Oxford Languages defines patriotism as “the quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.” In some circles, however, “vigorous support” has evolved into unconditional support.

Hanging a flag outside one’s house, defending the current president at all costs, and supporting the military are now commonly linked with patriotism. Nonetheless, this narrow understanding of patriotism misrepresents its true meaning. 

True patriotism is not about blind allegiance but about holding one’s country accountable to the highest standards. It requires the courage to critique one’s country with the intention of pursuing growth.

The idea that dissent is an integral part of patriotism is not new. A quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson states, “Dissent is the highest form of patriotism,” though there is no evidence of this quote’s exact origins. Benjamin Franklin similarly argued,  “It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.” Theodore Roosevelt agreed with this view, stating, “To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American people.” 

These statements reflect a core principle of democracy: that open debate, disagreement, and resistance to injustice are necessary for a nation’s survival. 

This understanding of patriotism as holding leadership accountable is not unique to American society; there is some similarity in Islamic teachings as well. The final prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “The best form of jihad is a word of truth in the face of a tyrannical ruler” (Sunan al-Nasa’i 4209). 

This hadith, or saying of Muhammad emphasizes that speaking out against injustice is a truly noble act and reflects a deep care for the moral health of a society. Disagreement leads to discussion, which leads to progress.

 In fact, one of the primary reasons for the creation of the First Amendment was so people could freely debate various subject matters and question authority without the fear of being punished. Just as American democratic ideals value open debate, Islamic teachings similarly value the moral duty of speaking up.

So, how did patriotism shift in meaning from critical engagement to unquestioning loyalty? This shift in the perception of patriotism became particularly evident during the Vietnam War, when those who protested U.S. military intervention were labeled unpatriotic, despite their efforts to prevent unnecessary loss of life. In the 1970s, students led anti-war protests, challenging America’s involvement in Vietnam. At the time, these student protestors were vilified, yet today, many Americans recognize that the war resulted in millions of deaths of Vietnamese and Americans. 

Now, most people realize that the U.S. gained virtually nothing from initiating this war. With hindsight, those protestors are now seen as courageous voices of reason, advocating for justice and accountability rather than blind nationalism. 

This pattern is not unique to Vietnam. Throughout American history, many government actions have had devastating consequences, including slavery, Japanese internment camps, and military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Acknowledging these realities is not an act of hatred toward America – it is essential to the development and improvement of the nation. Ignoring historical injustices does not erase them; it only allows them to be repeated.

Too often, protestors who challenge  government policies are dismissed as “anti-American.” By definition, someone who is truly anti-American would be hostile to Americans and the interests of the United States.  Yet, most individuals who protest U.S. policies do so not out of hatred, but out of a desire to hold their country to a higher moral standard. Those who challenge injustice are often accused of being disloyal to their country, only to be recognized later as voices of truth. A patriot is someone who does not blindly support the government; a patriot looks out for America’s best interest. 

For instance, pro-Palestine protestors often call for the U.S. to reconsider its involvement in Israel. Many also object to the infiltration of American politics by Israel and AIPAC. The U.S. spends billions of dollars per year on military aid to Israel, and many Americans believe this money could be better allocated to domestic needs  However, these protestors are often labeled as anti-Semitic or anti-American, despite their opposition being directed at U.S. foreign policy that contribute to genocide and ethnic cleansing in Palestine, not at Jewish communities or the country itself. 

For example, Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by U.S. immigration authorities for allegedly being “pro-Hamas”, even though he had never explicitly stated support for the group, and only expressed support for Palestine. A patriot wants their country to be in line with justice and human rights. If the U.S. is supporting a government engaged in killing and displacing civilians, then calling for a reevaluation of that support is an act of deep moral responsibility. 

As a Muslim myself, I know that American patriotism has always been a widely debated topic in the Muslim community. Many of my peers either immigrated to the U.S. from another country, or their parents did the same. 

Most of us, I would say, are grateful that we were able to escape the unfortunate situations in our home countries like economic turmoil or corrupt leadership. However, we feel incredibly guilty that our taxpayer money is going to fund the bombing of innocent civilians all over the world.

Critiquing government actions is often an expression of profound patriotism, rooted in a desire to see one’s country live up to its ideals. Many Americans, despite feeling gratitude for the opportunities this country has provided them, recognize that true patriotism requires holding the nation accountable for its role in global and domestic injustices. Gratitude for their country and the desire for its improvement are not mutually exclusive. 

Those who have benefited from the freedoms and opportunities offered in the U.S. often feel a greater responsibility to ensure that those same freedoms are extended to all—both at home and abroad. Patriotism, then, is not about ignoring flaws but working to correct them. Patriotism is not about blind allegiance, but about striving for a country’s improvement through informed criticism and accountability. 

A true patriot listens to the people, not just the government. Patriotism means standing up against injustice, even when it is one’s own government perpetrating it. To be a patriot is to demand better – to ensure that the values of human rights, justice, and democracy are upheld, not just in word but in deed.