Why Genz Learns Patriotism From Movies, Not Textbooks

For Gen Z, patriotism does not always come from memorising dates or reading long chapters in civics books. It comes from the goosebumps felt during a powerful movie scene, the tears that fall when a soldier sacrifices his life and that natural feeling of respect when the national anthem plays on screen. These moments stay in the heart much longer than facts written on a page. 

In today’s digital world, movies have become a modern classroom for learning love for the country. When Gen Z watches stories of bravery, they don’t just understand patriotism; they feel it. This emotional connection makes them think, feel proud and care more deeply about the nation they belong to.

When Movies Teach Patriotism Better Than Books

Textbooks tell what happened in history, but movies help us feel it. Films like Uri: The Surgical Strike, Shershaah,Kesari and Major don’t just show bravery, they make it visible and real. For Gen Z, watching these stories on screen creates a much deeper connection than reading long paragraphs in a book.

Movies use strong visuals, emotion and simple storytelling, which Gen Z easily relates to. When a soldier sacrifices his own peace and stands strong even in the toughest moments, then patriotism becomes more than just a word. These scenes stay in minds and hearts, helping us understand the true meaning of loving the country.

Why Textbooks Feel Distant

Textbooks often feel distant because they focus more on facts. They tell about important events, laws and movements, but they rarely share the personal stories behind them.

Without stories of fear, courage or sacrifice, it becomes hard for readers to truly connect with what they are studying.

For Gen Z, this style of learning feels old. Growing up with videos, movies and short online content, they are used to learning through visuals and real-life stories. When textbooks do not match this way of learning, the lessons feel distant and difficult to connect with.

GenZ does care about patriotism; they simply understand it better when it is shown in a lively, emotional and meaningful way.

For Gen Z, patriotism is not about shouting slogans or proving anything loudly. This generation understands that loving the country means thinking, asking questions and wanting it to be better. 

It is about noticing the small acts of courage and sacrifice that often go unseen and feeling proud of those who serve the nation in real life.

Views expressed by the author are their own.