Manu Joseph on Patriotism: Why Loving Your Country Isn’t Just About Flags

You know how it is these days—everywhere you look, someone’s waving a flag or posting about “national pride” on Instagram. But here’s the thing: patriotism in India isn’t as simple as social media makes it seem. And Manu Joseph—that sharp-witted journalist and novelist who never minces words—has some thoughts that might surprise you. Let’s break it down.

Wait, Who’s Manu Joseph Again?

If you haven’t read his columns or novels, you’re missing out. Joseph’s the kind of writer who makes you laugh while punching you in the gut with uncomfortable truths. Used to edit Open magazine, now writes for big international papers. His book Serious Men? Absolute fire—it’s like he took modern India’s contradictions and turned them into this darkly funny story.

What I love about him is how he handles patriotism. Not the chest-thumping kind, but the messy, complicated love we actually feel for our country. You know—where you can complain about the potholes outside your house but still get teary-eyed during the national anthem.

This Whole Patriotism Wave—What’s That About?

Remember when suddenly everyone had flags outside their homes? Yeah, that wasn’t random. Between politics, WhatsApp forwards, and that whole “stand with the army” vibe, patriotism became this… performance. But here’s my take: it’s not all bad.

Think about it. Back in our grandparents’ time, patriotism meant fighting the British. Now? It’s everything from cheering for ISRO launches to arguing about who’s a “real Indian.” Bit confusing, honestly.

Okay, But Why Should I Care?

Because We’re Stuck With Each Other

Let’s be real—India’s like that big, loud family where everyone fights but comes together during crises. When Chennai floods happened or COVID hit, you saw it. That’s patriotism working: not flags, but actual people helping each other.

It’s Not Just Feel-Good Stuff

Countries need this glue. Ever noticed how we’ll riot over politics but unite when an Indian wins abroad? That shared pride matters. Without it, we’re just 1.4 billion strangers living near each other.

Practical Benefits Too

Cleaner streets? Better taxes? Yeah, those come easier when people give a damn about their country. Not very glamorous, but true.

The Dark Side No One Talks About

Getting Branded “Anti-National”

Here’s where it gets scary. These days, if you question anything—even legit stuff like farm laws—boom, you’re “against the nation.” Saw it happen to those college kids in Delhi. One minute they’re protesting, next minute they’re on TV being called traitors. Messed up.

Politicians Love This Game

Election season turns patriotism into a weapon. Suddenly, loving India means agreeing with whatever some party says. And if you don’t? Good luck getting heard over the noise.

We Might Lose What Makes Us Us

Globalization’s great till your local language starts dying out. Real patriotism—not the shouting kind—keeps traditions alive without turning us into museum pieces.

Manu Joseph’s Genius Take

He nails it: true patriots don’t just post flag emojis. They pay taxes on time, call out corruption, and yeah, still get goosebumps during “Maa Tujhe Salaam.” That balance? That’s the sweet spot.

Not Just India’s Problem

America’s dealing with this too—remember those guys storming the Capitol shouting “USA!”? Scary stuff. We should learn from their mistakes before our patriotism turns into that.

So What’s the Bottom Line?

Loving India doesn’t mean pretending it’s perfect. Like Joseph says, the real patriots are the ones demanding better. Next time someone says “prove your patriotism,” ask them: isn’t wanting your country to improve the most patriotic thing of all?

What do you think—has patriotism gone off the rails, or do we need more of it? Hit me up in the comments.

If You Want to Go Deeper

• Serious Men by Manu Joseph (trust me, it’s hilarious)
• Those hard-hitting pieces in The Caravan about nationalism
• That viral YouTube debate on “What Patriotism Means Today”