132: Patriotism→Lifeism

By Joe Kim
 
The recently completed [Series: 80 Years Later, Japan’s Big Problem], as well as the [Series: Apology and Atonement].
 
These pieces may prompt some readers to react with overt patriotism, accusing of being “anti-Japanese!”
 
Likewise in the US, the [Series: Trumpism is Cruel Immaturity], along with blog posts discussing the problem of glorifying military troops as heroes [See #61] and past atrocities committed by our own military [See #85].
 
Some readers may respond with the same kind of overt patriotism, accusing of being “anti-American!”
 
Yet, this form of patriotism, which can easily lead to divisive nationalism, reflects the very tendency of clinging to “traditional values” simply to preserve the tradition regardless of good or bad [See #124].
 
In fact, wars/conflicts are most often waged at the national level. It’s because the existing military system around the world is designed on a single-nation basis, with each country in control of its own armed forces.
 
This system allows nations to deploy their troops under the banner of “protecting our own citizens.” Humanity continues to repeat the senseless history of war because this system is prone to exploitation--to selfishly advance national interests at the expense of others.
 
To sustain this system, governments fan the flames of patriotism. And when push comes to shove, killing fellow humans becomes an honorable deed, while refusing to kill becomes a criminal act. Under a blind pledge of allegiance to the flag, the military won’t hesitate to take away the freedom, livelihood, dignity, happiness, and life of not only its enemies but also its own citizens.
 
Regrettably, we continue to witness this pattern across the globe. [See #84]
 
At the same time, however, the world is changing, and awareness of human rights is advancing. That progress gives us reason for hope.
 
Our hope is for Japan, America, and every nation to preserve what’s good from the past while changing what’s harmful, to build a better tomorrow for everyone.
 
If we are to speak of patriotism, isn’t this kind of progress the genuine patriotism?
 
And wouldn't that be the truest form of being pro-Japan or pro-America?
 
Going even further, how about we aspire beyond “patriotism” tied to a particular nation or ethnicity? Instead, we can aspire to “lifeism” that values all living beings, transcending borders and favoritism.
 
Lifeism is universal compassion.
 
While patriotism teaches us to love our country, lifeism opens our hearts to all living beings.
 
While patriotism divides people by nationality, lifeism unites everyone anywhere.
 
Beyond patriotism. Beyond borders. Beyond pro-Japan or pro-America. Beyond favoritism. That’s the idea of lifeism.
 
Why is it important to move beyond favoritism? Because the moment we begin favoring one over another, we begin descending toward the kind of patriotism that can easily lead to divisive nationalism.
 
In blog post [#130], an increasingly popular view among some Japanese people is cited: "Rather than accepting immigrants, it’d be better for Japan to quietly decline and disappear."
 
Even if that were possible, it’s not what a nice person or a nice country should do. [See #110]
 
Because it’s neither compassionate nor wise.
 
Instead, we should remember the “spirit of harmony,” one of the most cherished values in Japanese culture. Harmony, or Wa in Japanese, means welcoming people of all backgrounds and accepting our differences. It means working together for a better tomorrow of each and every one of us. [See #28]
 
Embrace immigration and commit to inclusive education.
 
That’s what genuinely kind people do.
That’s what genuinely kind nations do.
That’s the true spirit of harmony.
 
Let us expand the boundaries of our own identity; freeing ourselves from the stubborn mindset of “as long as we’re fine,” so that we don’t exclude/reject others who live outside of our familiar circles. [See #108]
 
Learning in an inclusive, human rights-based environment is key to moving beyond a conservative mindset and toward a liberal mindset. [See #126]
 
That gives us reason for hope.
 
Make no mistake--it will take time. Education takes generations to change people and transform society. Still, kind people and kind nations should do what ought to be done.
 
And if it ought to be done, then let’s start from where we can, now. [See #89]
 
GANBARE! Nippon!
GANBARE! America!
GANBARE! World!

Note: The term "Lifeism" as used here means almost the exact opposite of the pro-life movement advocated primarily by American conservatives. See #88 for more details.

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