Is Patriotism Good or Bad?

queen_ra45 · 07-01-2009, 02:02 AM

It can start out well and create comraderie within a group, but it can also lead to seperatism and thoughts of supremacy. What is your take on patriotism?

Omni · 07-01-2009, 11:41 AM

I think being a patriot can be a wonderful thing. As we here in America look forward to celebrating our independence this weekend you can feel the patriotism and pride in one's country in the air.

The problem with patriotism comes when people try to use it to recruit people to further their own agendas. Kinda like they do with religion. The Republican party in America is a great example of that. They are the shoot first and ask questions later party. Anything we do as Americans is correct no matter what and if you're not for us you're against us.

This attitude was the primary cause (IMO) of the large spike in anti-US sentiment around the world over the past 8 years. There's patriotism and then there's arrogance. Some people need to learn the difference.

Scot · 07-01-2009, 04:51 PM

I'm a patriot of Scotland and Ireland. At the same time I can be abused by UK patriots because of that, then they turn around and are patriotic about UK and don't want to be part of Europe.

Generally it's a good thing but other times it just isn't especially when it leads to racism and bigotry.

May the Force be with you,
Scot

queen_ra45 · 07-04-2009, 03:58 PM

Government can also pump people with a sense of patriotism that can lead to something similar to mass hysteria like Hitler did.

Lonestar · 07-06-2009, 04:00 AM

Just like everything else, there is a time and a place for patriotism. But, generally, it is just a way for the government to get the subjects to do what they want.

mdjww · 07-08-2009, 11:23 PM

<<Next time try posting something to add to the discussion.>>

Bully · 08-04-2009, 03:22 AM

Patriotism is actually doing good for the nation but many a times people become so aggressive that they forget the actual meaning and start troubling foreigners.

Its good that you love your country and take pride in it but I don't think you should hate or feel inferior about foreigners.

Like in most things, in Patriotism I think middle path is the best.

Ninja · 08-11-2009, 09:03 AM

Everything in right proportion is excellent but when it goes over you head it becomes dangerous.... For example Hitler was also a patriot but his patriotism was more of insanity and hence we were pushed into WWII... I know we also were amongst the reasons behind WWII but major reason was Hitler.

Foxtrot · 08-13-2009, 11:02 AM

Being a patriot is a great thing! There's no problem at all.

I think that you're confusing being a patriot and being a nationalist. Nationalism contribute heavily to WWI. Many people were so fanatical to their countries that they wanted to show off on the battle field. That's why many call that a war fought for no reason.

Tao · 08-25-2009, 06:15 PM

Well, being patriotic is good. We need more of that! However, when you go over the top and become obnoxious about it... then that's when I think you need to just stop.