The concept of patriotism and pseudo-patriotism by Goldsmith and George Orwell - Essay Example

The concept of patriotism and pseudo-patriotism by Goldsmith and George OrwellGoldsmith wrote an essay titled National Prejudices which revolves around an encounter with a group of men who pass out irrational comments on the identity of individuals from different nations. On the other hand George Orwell's Marrakech revolves around different encounters with different races and how he views them altogether. The authors have used techniques of rationality in forming their opinions about patriotism.

These two essays highlight the concept of patriotism and pseudo patriotism in different ways. With the help of the text written by these authors the concepts would be further elaborated upon by citing different examples in this essay. Goldsmith uses an expert technique with a rational mind to put forward the views of an individual who believes that he is superior from individuals of other countries. However Goldsmith denies this by pointing out the reality to the stranger who does not like the viewpoint of the author.

According to Goldsmith patriots are individuals who love the very thought of this world and not only their country. A person who denies this fact is simply a pseudo-patriot as he is developing a national prejudice based upon simple borders that have been made by man. As quoted by Goldsmith "Is it not very possible that I may love my own country, without hating the natives of other countries?" (Goldsmith et al 223). Similarly Orwell has also indirectly pointed out the aspects of patriotism in Marrakech by highlighting the fact that races do not denote the very nature of patriotism that one may think he has.

He believes that races create boundaries that are not even justified in the sense of understanding. Pointing out the fact that the Negroes form an important aspect of the army is one point where he highlights the power of the Negroes over the other race. He believes that patriotism roots from within and races should not help define the boundary between these roots. As said by Orwell "But there is one thought if he calls himself a Socialist) thinks when he sees a black army marching past. "How much longer can we go on kidding these people?

How long before they tum their guns in the other direction?" (Orwell n.p). This quote clearly shows that he is advocating the rights of power for the blacks and wants the Whites to understand that no race is below par when compared to the other. He uses techniques through which he explores the life of lower class individuals and discrimination that exists all around the world. He believes that the discrimination and the discrepancy that has been created in the world is purely on the basis of patriotism.

Individuals who favour their own race or country over the others are at a loss to understand this concept. Both Goldsmith and Orwell base their essay on this view by presenting different viewpoints. Goldsmith believes that hate for other nations is not based on patriotism and Orwell believes that hate for other races is not based on patriotism either. In either case both the authors believe that the patriotism should rather evolve as a deeper concept that should respect the basis of humanity.

Orwell and Goldsmith have highlighted points through different notions but have tried to put forward the concept of patriotism through their viewpoints. The issue of race and national prejudice should be put aside when ascertaining whether a person is a patriot or not.