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Originally posted by woodwardjnr
The thing with national pride is that it takes a very rosy look at ones nation while ignoring all the bad. You want to to take pride in your nations achievements , but want nothing to do with your nations failings.
Example, some people take pride in their nations victories in wars, which they played no part in, yet ask the same person to feel shame for the slave trade for example and the person will reply "that had nothing to do with me , it was all in the past". So it's like a selective memory, enjoying the pride while ignoring any guilt. Just my opinion.
Originally posted by tgidkp
to quote Gore Vidal, "patriotism is the final refuge of the idiots and the scoundrels."
Originally posted by tgidkp
reply to post by projectvxn
to me, it is more like my nation has laid claim on me than me on it. its not that I hate America (although it is totally hateable). its just that i never really asked for any of this (RE: debt of sacrifice) and now I am expected to participate gladly in something that seems so small.
and by "so small" I mean that, so long as any nation lays claim on me, I care not whether it is "sovereign" or "one worlder dictatorship".
to this end, patriotism is meaningless.
but I am idealistic to the fault of naievity. I will be the first one dead in the coming war.
oh well.
Originally posted by LeBombDiggity
Too often recently, though, your natural affinity for all things American hasn't come across as a love of country. Instead the impression is given of hubris, not pride. Indeed it's more than an impression, it's a bold truth. Yours is the current imperial power and your citizens regard others from a lofty height. You see it writ large on this forum day in, day out.
Arrogance, snobbishness, haughtiness, delusional, often exaggerating your own abilities whilst simultaneously underestimating the strength and virtues of others ... that's what defines the modern American ... not some kindly paternalistic figure with an innocent pride in his own washed car, his white picket fence and his freshly mown lawn.
All imperial power passes ; the question is what you leave behind. Unfortunately Old Glory fridge magnets aren't much of a legacy.
I leave symbols to the symbol-minded.
"Dissent is the highest form of patriotism"
Originally posted by Maluhia
reply to post by imasecretspy
I used to be proud of America, but have a hard time with it since Bush/Cheney started pummeling everyone and Obama continued on the same path.
We used to be the one's who helped other countries - sent aid after disasters - lead relief efforts - now we just lead wars.
Originally posted by muzzleflash
I wonder why there aren't many proud Native Americans these days?
Oh yeah, never mind.