“Patriotism has nothing to do with “who’s best,” but simply “who?” There are many factors — a particular people with particular traditions, a sense of rootedness, a shared history and shared ancestors, an identity distinct from others.
This sense of shared community, whether at the national or local level, is what defines a people, gives them a sense that they belong to something larger than themselves and induces patriotic sentiment. Whether or not they can kick other people’s ass has little to do with it.”
