Politics And Current Events

[shoeshine boy]

I stopped reciting it in high school because I was "woke" and even then (mid 80s) didn't believe that there was "liberty and justice for all". true story.

[DigitalGypsy66]

I had to recite it at my son's awards ceremony yesterday. Ugh, why? And I'm also over the national anthem before sporting events. Enough already.

I read this article about what Europeans find funny about living/visiting the US, and a huge number of them said the flag waving/nationalism. Like they don't get why we fly flags at our homes outside of Independence Day etc. I have not traveled abroad much, but I've been to Canada a few times - and other than a big Maple Leaf flag at a factory just over the border - you don't see many flags on homes. Gubmint buildings, banks, sure. But not flying on many homes - and we usually go around Canada Day, too.

[robbiestoupe]

I fly a flag because it implies I'm a gun toting, America loving citizen and keeps any potential intruders away.

[NTP66]

I fly a flag because it implies I'm a gun toting, America loving citizen and keeps any potential intruders away.

Cat's outta the bag now, pal.

[Kane]

Guys with toupees are always hiding stuff.

[robbiestoupe]

Guys with toupees are always hiding stuff.

[Kane]

[shafnutz05]

Yeah, I don't think there is anything inherently "wrong" with patriotism. You can fly a flag out front every day while fully recognizing the numerous shortcomings of our nation. We are a deeply flawed society like most places.

[count2infinity]

Source of the postWe are a deeply flawed society like most places.

How dare you... we're perfect. The best.

[MalkinIsMyHomeboy]

Yeah, I don't think there is anything inherently "wrong" with patriotism. You can fly a flag out front every day while fully recognizing the numerous shortcomings of our nation. We are a deeply flawed society like most places.

I do think there is something dangerous about patriotism. I think it’s an easy path to those in power taking control of the population, similar to what happened after 9/11. Under the guise of patriotism and freedom we justified wars in countries that I and probably many others don’t really understand the why


And this isn’t to say that I believe in open borders or anything. I understand the importance of the separation of countries. But to me, I don’t “love” the US any more than I “love” the corporation I work for. I’m not proud to be an American, I just was born here and if it comes to the point where I feel like this country is really **** up I would have no problem moving to another country


I personally don’t see the benefit of people being patriotic

[shafnutz05]

I think what you are describing is more akin to nationalism.

I have an affection for the traditions, culture, and history of this country. I was born here, my entire family was born here, and I will always have that love for the US and what it has had to offer us. A lot of that was instilled when I was young, and has been tempered by my experience as an adult.

There's a difference between that and thinking that America is the best country on Earth. Or, in the case of Christian Nationalism, believing that the US is somehow God's chosen nation, which is, of course, absurdly unbiblical.

[MalkinIsMyHomeboy]

the CRT stuff is a great example of where patriotism hurts us more than it helps us. I think SOME of CRT teachings can be misguided but I do think many of the teachings are necessary; including but not limited to slavery/racial civil rights struggles, the near extermination of American Indians (and their modern struggles ie the poorest counties in the US are on reservations) and the interment of Asian Americans during WW2. All awful things and sticking our fingers in our ears because “America is the greatest” is actively harmful


If people want to sing the praises of the US then fine but actively ignoring the criticisms is very dangerous

[MalkinIsMyHomeboy]

I think what you are describing is more akin to nationalism.

I have an affection for the traditions, culture, and history of this country. I was born here, my entire family was born here, and I will always have that love for the US and what it has had to offer us. A lot of that was instilled when I was young, and has been tempered by my experience as an adult.

There's a difference between that and thinking that America is the best country on Earth. Or, in the case of Christian Nationalism, believing that the US is somehow God's chosen nation, which is, of course, absurdly unbiblical.

is there a difference between patriotism and nationalism?

And like I don’t disagree with you. I celebrate July 4 and do really appreciate the US’ traditions (including the tradition of civilian gun ownership) but I also can’t stand people who police others about flag code, for example. It’s a piece of cloth; I’m gonna leave it outside if it’s raining. If you complain to me I’ll tell you to eat a dick

[Gaucho]

There is a huge difference.

[MalkinIsMyHomeboy]

ok. What is it?


I guess my point is that it’s subjective and definitions change from person to person. To me, both are bad

[count2infinity]

I pledge allegiance to the mag...

[Troy Loney]

the CRT stuff is a great example of where patriotism hurts us more than it helps us. I think SOME of CRT teachings can be misguided but I do think many of the teachings are necessary; including but not limited to slavery/racial civil rights struggles, the near extermination of American Indians (and their modern struggles ie the poorest counties in the US are on reservations) and the interment of Asian Americans during WW2. All awful things and sticking our fingers in our ears because “America is the greatest” is actively harmful


If people want to sing the praises of the US then fine but actively ignoring the criticisms is very dangerous

Thats just history.

Problem you are talking about here are bad actors demonizing the term CRT and confusing it with things they don’t like being told about.

[NAN]

They're just celebrating Santos inventing the AR 15. What's wrong with that?

[nocera]

[Gaucho]

ok. What is it?


I guess my point is that it’s subjective and definitions change from person to person. To me, both are bad

You seem to make that point quite often.

Anyway: I'm not a big fan of either, but nationalism is certainly the more dangerous variant. I think this is a pretty good definition (which I stole from the net; sorry, I'm lazy): Patriotism refers to devotion to a particular place and involves social conditioning and personal opinions. Nationalism involves national identity and a superior feeling towards one's own nation.

Of course, nationalists tend to frame themselves as patriots. Then they storm the Capitol where they get shot by patriots.

[NTP66]

Source of the post Then they storm the Capitol where they get shot by patriots Antifa.

[dodint]

You seem to make that point quite often.

Falling back on "words mean whatever I want them to" is a great way to win any argument.

[Lemon Berry Lobster]

You seem to make that point quite often.

Falling back on "words mean whatever I want them to" is a great way to win any argument.

Worked for the current administration and the word recession.

[dodint]

Did it though?

[NTP66]