The following was originally an essay I wrote for my AP English Language & Composition course. I've edited it a bit for clarity, but not too much.
Republican (small-r) patriotism is the result of a heartfelt embrace of the diversity and openness of a structured democracy, coupled with a nuanced understanding of one's national history and context.
Here in America we like to blab about our national uniqueness. But American truly is unique among all nations of the world in this way: the United States alone of all democracies began by splitting off from a mighty imperial power and formed its own systems of government, going on to grow into a major influence in international politics. Other cases of the former abound, but no other example has become so dominant a player on the world stage as America.
This self-made-rebel aspect of America's psych is so important because of the US's often overbearing manner in international relations—how we understand patriotism matters. The massive, highly individualistic nature of the US is both a part of and a result of our strain of national spirit.
America has, from the beginning, existed firstly as a nation of emigrants. Our founding fathers thought of themselves not as "natives" (even in the birth sense), but as British citizens living in an "experimental" colonial society. While typically wealthy, these men were nothing like the billionaires of today; they were far closer in proximity and mindset to the poor of the colonies. All democracies should learn to emulate their founders' strengths and break with their patterns of flaws.
Lastly, all countries should maintain a nuanced, barefaced understanding of their respective pasts. For instance, in a shining instance of sobriety, Germany has taken extensive steps to educate its people concerning the atrocities of the Nazi regime, and thus their national spirit is one of brave humility: we know what we have done, and we will not let it define us. Israel's cultural atmosphere of patience, perseverance, and brotherhood is due to the same events, just witnessed from the other side. The disgusting actions of a psychopath with a messiah complex and terrible facial hair have left both these nations scarred but stronger than ever—and more sober.
Conversely, the atrocities of the U.S.S.R. go largely untalked about in modern-day Russia—and look where that has gotten them. Once a global superpower of epic proportions, Russia has disintegrated into a state no better off in many ways and still harboring the same spirit of greed.
To conclude this piece I will state that in order to be truly patriotic, one must engage in genuine reflection on what, in one's own case, patriotism should entail. In the United states, I call on all of us to embrace our messiness and move on toward actual grown-up tackling of our world's problems.
After all, tuberculosis ain't gonna extinct itself.