The True Meaning of Patriotism

How language shapes loyalty, identity, and the boundaries of belonging.

Credit: Bloomberg

📌 Introduction

Patriotism. A word that evokes powerful emotions and images—flags, anthems, and pledges of allegiance. It’s a concept often invoked to inspire unity but also easily exploited to divide and exclude.

From political speeches to marketing campaigns, patriotism is constantly redefined to fit particular agendas. But what does it indeed mean? And how does the language of patriotism shape our understanding of loyalty, identity, and belonging?

This edition of the True Meaning Series dissects how patriotism is constructed, manipulated, and weaponised through words.