"Kangaskhan, greatest country in the world!"

[Khilia]

So what is everybodies' opinion when it comes to patriotism/national pride and such things?
Is it considered a good or a bad thing to show it openly where you live, and is is possibly enforced by the government to do so?
And are you even proud of what nation you're belonging to?

Personally it's a very thorny topic in Germany because, obviously due to the events about 80 years ago, the borders over here often fade away between appropriate patriotism and pride and nationalism or possibly even national socialism; from own experience however I'm almost never allowed to utter such things like "I'm actually sorta proud and happy that I'm a German", because then I would've immediately be seen as a nazi and so on :c

 

[Joel.Lion]

Patriotism is basicly rooted in american culture I believe. From day one in schools its the pledge if allegiance everyday and you always hear comparisons to other nations (most often as america being better). Personally, I have no issue with patriotism. America has it downs for sure but in all its a good place to live, with good opportunity to those who are able to go after it. I myself am not very patriotic because I see all the bad and the things we do that shouldn't be done, and the culture that's unjustifiably self-righteous. In the end I suppose I'm indifferent about where I'm at, I'm sure if I lived somewhere else I'd still be saying the same things.

 

[Nick]

I look too closely at the bad things to appreciate the good, so it's impossible for me to think very highly of my county, since all of my problems generally come from where I live, so I associate that with my country and therefore develop a negative opinion of it.

 

[Alexander Nicholi]

It's hard for me to be proud of a blatantly nationalistic country that claims to be against nationalism. Oh, and not to mention the countless other idiotic hypocrisies that exist in this cesspool of ignorance.

Sorry America, you're just not my girl. </3

 

[Puddle]

I've never been into any pride really. Whether it's school pride or nation pride, it's just never interested me. It might be different if both weren't so corrupt.

 

[TheFattestSnorlax]

National pride is quite common down. here in Australia. We even have our own holiday. Every January 26, you can see all sorts of parades and fireworks in Sydney and any other big city (if I'm not mistaken). Oi!

 

[Togfan]

National pride is quite common down. here in Australia. We even have our own holiday. Every January 26, you can see all sorts of parades and fireworks in Sydney and any other big city (if I'm not mistaken). Oi!

On the 17th of May, our national day, it's compulsory to celebrate it and be nationalistic; as well as it also being celebrated pretty much all over the world (in some cities in the US you actually get the day off afaik)

I can't exactly say I'm proud of being Norwegian (because Norwegians aren't any better than any other people, they just happen to have been born in a rich country) but I am indeed proud of Norway's decisions during the oil rush in the 70's; instead of going full capitalism the government established a strong welfare state, in which has resulted in Norway being one of the best countries to live in in the world; that's something I'd say you could be proud of

 

[Aquacorde]

Bah, patriotism.

While it's apparently a huge thing for a lot of Americans, I don't really care. I personally think it's a little weird, mostly because America's citizens are still under the impression that it's the best country ever. From what I know, America's not really top-tier in a lot of important things. But people grow up being told it is, and generally aren't ever corrected, so I think they have a lot of misplaced pride. It's just... weird.

 

[TheZenTraveler]

I understand how patriotism works to drive the citizens to work hard for the good of the country... but, I do not like how it can be so easily used as a selling point for things.

Example: Buy product B because it was made in (your country)... But product B is actually only assembled in said country... parts came from 12 other countries... But people still buy it and boast that they are supporting their country.

I am biased, because I dislike my country (U.S.)... because of a large list of reasons, but my experience with patriotism is very negative. so no I am not a fan to say the least...

Bah, patriotism.

While it's apparently a huge thing for a lot of Americans, I don't really care. I personally think it's a little weird, mostly because America's citizens are still under the impression that it's the best country ever. From what I know, America's not really top-tier in a lot of important things. But people grow up being told it is, and generally aren't ever corrected, so I think they have a lot of misplaced pride. It's just... weird.

A lot of it has to do with... I'd say almost a "conditioning"... Joel mentioned things like the pledge of allegiance and the such, They are excellent example of how we are pretty much told to think throughout the years. The history texts don't help at all either, at least in my school, I remember reading all of the triumphs of america;whilst defeats and hard times were kept to a minimum or not even mentioned.

though it could be said... Why would our government want to raise people who don't think their country is absolutely the best in the world... doubtful people means doubtful moral, which means a majority of people(not everyone, but general population yes) don;t argue when the govern,ent does the wrong thing...

I could continue to bag out my own country for our ways but I'm sure you get the point. When I get chance I'm going to get out into the world and explore it, this country has become too... aggravating for me, and I don't see any reason to stay in a place I don't enjoy...

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sorry for the immense amount of opinionated typing... this topic is one I feel strongly about... not intended to offend anyone...

 

[Timbjerr]

American patriotism always seems a bit shallow and superficial to me. Most self-proclaimed patriots I've seen are highly oblivious to what our government is doing on a global scale and will blindly buy into our leaders' propaganda without question.

It's really quite disgusting when you really think about it. >_>

 

[Orogenes]

It's my opinion that you can't feel pride nor shame for a thing that you haven't made a conscious decision about, including country of origin as well as gender, sexual orientation, hight, physical features, you name it.

Basically, there is nothing wrong with appreciating the culture/traditions etc. of the country you're born in, but it's another thing to feel pride about it or, worse, believing that "your" country is superior to another.

 

[Astraea]

I am always feel proud of my country and i am very happy that my country is just so diffrent from any other country, the biggest democratic country in the world and will be a fully developed country by 2020.

 

[Ivysaur]

I have the shirt of the Spanish National Football Team on my drawer, if that counts.

Nah, it's perfectly okay if you like the place where you are born and your traditions, but... h well, Orogenes put it better than I possibly could:

Basically, there is nothing wrong with appreciating the culture/traditions etc. of the country you're born in, but it's another thing to feel pride about it or, worse, believing that "your" country is superior to another.

Honestly? Be proud of what you have done for the betterment of the world, or your friends, or what-have-you. Countries are just random divisions we ended up with after millenia of wars. There is nothing wrong with being born somewhere, there is nothing right with being born somewhere else. It's just chance. Enjoy what you have.

 

[Sopheria]

I root for American teams in the Olympics. That's about as far as my patriotism goes xD

Seriously, I don't get nationalism. I mean, I don't think there's anything wrong with it per se, but I don't get how someone can be proud of where they were born. I mean, it was just luck of the draw--I had nothing to do with it. The only things I'm proud of are my accomplishments. Still, I can say that I feel fortunate to have been born in America. But proud? Not really.

 

[New Eden]

I am anything but a patriot. The only public expression I see in the name of American patriotism from people is largely from the right wing people and people who are in the military...with the exception of when it's Independence Day. I actually see a lot more state pride than nation pride, funny enough, and that tends to be its own world of annoyance despite that I love living in this state.

I don't see the point if it's just because it's where you were born. That kinda sounds like you're just proud of it unconditionally, which sounds kind of unrealistic.

 

[Tixen]

I don't feel I have many reasons to be overly proud of my country. Sure, a democracy is pretty cool, and there are a lot of benefits out there to help out the people within Australia that a lot of other countries don't have. But, that's pretty much where it stops. Politics here, at the moment, can be likened to two groups of people bickering over who started this and who spent that, to the point where absolutely nothing gets done. Its rather irritating, especially when one party is raving on about such and such problem, and you're sitting there clearly being able to see that they haven't done any research on the topic at all, its more just being said to appeal to the masses who also haven't done the research. So basically, to me, the mentality comes across as being: votes > getting **** done.

And as for Australia Day? I feel no obligation to celebrate any day that was once known as the National Day Of Mourning, for the exact same reason most of the country was celebrating nationalism that day. It was kind of a, "hooray for coming to this country!" while a percentage was going "you coming here resulted in the oppression and deaths of many of us" . I feel no pride in the fact that our country is built on the foundation of oppressing a group of people, simply because my ancestors did not view them as being technologically advanced in the way they were. And I find the fact that it took until 2008 for someone in power to actually acknowledge and apologize for what our ancestors had done.

... I could rant on forever about this, but yeah, I just don't find many reasons for me to feel overly attached to Australia. I mean, the country is beautiful and I love it for that, but so are many other countries I've visited, all in their own unique way. And besides, the country you live in (most of the time) just so happens to be a place you were born by coincidence more than anything else.

 

[Blastin'Tyruntz]

Haha i waited for this subject!

Well, in Israel, as you might think, people are very proud of the "only jewish country" in the world, but really, when the economy is ****, the government is divided, the prime minister and everyone around it kisses Obamas' ass for money and everyone around the area hates us, i can't be proud of that country.

I mean, okay, holacaust happened, we struggled through a lot yada yada yada...that's not a reason to run a government with a corrupted prime minister and a rapist president. I mean come on, the minister in charge of the money steals money?

Yeah so...i can say i want to live somewhere else when i grow a lil older, preferably England since i have a lot of friends there.

 

[Raine]

Personally, I'm not very patriotic; I have little enthusiasm for anything that's Canadian, but there are things that I am proud of. Although I don't think there's anything wrong with being proud of your nationality and showing that off, but once you bragging about how great your country is and what-not, that might become annoying and a problem.

 

[Trainer Galza]

I like living in america to some extent. We have neat stuff and neat opportunities here..
But thats really just about it.

 

[Lord Kraith 2]

Wow, I guess I'm one of few people here not from Anglosphere. Ok, I do have national pride and love for my country Republic of Buryatia like most people there. However what I do not like is how my country will not separate from Russia to be fully independent Asian country like other countries in Asia. We sadly have been Russian territory for 400 years and before that 100 years under China. Buryatia has been too dependent on Russia and China for too long. It got to point where the main language of Buryat Mongol is dying and Russian becomes the common language. I myself know Alot more Russian then Mongolian.

Another point is Buryatia lacks modernization of the developed countries. Also Political and police corruption is common. The problems Russia has is also present in Buryatia but the extent is worse. Also the number of Russians outnumbered Buryat Mongols in Buryatia. Technically I think my country is gone for more than 500 years and people there don't seem to do much about it.

I do have pride in Buryatia and thier culture and I have some patriotism. Sadly, dependence on Russia is too much.

About Kazakhstan (Казахстан), I knew that country pretty well. Similar culture to Buryatia and has same problems except there independent. Government there pretty bad.