At Oculus News, we believe patriotism goes far beyond waving flags and donning national colors. True love for one’s country and people is found in sincere dedication, tangible contributions, and an unwavering commitment to building a better future for all. While symbols like flags and emblems hold historical and cultural significance, their misuse—especially for profit—undermines the very values they represent.
As the founder of this blog, Oculus News, Marion Mardodaj envisions a platform where patriotism is not a performance, but a mission. In a world where many organizations claiming to represent Albanians—whether in the USA, UK, Italy, Germany, or elsewhere—overuse national symbols for superficial gains, it is essential to take a stand. These groups often capitalize on the emotional resonance of the red and black to secure endless funding while offering little of substance in return. Their efforts remain shallow and disconnected from the real struggles of Albanians, particularly those still battling poverty and systemic neglect in Albania and beyond.
National symbols are not brands meant for commercial gain, like Coca-Cola, as some so-called "patriotic" organizations in Diaspora treat them. Some of these groups often limit their activity to selling physical items with Albanian symbols—like flags, t-shirts with the national emblem, and other trinkets—through online shops, or waving flags once a year during national holidays. True patriots, however, carry these symbols in their hearts, minds, and souls every day. While they may also display these symbols physically, they do so with purpose and reverence, especially on important occasions, not as a marketing strategy.
Oculus News is not here to capitalize on heartfelt emotions or the struggles of Albanians. Instead, we work tirelessly to promote Albania and Albanians with integrity—through mind, heart, and soul. Our mission is to reshape perceptions of Albanians worldwide, ensuring they have a voice in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Real patriots do not limit their efforts to national holidays or only to moments when they showcase national symbols. Instead, they work tirelessly every day—with devotion to their families, communities, and the greater good of their nation. Patriotism is a daily commitment, a constant drive to improve oneself and contribute meaningfully to society, regardless of the public display of symbols.
This is the philosophy behind Oculus News. Unlike organizations that exploit Albanian identity for superficial gains, we are dedicated to promoting Albania and Albanians through sincere and impactful work. Our mission is rooted in integrity and carried out with mind, heart, and soul:
► Mind, to share intelligent, thoughtful, and accurate narratives about Albania and its people.
► Heart, to show passion, empathy, and love for our culture and identity.
► Soul, to capture and elevate the deeper essence of Albanian values, history, and potential.
For over 12 years, our platform has worked and continues to elevate the image of Albanians worldwide, not by relying on superficial displays of patriotism, but by fostering real, lasting impact. With hundreds of millions of views and thousands of Albanians uplifted and celebrated, Oculus News is a testament to what true patriotism can achieve.
This is why Oculus News was created as a different kind of platform. The name, a digital term having in mind our era, meaning “News of the Eye,” reflects our mission: to shed light on truths related to Albania and Albanians wherever they are in the world, often overlooked. Our colors—blue for liberty and violet for devotion, magic, and mystery—symbolize values that go deeper than surface-level displays of nationalism. We consciously chose not to adopt the red and black of the Albanian flag in our branding, not out of disregard, but as a statement against the hysteria of exploitative nationalism.
But we cannot do this alone. We call upon genuine patriots, those with the means to give, to support our cause. A donation to Oculus News is not a symbolic gesture—it is a real contribution to a noble mission with measurable impact. Your support will enable us to continue promoting Albanians globally, showcasing the best of our culture, talents, and resilience.
We call on genuine patriots around the world—those who believe in action over appearance—to support our mission. Through your contributions, Oculus News can continue to make a difference, helping to raise the profile of Albania and its people globally. Together, we can ensure that patriotism is defined not by symbols, but by meaningful work that honors the past and builds a brighter future.
Support Oculus News. Support Real Patriotism:
