I’m on board with the idea of a ‘Progressive Patriotism’ particularly because we *should* reclaim the basic sense that commitment to a society and government obligations to common wealth go together. Being patriotic shouldn’t be flag-cape racist stuff.
So what if it sounds cringe. Cringe is good
Am I aware of the history of nationalism? Yes, you do not have to tell me of the pitfalls thank you. But one strain of nationalism started out as a fundamentally liberal, humane, inclusive and broad thing, and it’s a commitment to that imperfect, intangible, flawed imaginary that is my country.
Yeah but in the spirit of cringe-is-good: if there's to be a progressive patriotism, then "Only Love the Beloved Republic deserves that" (E.M. Forster).
This is also why I think team sport should be outlawed.
Gaita's been talking for a few years now about reclaiming a positive Australian patriotism grounded in love of place and people, while accepting the Australian nation-state may need major change (even the name). I can see the force of it but even 'nice' nationalisms (🏴,🇮🇪) are still nationalisms.
May 15, 2025 08:54What I think is that Australian society was never more culturally secure and confident than in the three decades or so—our Treinte Glorieuses—between seriously committing to mass migration and the Howard era retreat from multiculturalism. A country and a society can be an ambition!
