- JASON
Patriotism is like religion. It elicits a whole spectrum of emotions from whole citizenries – swinging from the blindly fanatical to the indifferent to the ones who think it is an extremely dirty word…to be avoided like the plague. The motivating circumstances determining the degree of patriotism, or lack thereof, are based on entire political agendas, deeply emotive social issues and the general economic climate.
Politics push young people to the front lines of war to die for their country. The indoctrination of Japanese world war two pilots into suicide missions – Kamikaze – still meters unfettered shock. In current times, racists in the USA have shrouded their ugly and twisted cause of white superiority mythology in garbs of a patriotic hue. As Huxley pointed out, ‘One of the great attractions of patriotism is that it fulfills our worst wishes. In the person of our nation we are able, vicariously, to bully and cheat…with a feeling that we are profoundly virtuous.’
In Africa, a frivolous political leadership has happily prescribed fast-acting steroids to poverty. A hurting population finds it difficult to distinguish politically induced hardships from country. As they face endless despair, they proceed to categorically denounce their motherlands. A jaded African youth once lamented, ‘I think patriotism is a lie especially when it is unconditionally expected from people whose stomachs have been emptied.’
In rare moments however, a decantation of politics from country allows admirable patriotism to break through this man-made drudgery. Sport, for instance, has time and again been a formidable gelling force that generates beautiful patriotic moments. When the Webb Ellis Cup went to South Africa’s Springboks in 1995, the apartheid-ravaged country was momentarily united in the glow of a stunning national victory.
Nelson Mandela latched onto this powerful rugby sporting moment to soothe his young nation, still reeling and blinded by the hurt and horrors of racial discrimination. And only as he could, he said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where there was only despair.’
The Olympics is the ultimate sporting event. The world over, the greatest honor that can be bestowed upon any sports person is representing their country at these most auspicious games. It is a meeting point of legends. Only the best meet the best.
Take it a step further, and the gods are separated from legends as victorious sports personalities take the dais to receive their medals in recognition of their unmatched sporting prowess. As the respective national anthems rise up to the skies, the distinct melodies trigger huge emotions in these formidably sculpted, fine human specimens. They are reduced to humble tears. Some bawl uncontrollably – like newborn babies.
It is usually a bare-the-soul moment. Only the coldest of hearts are unmoved as they witness such divine sights. It brings to the fore the suggestion that truly men love their country – not because it is great, but because it is their own.1
For Jason, being the proud flag bearer of the Kenyan team at the 2012 Olympics was a dais-like moment. He had coveted this for a long, long time. And it had finally come to bear. Of that exceptional experience he says, ‘It was an unforgettable moment in my life and one that I’ll carry for the rest of my days.’
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