And lately, we have to add to the mix, "tribalism". A separate identity of various factions, then it becomes " us against them ".

As if we need more reasons to divide !

What you describe is blind, irrational patriotism -- an extreme position which is harmful to both people and to the nation and what it stands for.

I consider myself patriotic: I served in the military. I value most of the principles on which this nation was founded. I vote and pay my fair share of taxes to support needed governmental services. I believe in democracy. I am offended by your putting my patriotism in the same categorty as that you describe.

I think we all ‘get patriotism.’ In grade school I was called ‘Captain America,’ because of my base pride in our nation. At home, I was the 1 of 4 who put out our flag (read the rules), then took it in at the appropriate time.. A tad older, and I’d have fought in Vietnam…

Patriotism is not wrapping oneself in a flag, attending some church or subordinating yourself to an authority figure - it consists of fighting against injustice in order to make yours a more ‘perfect union.’ Perhaps a seemingly futile task ... but if you’ve intelligence enough to recognize 2 steps forward and 1 step back as progress, you’ve got the right stuff ~

Patriotism might not be as bad, but I think Nationalism breeds segregation and hate for the most part. It's a loaded topic though including government propaganda, marketing, etc etc.

There is no doubt that the promoters of patriotism borrowed and inserted religion into their practises, adopting such phrases as “in god we trust” , “under god”. stamp bible references onto sniper scopes, etc.

We should have informed freedom.
I don't think pure freedom would help as much.