Does Patriotism Need to Be a Birthright?

What does patriotism mean to you?

I was listening to a True Spies podcast featuring a former CIA agent- David Tyson, who served in Afghanistan. He was discussing the afterlife for Afghans, including those who dearly held American patriotism after relocating to the United States, a patriotism born from gratitude for a country that offered them refuge from war, human rights abuses, and persecution by the Taliban.

This part of the podcast stood out for me, wondering whether I could call this “acquired patriotism” an addition to a country’s national identity? At first, it seems reasonable to count the gratitude of those who have chosen a country over the indifference of some who were born here- the ones who hate their country and have no kind words.

But also some interesting questions:

• Can the meaning of patriotism shift to include love for a country that saves and serves you, rather than one you were born into?
• Is “acquired patriotism” more powerful or genuine because it’s a conscious choice rather than an inherited belief?
• Does a country’s acceptance of a refugee or asylum seeker play a role in their ability to feel and express this kind of patriotism?

“East or West, home is best,” right? That’s valid. I guess ‘belonging’ does not listen to choice as a strong factor (we belong where we belong) and to our old homes, if we wash away our patriotism, our history will still rub on us, our features and how we look profoundly keep us original- like a ghost you cannot escape. Also, I wonder whether acquired patriots ever feel the obligation (impliedly or explicitly expected) to denounce their original homes. Does this ‘acquired patriotism’ crave acceptance from their newfound homes, or is it a deliberate choice without strings?