for which they evolved. He has used his logic and reasoning to actually think for the nation, and that makes it a true act of patriotism.
It's during times of conflict that the local media channels such as radios, television and newspapers will be full of staunch jingoism, served up in a way as to evoke the national sentiments of a person. After all, they do need to keep their money flowing in. Would anyone buy a newspaper that reported the plain truth? Here's a hint: no. The truth is boring. Twisted facts, as they like to call it, is what appeals to the minds of the sort mentioned above.
And it's during these times of conflict that the government, along with the media, will sell support for its actions by riling up the people. The flags come out, energy surges, and millions of eyes are glued to the idiot box and no actions are judged. Because "we" are the innocent, the defenders of freedom and the truth, and "they" are the epitomes of evil. Ask the reason for this, and you will be met with blank stares or an angry rebuttal.
Such patriotism is actually a fad. Money for the media, a tool of control for the government. It comes all of a sudden, makes people feel better about themselves, and goes away in a flash. And it's the best way to garner group support for anything being done, whether it is good or bad is irrelevant. Afterwards, the people will go back to their mundane existences, waiting silently for the next wave of patriotism to sweep the place. And then a few journalists or writers decide to analyze the whole thing, and their opinions are placed in some unimportant corner of the newspaper where roving eyes would overlook it in their search for juicy gossip and pictures of celebrities. These writers, though, are the true patriots. Ignored, because people are insecure, and do not wish to acknowledge the existence of true patriotism.
But as it has always been fated, the bleating sheep will always rule the pasture.
