Patriotism is harmful to the human race.

"An appreciation for one's country in no way necessitates the belief that one is in some way responsible for the country's accomplishments. What my opponent describes as patriotism in "Bob" is more accurately described as arrogance, a trait with no innate tie to patriotism." I frequently hear Bob say, "I'm proud to be an American." This is patriotism, is it not? But why should Bob be proud to be an American? That's like being proud to have blue eyes. He did not personally contribute to the achievements of America, so why should he be proud of them? "My opponent also identifies patriotism as involving feelings of hatred towards those who are different. Once again, a glance at the definition shows that no such connection exists; neither affection nor loyalty to one's country obliges hatred toward others." Patriotism is love for or devotion to one's own country. But why should Bob be devoted to his own country? Well, because his country is the best. Why be devoted to a country that's not the best? And if Countryland is the best, then other countries are worse. Worse countries do not deserve respect. One day Bob's not respecting other countries, and before you know it he's hating them. Although patriotism is not as severe as jingoism, it can frequently lead to it. "Pro argues that because nationalism was a major component of the world wars, and patriotism is interchangeable with nationalism, patriotism can be considered a cause of the wars. Thus, if patriotism can be identified as separate from nationalism, my opponent's contention is refuted." I did not say that patriotism was interchangeable with nationalism. I said that patriotism is a subset of nationalism. Nationalism includes ideas that are not patriotism, such as love for or devotion to one's ethnic background. "Patriotism and nationalism share the common element of national devotion, but while the former ends there, the latter goes on to include feelings of entitlement and prominence." Premise: I love and am devoted to my country. Premise: The country most deserving of my love and devotion would be the greatest country. Therefore: My country is the greatest. Therefore: Other countries are not as great as my country. Premise: It is better to live in a great country than to live in a less great country. Therefore: Everyone should live in the greatest country. Premise: It does not make logistical sense for everyone in the world to move to the greatest country. Therefore: The greatest country should spread itself across the globe. Premise: Some people will not allow the greatest country to peacefully take over. Therefore: The greatest country should invade all unwilling countries for their own good. Since my country is the greatest country, Therefore: My country should invade other countries. If all the premises are accepted, it logically follows from patriotism that other countries should be invaded. C3. One does not kill and be killed for one's own country without patriotism. Patriotism is a necessary step in mindless killing for one's own country. Even if it is not the only step (which it may or may not be), it is still a step. Without patriotism, mindless killing for one's own country is impossible. Therefore, patriotism is more harmful than a lack of patriotism in this respect. * * * * * * * Now for my opponent's contentions. 1. Social Support Patriotism as a source of social support is redundant and unnecessary. Social support can be found in any sort of community; patriotism is not unique in that. And while international sporting events may be examples of national pride, they inhibit a sense of pride for the human race. The Olympics are, in the end, competitive. Would it not be better if the entire world was united in a sense of pride for the world? Patriotism, by fueling competition between countries, inhibits this sense of complete unity. 2. National Improvement Improvement of some community is not unique to nations. Why national improvement? Why not instead world improvement? When one is devoted to improving the entire planet, patriotism is redundant. 3. National Defense Without patriotism, national defense is unnecessary. Let's say Russia wants to invade America. But the citizens of Russia are not patriotic. With no patriotism, no one wants to join the military. The military has no support. So Russia is unable to invade America, national defense is unnecessary, and trillions of dollars and millions of lives are saved.