reply to post by Thebudweiserstuntman
Originally posted by Thebudweiserstuntman..
"My original post illustrated the similarities between Patriotism and Nationalism and how, to me, I can see some similarities with pre world War II
Germany."
I understand your point here, The two are very similar, And I also have a tendancy to refer to being patriotic as having a love for ones "nation"
and other times as a love for ones "country"(not the whole definition just the pertanent part for this explanation)
However, there is a difference, sometimes it is very subtle in how it is expressed in written word.. IE exchanging "country" for "nation"...
You not being from the USA, have a different perspective of Patriotism, and American patriotism specifically.. IE you are not immersed in "American
culture" 24/7.. 365 days/year since the day you were born..
So therfore you are able to step "outside" and give a viewpoint that most of "us Americans" are unable to see, as we are "too close" to the
subject..
Now that being said, I would ask that you also don't judge "american Patriotism" just by what you see in the media or what you experience online..
It is something that is actually personal, although it is shared by a "people" it does mean different things to different people, IE ask ten people
get ten differing answers..
But usually the "binding" factor is that "American Patriots" want to be here, and do something to make this country better, for us and
posterity..
now, we will differ on how to do it, but that is the jist of it in my opinion..
Also most "American Patriots" do not have a blind or total love for the government, it is the "people" that make this country, at least that is
the belief..
Alas, you seem to be correct that alot of people are confusing Nationalism with Patriotism....
But you also have to understand how LARGE the USA is, most of us never leave the States, so yes our "world view" is limited, But I also think that
it speaks volumes that a person could spend thier whole life in this country and be happy never to have gone to any other country..
You (as a world traveler) may find that sad and closed minded, but I think it just says that this country offers sooooo much... sorry for the long
post hopefully you don't get bored reading it..