Patriotism VS Nationalism

3rd Lecture and Tutorial 23 June 2015 

Back to those days, I was the one who always dancing on stage with my bunch of mates. No matter what festival it is, we will never fail to perform the so called "Tarian Satu Malaysia". I led to pledge for the national principle (Rukunegara), brought national flags (Jalur Gemilang) to the class, let all my classmates put on their tables, deco the class, joined the Merdeka countdown etc. Like wow (gila betul budak ni) ! So practically, I think myself was very patriotic because I was really 'semangat' to do all these on that time. Every morning will sing national anthem state song in school but now, no more. We are lacking these kind of activities since we entered university. As we know that dance, music all these are arts. That's why I strongly believe arts and cultures can really bring people together like nothing else; it can speak directly to our emotions and bring us together to celebrate both similarities and differences. This is how I connect to my country. Perhaps we can try to do something like what we did in high school? But I think it will be tough. A simple example "How many of us will open mouth and sing loudly when you hear the national anthem? No right?  (even myself sometimes will just mumble)

As I mentioned above, patriotism is something you can show by using visual symbol. It is hard to present if only with your mouth of words. I do proud to be Malaysian, living in a multi- cultures and races place. Stronger feeling of proudness comes when Datuk Lee C.W won the badminton, when Datuk Nicole David won the squash etc. Don't you? I dare not to say I love my country because definitely I will not fight/ die for it. I will just try to be respecting and obeying the rule even sometimes forced to be. Ya I'm saying GST.

When we talk about nationalism is just something the government imposed on us such as the language, car, costume etc. These things can eventually differentiate us apart. It shows the identity of a true Malaysian based on certain culture and background. Like a lady wears Batik/ Baju Kurung and speaks in Bahasa Melayu will be a very goof example.


A brief Negaraku composed by three of us (Khailin, Nisshanthi and I)

Together, together
We love Malaysia
We hold hands
Share the laughs and tears

Together together
We are 1 Malaysia
One heart one mind
Just need sometime

Jokes here jokes there
We are still in a line
Multiraces multicultures
Make us one of a kind

--end--

p/s: I found Chuck's post is pretty interesting. So do have a view =)