Communitarianism Transcends Partisanship

 

The late Amitai Etzioni

By Frank Filocomo

A quick note:

Communitarianism is neither a conservative or liberal ideology. It's adherents - such as the great Amitai Etzioni - believed that it could actually be a depolarizing force. 

In order for it to be an efficacious ideology, however, communitarians must also embrace a robust patriotism. That is, a healthy love of one's country and sense of obligation towards the common good, not a blind and reactionary kind of jingoism. While the former can only make us stronger, the latter might prove fractious. 

This, from Etzioni's Reclaiming Patriotism:

At its core, patriotism points to passionate concern for one's fellow citizens and the community they share, a resolve to love one's nation despite its defects and to work for its flourishing. 

I'll let Etzioni speak for himself here. 

I hope everyone has a great week!