Patriotism :: Essays Papers

PatriotismAn egotist, concord to the American Heritage Dictionary, is oneness devoted to his or her proclaim interests and advancement. Everyone is an egotist in one way or another. Even when a soulfulness commits the most selfless acts of altruism, the act usually benefits the person in one way or another. Humanity is not, by nature, altruistic humanity is, by nature, egocentric. This is evident in Yukio Mishimas Patriotism with the main characters, Reiko and Shinji. People atomic number 18 egotistic in the choices they often make choosing friendship over patriotism, choosing to trust a spouse, and choosing ones personal freedom.The patriotism one feels for his or her own countrified is not as strong as the bonds of friendship. A country provides safeguard and a sense of belonging however, in times of war this is all shattered. Shinjis colleagues are among the insurgents. The war has, no doubt, caused these men to resort to extreme measures. Living in a country tha t can no longer provide the guard and sense of belonging that these men seek, they turn to each other. Friends provide the safety and belonging even in times of war. People betray their country in their everyday actions, they deceive their employer, they lie to others, they cheat, and steal but, one unendingly thinks twice before betraying the trust of a friend. Shinji and Reiko remain loyal to what is important, their friends.not only do Shinji and Reiko choose their friends over their country, they also find triumph in choosing each other rather than continuing in a world in which the two could not be together. This perfect amount of money between the two illustrates something people search for everyday. Everyone is looking for his or her own Shinji or Reiko. This need to find a soul mate has spawned books, movies, songs, and plays. The boy aches girl scenario is a part of everyones life. In Patriotism, boy did meet girl, and this is a part of what makes this story u niversally appealing. People simply call for someone with whom to share there lives.