Hello Millenial Readers, and a happy new month to you!
June began by gracing us with Madaraka Day, a date that we Kenyans get to commemorate our country’s accomplishment of attaining self-governance from the British colonial masters in the year 1963. Even so, most Kenyans would have appreciated the national holiday even more if it had fallen on a Friday or Monday, right?
It would have been a good long weekend. As much as national holidays give us a break from the normal work and school routine, they exist for patriotic purposes.
Speaking of patriotism, if we were to measure Gen Z’s patriotism today using some particular kind of patriotism meter, where would it lie?
How Patriotic am I Towards My Country?
To begin with, if you have taken the time to read this article on patriotism, congratulations! This interest is a good sign of patriotism from your side. However, let’s dive in to find out how patriotic we are.
What is Patriotism?
First things first, what does the word patriotism really mean? Legally speaking, Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Kenya 2020 simply defines patriotism as the devotion and commitment to one’s own country. Patriotism can be practised through actions that promote love, loyalty, and dedication to the country.
How to Observe Patriotism
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), a body mandated to combat and prevent corruption, and promote ethics and integrity in Kenya, outlines several ways the citizens of Kenya can practice patriotism. They include, but are not limited to:
- Speaking well of your country
Freedom of speech is a popular freedom here in Kenya. Anyone and everyone is allowed to express themselves freely through speech. However, this expression lacks the patriotic aspect of it. Fewer Kenyans today, including Gen Zs, speak well of their country, especially since the general elections in 2022. Despite the economic challenges, among others, faced by Kenyans at the moment, there is more to our country. Therefore, let’s choose to look at the positive side of every situation.
- Participating in national elections
Research suggests that the previous general elections recorded numerous Kenyans who failed to vote, the majority of them being youths. This shows apathy and a low level of patriotism. Even so, participating in general elections is a civil right that we ought to exercise despite the events that have transpired, in the previous years.
- Shunning tribalism and nepotism
‘Kwibuka’ in Rwanda’s Kinyarwanda language means to remember. The events that took place in 1994 in Rwanda during the genocide are not to be forgotten so that they are never repeated. Similarly, the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya, which was heavily marked by tribalism, is not to be forgotten. Tribalism, nepotism, and any other type of discrimination should be shunned because of the latter. Loving your country extends to learning from the past to prevent disasters in the present.
- Respecting those in authority
Respecting someone means you accept the person for who they are, even when you don’t fully share the same beliefs as they do; that includes those in authority. It is wise to give honour where it is due. It builds feelings of trust and well-being and truly goes a long way on your part.
- Obeying all laws
Obeying the law is a symbol of patriotism, for the law is designed to make our lives as citizens of Kenya comfortable, free from fear, want, and indignity. Lawlessness destroys businesses, schools, institutions, recreational centres, and homes built by citizens and governments. Hence, the reason we should obey the law is that it establishes a sense of security.
More ways of showing patriotism are:
- Keeping the environment clean
- Participating in community service
- Conserving national resources
- Paying taxes
- Respecting, protecting, and promoting the rights of others
- Evading corruption and reporting it to relevant authorities
- Defending your country at all times
- Observing national days
How Gen Zs Can Become More Patriotic
A study done in 2020 by Nation Africa shows that young people in Africa, including Kenya, are struggling to love their country. There is no doubt the youth have been facing a lot of challenges, with little or no support, perhaps from their governments. However, Gen Zs should not be so quick to give up on their country despite the harsh conditions. The youth should instead work even harder to put forth initiatives that work towards destroying the vices present in their country.
There are multiple ways that Gen Zs can embrace their country and build patriotism. They include:
- Visiting historical sites and national parks
The beauty of being a domestic tourist is that it reminds us of the charm of their country. It slowly rekindles the fire of patriotism. Begin with the site that is near you, for example, the Kenya National Archives and Bomb Blast Memorial Park, which lie in Nairobi CBD.
- Supporting local brands, businesses, food, and content
When Gen Zs consume what is theirs, they learn to appreciate and love it according to their various tastes. Supporting authentic Kenyan products not only builds the country’s patriotism but also its economy.
- Knowing their national history and learning from it
Philosopher George Santayana said the quote, ‘Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.’ Gen Zs are sure to embrace their country if they learn about their forefathers and the decisions they made concerning Kenya. History is important because it helps us live better today.
- Criticising national flaws
Patriotism also stands on a critical perspective. Constructive criticism acknowledges the wrongs of the country and expresses the desire to make it better. Gen Z’s constructive criticism is good for the betterment of the country.
Questions to Help Gen Zs Gage Their Love for Kenya
Buzzfeed.com put together a number of questions to help one reflect their level of patriotism towards their country. Some of these questions are:
- Do you possess clothing or ornaments with Kenya’s flag on it?
- How do you react if a foreigner criticises Kenya?
- Would you join the army if Kenya declared war and needed soldiers?
- Do you support Kenya’s local sports teams, i.e., football?
- Are you actively participating in activities that improve things you don’t like about your country, Kenya?
- If someone from your country is in the final of a global reality show, would you support them by voting for them?
- Would you ever emigrate to another country?
Final Thoughts
I am persuaded that Gen Zs, in their own way, will rekindle their fire for patriotism. Gen Zs get creative with every minute that passes; even in this day and age, where globalization continues to interconnect countries and cultures, what we have learnt from our home and cultures remains deeply rooted in us. So deep that it will be expressed in one way or the other, whether in poetry or painting.
Cynthia ❤️❤️❤️
The Millenial News 