What is the author's main point about patriotism?
Patriotism is often defended as love of one's country, and nationalism attacked as the belief that one's country is better than others. The distinction is useful but not as clear as it looks. A love of country can slide into a conviction of superiority when it is not accompanied by a willingness to criticise. The test of healthy patriotism is whether it can take pride in what the country does well while taking responsibility for what it has done badly. A person who loves their country enough to want it to do better is a better patriot than one who treats every criticism as disloyalty. Here, as often, the quality of a sentiment shows in what it can bear to hear.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Healthy patriotism can accept criticism and take responsibility for failings
- Step 1: The author's test of healthy patriotism is pride in what is done well and responsibility for what is done badly.
- Step 2: The only choice consistent with this is "Healthy patriotism can accept criticism and take responsibility for failings".
Answer
Healthy patriotism can accept criticism and take responsibility for failings.
Why not the others: The author says the distinction is useful, rejects superiority and says criticism may show love.
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