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> It's okay to be proud of your country. Even when it's not perfect. I think the problem is Americans are taught to be proud of America just because it's Ameri
by MegaButts 7y ago
> It's okay to be proud of your country. Even when it's not perfect.
I think the problem is Americans are taught to be proud of America just because it's America (or more specifically because it's the land of the free...although few people can define what "free" is other than being in America). It's jingoism and, based on my own observations, removes critical thought from the process of supporting your country. Just because other countries do it doesn't mean it's right (or wrong).
I'm pretty cynical, but it seems pretty easy to draw the connection between playing patriotic songs at sporting events (and grade school, before students are even able to comprehend the words they are saying) and how it instills a sense of zealotry in fans.
- microcolonel 7y ago> or more specifically because it's the land of the free...although few people can define what "free" is other than being in America Like the freedom in the fact that the U.S. government, unlike all other governments I'm aware of, is prevented by superiour law from considering a law that would prosecute you for this criticism you are writing. Lots of other places have "free expression... until it's inconvenient" or "free expression, while the establishment appreciates it", the U.S. has free expression especially when the establishment dislikes it. > I'm pretty cynical, but it seems pretty easy to draw the connection between playing patriotic songs at sporting events (and grade school, before students are even able to comprehend the words they are saying) and how it instills a sense of zealotry in fans. The fans of sporting events are zealous everywhere, regardless of national anthems. Participation in the anthem seems low here in southern Ontario, and yet the fans will gladly riot, burn vehicles, etc.