China adopted new legislation, the , in October, justifying it in the name of ¡°national and ethnic unity and security.¡± However, the contents of the law reveal the intention of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to indoctrinate the masses into the cult-like worship of its leaders and their ideology.
The legislation seeks to ¡°strengthen education on patriotism ... and carry forward the spirit of patriotism,¡± as stated in its first article. The question, then, is what is patriotism and why is Beijing so obsessed with it?
Patriotism is a feeling of loyalty, belonging and pride for one¡¯s land or country. Rather than being taught or forced onto someone, this sense of love, duty and sacrifice should emerge spontaneously. If a nation reaches the stage in which patriotism has to be taught, this reveals its fragility.
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