Being born and raised in England, and moving to American not even a year after 911, I have always been fascinated by the idea of American patriotism. While I don’t think that there is anything wrong with loving your country, it has always been a foreign concept (no pun intended) to me, how strongly American’s believe that they are the greatest country in the world. For instance in England we never had a flag salute, and the average citizen does not to the words to the national anthem, as it primary use is at football (soccer) games. The thing is, all that being said, I never felt unpatriotic about my home country, and while I think we make fun of ourselves a lot, I have always felt the majority of English people love their country. I am sure the same is true for most other countries. I just speak of England because I have actually experienced the culture. While I don’t have a problem with American patriotism, it seems a little bit strange for an outsider. Also I think it sometimes alienates the rest of the world, by creating an attitude of superiority and entitlement to interfere in other places around the world.
A English-Born American Citizen's View on Patriotism
By ElenionAncalima - Posted on February 18th, 2008
Tagged: Governmental Responsibility; foreign affairs; politics
• nationalism
• patriotism
• Broad prosperity
It can be a little strange and very strangling but you get used to it here. I do agree with you about us coming off as pompous asses though.
I've been here almost six years, and I really do like living in America. It's just little things like saying pledging alliegiance to the flag that I am always going to feel awkward doing. And I don't think Americans are pompous asses...well some are...but that happens regardless of continent.
lol. I love America, not the government but the country. It is akward saying the pledge constantly, but that you get used to as well.
We come off as pompous asses to the world however because we have the misconception that we are the best most moral country in the world. And everyone knows that when a country takes the moral high ground, it is never long til it falls. But besides that most American's are generally great people. It is just our national arrogance that makes us look like asses.
I'm American born and raised, and I don't think I understand patriotism. People around here are sticklers for it -- say one bad thing about the country and they're like *SHUN.* It's very annoying. They need to lighten up. << Not speaking about everyone, of course, just some people in the area I live in.
i don't really see patriotism as thinking America is better. I definitely see a lot of things about other countries that fascinate me and wish we could do more of here. although i did not know that few countries have anthems. i guess we're dorks like that lol.
lol, what do you wish we could do more of?