Ever since I was a child, I have always dreamed of gaining an education, helping human beings and living as free as men in a peaceful environment, where there is no sign of war or callousness. As an Afghan youth I have always desired to see my homeland as a peaceful and civilized country because in a refined country, people can acquire proper education, which eventually leads to cultural and political awareness as well as rational policy making decisions. Educated nations learn to develop a sense of patriotism and responsibility toward their country, nation and humanity. A rational and educated person will never betray his own country just as no one would ignorantly burn down his own home.

People should nurture their love for their country but should also realize that patriotism and nationalism are two distinct concepts. Patriotism leads to integrity, truthfulness and loyalty to a country and its people. Patriotism is a strong sense of responsibility that nations nurture in themselves to make their country a better place for all to live, defend its borders, and nation from looting, assault, exploitation and invasion. People should nurture a feeling of responsibility toward their country or the country of their birth; however, this pride should not lead to the extreme nationalism, which may lead to wars and massacres. Due to lack of proper education regarding nationalism, people are spurred towards an unhealthy competition with other nations that often leads to unnecessary wars. This sort of nationalistic sentiment inevitably leads to traumatic events that entail a destruction of peace and a violation of human rights in the country.  Hence, history will record the physical and emotional pains that such wars create for humanity. This kind of tragedy happened in Afghanistan over the past four decades, which led to brutal ethnic cleansing in the country. As a result, all Afghans suffered during the severe wars, especially women and children.

Patriotism does not occur naturally in humans. Everyone needs to learn how to love, care, and protect their homeland. People need to foster these feelings of patriotism, and only then a limited and positive sense of nationalism. Everybody needs to know that extremism in any form is dangerous and can lead to negative outcomes. By neglecting other nationalities, languages, races, and religions out of the ignorant pride of extreme nationalism, it is possible to reduce humans to animal-like behavior. As human beings we are capable of training animals to perform some certain tasks, but by simply learning these lessons, they do not become human; however, if humans embrace ignorance and cruelty, they abandon the circle of humanity. Therefore, I call upon all to nurture their love for their country.

Patriotism is beneficial to all; however nationalism may lead to the violation of human rights. So, let’s all try to be patriots rather than nationalists to benefit everyone and humanity. I call upon everyone, especially young generation and children, be the one that your country be proud of you.