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Nurturing Patriotism Among the Community |
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Patriotism is an essential value that every citizen should hold in their hearts.
However, in recent times, there has been a growing concern that patriotism is
gradually declining among the community. People are preoccupied with their
personal matters and often neglect the importance of patriotism. They believe
that their primary focus should be on wealth accumulation and financial
stability, overlooking the significance of national pride.
As a result, they may forget and not prioritize patriotism, neglecting national
celebrations. For instance, some Malaysians today are neglectful when it comes
to hoisting the national flag during Independence Day celebrations. This is
concerning, and it is hoped that patriotism can be heightened among the
community. All of us as Malaysians must take the necessary steps to cultivate
patriotism within ourselves and in the community.
There are several ways to cultivate patriotism in the community. One of the most
effective ways is to nurture patriotism from a young age, such as in schools.
This allows patriotism to be ingrained in students' lives, following the Malay
proverb, "bending a bamboo shoot when it's young." Teachers play a crucial role
in promoting patriotism in their students as they can emphasize patriotic traits
in the classroom. They should encourage children to feel proud of their country
and love their homeland. For instance, schools can hold events such as
Independence Day celebrations, singing the national anthem during assemblies,
and more. Teachers can also incorporate patriotism into their lessons, such as
teaching patriotism in subjects like history, Malay language, and Islamic/moral
education. If patriotism is fostered from a young age, it will undoubtedly be
practiced and maintained into adulthood. Furthermore, this is essential as it
helps to cultivate a community that loves their country and avoids actions that
could tarnish the nation's reputation.
Moreover, parents also play a significant role in cultivating patriotism in
their children. Children who are still maturing in their thinking will always
emulate their parents' behavior, following the saying "like father, like son."
Children will remember the lessons they see and frequently hear from their
parents, and their actions will shape their character. Parents should instill
patriotism in their children by exposing them to patriotic activities, such as
visiting national monuments, attending patriotic events, and so on.
In conclusion, it is vital to nurture patriotism in the community to maintain
national pride and unity. This can be achieved through various means, such as
promoting patriotism in schools, the role of parents in fostering patriotism in
their children, and through various patriotic activities. We must work together
as Malaysians to cultivate patriotism and maintain it for future generations. |
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