3 ms·

In my opinion, it may not necessarily be a national pride thing, as much as it's just an impulse. Because in sports, this happens often, I think it's more about

In my opinion, it may not necessarily be a national pride thing, as much as it's just an impulse. Because in sports, this happens often, I think it's more about showing how happy they are than crediting the United States for the accomplishments they made. As an American (and specifically, a 16-year-old Software Engineer), growing up in the United States, this is normal, and is sometimes patriotic, sometimes an automatic response to excitement. I understand why some people might find it odd. I don't really believe that the act of chanting "USA" is meant to alienate people. I guess you could equate it to the cultural oddities, sort of like when you travel to a different country. Some people bow, shake hands, etc for greetings, just the same way that Americans show excitement by chanting "USA", while other countries may not.

Udik 10y ago
Have you ever thought about how this pride for your nation, pervasive at the point of feeling natural, might cloud your judgment when dealing with other nations that might have competing, but perfectly legitimate, interest? In other words, are American citizens able to put themselves in the place of others, and judge fairly and dispassionately about international events? Because this is what I have strong doubts about.
- tynpeddler 10y ago
  Have you considered if your instinctive discomfort with group identities might make it difficult to understand the genuine differences in mindsets and worldviews that arise between different groups of people? I ask because it seems that people who reflexively dismiss the importance of groups can make as many errors in judgement as those who reflexively adhere to group identities.
- TulliusCicero 10y ago
  I think you're overthinking this cultural convention. It's like talking to a Japanese person and saying, "How you ever thought about how bowing instead of shaking hands de-normalizes physical human contact?"

Udik 10y ago

Have you ever thought about how this pride for your nation, pervasive at the point of feeling natural, might cloud your judgment when dealing with other nations that might have competing, but perfectly legitimate, interest? In other words, are American citizens able to put themselves in the place of others, and judge fairly and dispassionately about international events? Because this is what I have strong doubts about.

tynpeddler 10y ago
Have you considered if your instinctive discomfort with group identities might make it difficult to understand the genuine differences in mindsets and worldviews that arise between different groups of people? I ask because it seems that people who reflexively dismiss the importance of groups can make as many errors in judgement as those who reflexively adhere to group identities.
TulliusCicero 10y ago
I think you're overthinking this cultural convention. It's like talking to a Japanese person and saying, "How you ever thought about how bowing instead of shaking hands de-normalizes physical human contact?"