“Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious” by Oscar Wilde, is a quote that opened up a whole new meaning for me about patriotism. Oscar Wilde was a famous Irish poet and writer and is known for the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and the play The Importance of Being Earnest. This quote was versed by Sean Connery in the film The Rock and got me thinking about patriotism.
While the love of country is a good virtue to have, having too much of it or allowing it to be misdirected can actually warp the mind. Love of country can actually go to the level of love of person where too much love of person can drive less stable individuals into crimes of passion. Misguided patriotism can result to racism, bigotry and rage directed at the perceived national enemy. Corrupt misguided leaders push their countries to war with other states in the guise of patriotism when in actuality the reasons are less noble such as resources, strategy or personal conflict. Men are driven to hate other men in the name of patriotism and that hate is translated into rage and viciousness when brought to the battlefield. Nationalist extremists will go as far as vicious murder or even genocide in the name of patriotism.
This form of patriotism is just as apparent today as when Oscar Wilde first uttered it. When is patriotism good to have? It’s good only when the cause is genuine and based on solid facts.