Recently, there has been discussion about a short video played on Chinese-language television channels featuring the national anthem, images of astronaut Yang Liwei and the Olympic medallists, with glimpses of children waving flags, marching bands and the Chinese characters for heart, family and country. It lasts only 45 seconds, enough to arouse annoyance and alarm - and much sophistry from a small, but exclusive, sector.
America's national anthem is sung in its schools and with much aplomb at US sporting events. President George W. Bush invariably invokes the divine blessing: 'God bless America.' Americans also love to hoist their Stars and Stripes on Independence Day, Veterans' Day and Thanksgiving.
This is patriotism, American style. It is the patriotism of a young country with simple, childlike demonstrations of exuberantly joyous sentiments for a beloved nation. An open-minded observer might smile with indulgence and an involuntary sense of joy. The solemn may feel the sense of reverence that is palpable in Americans when their national anthem is played.
Britons are less demonstrative, but one sees the Union Flag emblazoned on T-shirts, tablecloths, place mats, and the like. British humour may depict a man standing during his bath to salute the Queen when he hears the national anthem broadcast.
French President Jacques Chirac has just visited Hong Kong. The French, of course, are more sophisticated in exhibiting their patriotic sentiments. This can be seen in the pride for their culinary art, refined culture, imperial history, republican tradition, and language that was once the lingua franca of Europe.
Patriotic and nationalist feelings are cultural, political and historical. They form a collective consciousness. All nations and peoples have cultural symbols, rites and rituals, protocols and ceremonies. They are shared, outward expressions of inner feelings and values.
