I have a big problem with things like patiotism, nationalism, and orgainized religion, all of which have similar goals, to influence and control the thoughts and actions of large numbers of people. People should think for themselves. I can't believe people still submit to these concepts they seem so hopelessly out dated to me. Do you agree?
2006-10-02 06:49:19 · 9 answers · asked by josephmarzen 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I am talking about patiotism in general terms. Mexican and Japanese people can have patriotic feeling for their respective countries. I think it's silly and biased. A propaganda tool.
2006-10-02 07:05:52 · update #1
Don't confuse patriotism with jingoism as our current administration does. It's fine to believe that your country and your way of life is the best one, but another thing entrely to decide that your country and way of life are the best for everyone else in the world and then try to forcibly convince them of it.
And it's been said already--patriotism is support for the ideals on which your county is based, not for the policies of the leadership du jour.
To your wider point, you give humans in general too much credit. We are largely sheep who are desperate for someone else to tell us what to think and do. Count yourself lucky if you are an exception to this idea.
2006-10-02 07:47:51 · answer #1 · answered by Mark M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The main problem with Nationalism or Patriotism it merely becomes a case of "Follow the leader" and God help anyone who gets out of line. It becomes the chief building block for faciism to take root and grow. It's a good thing to be proud of your country and Constitution, but listen to ideas that may be contray to your own. Life and Nationhood are growing experiances and must be encouraged and not stifled.
2006-10-02 16:30:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
And how are people to think for themselves if there isn't a system in place to protect them from tyrants? Patriotism doesn't mean blindly taking everything that comes from above. It's about having enough in common with your fellow countrymen to want to preserve that structure that has allowed them to live the way they want to live. As for religion, I agree with you, but that's a different concept. Conformity to a religion serves the purposes of the religion. Patriotism serves the purposes of the patriot.
2006-10-02 13:54:44 · answer #3 · answered by Chris J 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Blind, unquestioning patriotism does produce erroneous thinking. Dedication to uphold the ideals upon which this country was founded, and to demand that its leadership is held to high standards, is a positive thing.
2006-10-02 13:59:55 · answer #4 · answered by answer faerie, V.T., A. M. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Disagree. Simply the fact that you have the ability to think for yourself is the product of the country you live in.
Large numbers move things forward, individuals get left behind.
2006-10-02 13:52:55 · answer #5 · answered by Kelly T 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i think the wrong ideas are assigned to patriotism in the media .. true patriotic americans would overthrow the present administration and absolutely refuse to accept laws and acts that are unconstitutional ... your president tells you that failure to follow his every wish and command is unpatriotic ...
2006-10-02 13:57:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Patriotism is a form of pride, which is not a virtue. Humility is a virtue.
2006-10-02 13:51:38 · answer #7 · answered by Fire_God_69 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take heart,it has already been settled.PATRIOTISM IS THE LAST REFUGE OF A SCOUNDREL.
2006-10-02 13:57:56 · answer #8 · answered by miraclehand2020 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your problem is not patriotisum or virtue.
Your problem is something else.
2006-10-02 13:57:53 · answer #9 · answered by SKG R 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋