Are you patriotic?

[RiskingAbsurdity]

If you are patriotic, why do you feel this way?  If not, why?

Some say patriotism is just being proud of a coincidence.  What are you proud of?

[Kendra]

Canadian boy scouts let everyone in too, but it's just called scouts. no girls ever join though, they're all in girl guides (boys can't join that XD)

[boko]

You're conflating patriotism with nationalism, although I wouldn't blame you, since that's common among certain political movements in the country.

As far as corporatist state capitalism--All the 527's (or whatever they're called after Citizens United) seem to be named something like "Citizens for Progress in America". That relies on conflation.

[Sarah Alexis]

No, not really. I'm in love with the idea of America, but then I look around and see the reality. It's not just the US though, I don't think there's a country in the world that would make a patriot out of me. It's not that they're all terrible places, I just don't see what makes any of them worth glorifying. Different territories, different governments, different strengths and weaknesses, nothing worth idolizing. I'm not even sure that countries and governments are the best way for people to live. Most of the time it just seems like a small group of people trying to look out for a group too large for them to care about or relate to on a personal level. There's a t-shirt I found online that pretty much sums this up: "America is ok, I guess, sometimes".

[sabelmouse]

i am german. i abhor patrioism.

[Trick]

I'm not patriotic. I like some things about Britain, but I don't think it's better than anywhere else, and in some cases it's far worse. And like strawberry moors said, there's the fear that extreme nationalist groups like the BNP could gain a real influence. There's a fine line between patriotism and nationalism (and jingoism, for that matter) and I'd rather be on the apathetic side than have anything to do with their pathetic ignorance.

[Michelle O.]

Yes. I am American and I consider myself to be patriotic, and by that I don’t mean that I run around waving the American flag and blindly supporting every single government decision.

In fact I consider myself patriotic because I don’t do those things. I am skeptical about my government and do my best to keep myself informed about current political issues. Then, when I disagree with something, I make myself heard.

I call my senators, participate in rallies and protests, and challenge others to do them same. Thomas Jefferson once said “I little rebellion now and then is a good thing…it is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government,” and I completely agree.

To dissent is patriotic. When it is founded on facts and personal morals, it shows that you care so much about you country that you want to challenge it to be a better place.

[spiderboenz]

I'm with Michelle on this. Unfortunately, most people hear patriotism and think of blind patriotism. Do I love my country? Yes. Do I love the government that is running my country...Not so much. To question and dissent, that is the true job of the patriot.

[spiderboenz]

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson

[Contradiction]

I don't know. I love living here, but I'm not sure that I really "love" America.

Hm. I love America in the same way that I love humans. They're fascinating, crazy, weird, lovable, and dangerous. So it's a hesitant and amused love. But sure. I'll call myself patriotic.

[Fake Crowley]

Patriotism leads to persecution.

[Suzanna]

I'm not patriotic, but I'm still proud of my country - or rather, some of the things that have been created in my country, and the strange little tea-based culture we have.

I'm proud of the BBC, the NHS, the victoria sponge sandwich and the freedom to be whoever you want.
Hooray for Britain.

However you're not going to see me waving flags any time soon. For one thing, that tends to mark you out as a massive racist where I'm from.

[Laura]

I live in Argentina and most of the people here take pride in it, and even though I love living here, I don't because I think patriotism, and countries for that matter, cause a lot of conflicts. But I also think that even if there were no countries, there would still be divisions and conflicts about other social issues. And sorry if I get a bit carried away here, but countries should be friendlier towards each other, we are all people sharing the same world.

I think it's okay to be proud of the place where you live, but not if you think your country is the best and create a conflict out of it. I think that it's okay to be patriotic if you are trying to make your country a better place(but I don't think you need to be patriotic for that) I just want the world to be a better place to live, so I start to try to improve it from the place where I live. So I'm not really sure if that's patriotic ot not.