I find that people become patriot when they have nothing they find worth believing in. However patriots also believe that because of their love of their country they are part of the grand scheme of their country and the bigger picture.
Why are Americans so Patriotic?
- Thread starter interspark
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Well, it's probably because you're a foreigner. We're fine with criticizing our own country, because we live here. We all have opinions about what's wrong with the place. But if a foreigner is doing it, it comes off as arrogance; someone who isn't one of us trying to tell us what's best for us. You may personally not feel the same way back if an American were to do that to you, but I still think this is probably the case in a lot of countries.interspark said:
The truth is, most Americans have a lot of bad things to say about America. We just don't want any suggestions. At least, that's how I theorize the mentality to be.
Take the Constitution for example. Here's one I hear a lot: "America needs to get a new constitution. Why do they still use that old thing?" And that's really offensive. Those who haven't lived under our constitution have no intellectual authority on whether or not it needs changing. So they can just piss off. Maybe our Constitution just works for us. Maybe we're afraid if a new one is drafted, we might lose some of our rights that were guaranteed in the old one. That's just one example, but try my shoes on and perhaps you'll see where I'm coming from.
I hate when American's ask if I can speak English. They act like they came up with that and pretty much everything else that is socially normal.
Seriously, I've been to an America, and it's great to be proud of your country, but FOR THE LOVE OF JESUS do they go on about it. Especially when they act like they are the sole heroic superpower in the world. Last time I checked, it hasn't been 1945 for 66 years now. The whole thing is backwards to me. Ask people what they are most proud of in America- Freedom. For a country that preaches about equal treatment, why can't I walk into New York and be ethnic, openly homosexual or poor?
You had no argument, you just said "you are wrong and I am right".Riff Moonraker said:
I've had an American girlfriend for a good number of years and what I've experienced from being in her home town, workplace and seeing her friends and family, is that all of them were not patriotic.
They loved their country, don't get me wrong, but they weren't raising a flag and saluting every morning.
Patriotism is encouraged in any country as it's a superb form of control. See - religion.
It's not a coincidence that often the most patriotic members of a country are it's soldiers.
It's not a coincidence that often the most patriotic members of a country are it's soldiers.
i can testify to this, having lived in different states of the u.s. over the years for quite a bit. the majority of americans is nausea inducing patriotic. it might not seem so for an american, because you grew up with it, perhaps.The Human Torch said:
also, what is considered mildly patriotic in america would already be seen as batshit jingoism in other first world countries. people back at home would not believe me until i showed video evidence that american students line up to say the pledge to the flag every morning like the god damned hitler youth. no other country would ever think of doing this.
Well, I'm American, and like most people anywhere, I do like my country, but i do let people have their own opinion about America. Different people see things differently.
As a brit (now living in Australia since 3 years) I'd say you have that very very wrong. I don't think I know or have ever known a single person who I suspect would get angry if someone insulted the Queen. The idea doesn't compute with me because I think to the average brit, including myself, the notion of getting worked up over that is laughable.Russirishican said:
To most of us she is just a rich old lady who really has no purpose and no need to be in her position.
Likewise, I don't know many brits who would get angry if you insulted our country, you'd probably find the vast majority of responses would range from "I can understand why you think that way, but I like it here" to "I know, its shit isn't it?" In fact, ALL the people I have talked to back in the UK, on the phone or facebook, have said they are jealous of me moving over here to some extent; and I know many people over there who can't wait to get out of there.
Just thought i'd clear that up for you, whatever your views on patriotism, one thing I can say with certainty from living there for 19 years is that the UK has nowhere near the level of patriotism that the USA has, even less towards the Queen. Personally I don't think many other countries do either, but whether that's a good or bad thing depends on peoples views. Frankly, I have nothing to be patriotic about. I couldn't be happier to get out of the UK, that shithole of a country. Australia is my home now and its better than the place I was born in almost every way when it comes to everyday life. Except prices of games and the shitty internet connections.
It's something that is strongly pushed in the American culture/society. Patriotic people do whatever their 'country' tells them to do. They also have a bad habit of not questioning their government and disregarding logic in any argument regarding it.
Which is perfect when you need people to give there live to a cause that any logical/moralistic person would be revolted by (recent wars etc).
Which is perfect when you need people to give there live to a cause that any logical/moralistic person would be revolted by (recent wars etc).
it's not, if you have a reason to like it besides, "it's where i live" i'd consider it weird if anyone particularly liked england, because it's cold, dull, overrun by chavs and punks and has next to no culture or interesting history, if you've got a reason to like your country then then sure, like it, but if you only like it because it's where you live then i'd consider that a little strangeFurioso said:
Well I'm English but I have a guess. My guess would be that because they fought for their independence, rights and such that they then hold them as so much more important.
Also the way that colonization was was originally lead by by their religious belief that God wanted them to go and colonize the rest of the landmass(I can't remember the term used for it), and considering how they hold religion it is then not surprising they hold their land in equal esteem.
Generally it's just drilled into them since their young.
Also that they are quite closed off, with mainly only their television, not being able to enjoy things when it has none American accents. This can be seen in how they created American versions of The Office and Top Gear even though they could just watch the English version.
Also the way that colonization was was originally lead by by their religious belief that God wanted them to go and colonize the rest of the landmass(I can't remember the term used for it), and considering how they hold religion it is then not surprising they hold their land in equal esteem.
Generally it's just drilled into them since their young.
Also that they are quite closed off, with mainly only their television, not being able to enjoy things when it has none American accents. This can be seen in how they created American versions of The Office and Top Gear even though they could just watch the English version.
So, By this logic and this really is not a far jump, If I talk about your sister or your house, She's a whore or its a wreck...and say even if she is or even if it is...you think its bad to get defensive?interspark said:
Even if this isn't a very great way of putting it, it still makes sense. Call someone's home a piece of shit and call them a loud gun toting dumbass who cant tell his ass from his elbow. You might piss someone off a little bit.
Call a European's favorite futbool(is that right)team a buch of sissy's...see what happens
It's called standing up for your home and where you grew up, you don't have to like the place, but its home.
That's all right, I was just curious =) Besides, I heard my version in a documentary the name of which escapes me... Turns out we're both right btw - found other links that explained it more.direkiller said:
that's completely different, your family and your home are things you should be personally proud of, your home country is something you have no control over, and it's a generally accepted fact that americans are MORE patriotic than brits! remember that scene in Borat where he badmouths america through song and everyone boos and starts throwing stuff? if he did that in england then the worst he'd have gotten was dirty looks, who knows? people may even have gotten a laugh out of itGudrests said:
(it's spelt "football")