The base of the word "patriotism" comes from the Latin word patria, meaning fatherland or homeland. The suffix "-ism" is Greek meaning belief in, practice of, or condition of. The definition of a patriot is, according to Merriam-Webster, "one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests". So far so good. A lot of people love their fatherland, mainly the region where they grew up and the people living there and there's nothing wrong with that. But unconsidered belief in authorities, blind faith in a government, starry-eyed holding on to symbols like a flag still fits the description of patriotism, however, it is borderline nationalism and downright naive and dangerous.
Reducing one's belief to patriotism and branding everything that's not part of those beliefs as unpatriotic - and therefor evil - shows a lack of tolerance and intelligence. One's pride in a nation is proof of a lack of individuality, if you have nothing of your own to be proud of, you can still hold on to the Nation and defend it's flaws and mistakes.
Think. Reflect. Shut up.

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