Why does being patriotic and supportive of my country make people angry?

Question

I'm a dead in the middle moderate who loves my country. I'm not a blind patriot, but I have served and believe the US is the greatest country in the world (a bit of traveling abroad would do some of you some good). I don't cram my views down people's throats, but if they ask, I give my opinion. Why do I feel not wanted in my own country?

Some insults and support as expected, thank you each and all for answering. Key word, I'm MODERATE and generally logical unless you mess with my country or my family. This has somehow linked me to being a Bush loving repub and I'm not. Bush, overall is a disaster. And for being preachy, well, sorry. My age and experience give me a bit of latitude there.

Answer 1

I used to be a missionary in India, and I can tell you I understand where you are coming from. Just remember that people are the sum of their experience. All you can do is stay firm to your own beliefs and ideals, while respecting OTHER'S views as well. If you do that, you'll find that most people worth having a relationship with will respect you back.

Answer 2

I agree completely - I, too, have served abroad - and the experience (not so pleasant at the time) has proved to widen my appreciation of this country immensely.

I find that what you experience is mostly the result of ignorance and inexperience.

It's been generally my experience that it is not just a simple disagreement on the facts, but rather a lack of them.

People can come to different conclusions when given all the same facts - this is what debating is all about - but it's frustrating when they form their opinions only from op-blogs, dubious web sites or a single biased "news" source.

I try to get all sides - even from the above sources at times - and when I don't know something (quite often) I will take the time to research it if I think it is an important issue.

I learned a long time ago not to try and change other peoples opinions when they are obviously adamant in their conviction - what ever their sources.

Answer 3

There are a lot of radicals in this country nowadays. They don't like America or it's people, especially patriotic ones, millions are members of the socialist/communist party. If you go into cities where there are a lot of radicals, even if you're the same nationality, and you express your love for this country, don't be carrying the American flag with a pole, they might use it on you.

You'll never feel wanted in the place radicals call Aztlan, which is the whole southwestern part of the USA. They have their own parallel government set up and some day they plan to demand their independence from Washington.

Answer 4

I'm sorry to hear this. But, depending on the mind set of the company that you keep, I suppose you could receive some of that "it's America's fault that *insert complaint here*"

I guess there is a problem with understanding that there is a world out there that doesn't play by the same rules as the US plays by, and the belief that "if we are really that much better, why don't we cast our values aside and let the less fortunate dictate the rules."

It's just an opinion of course, but it seems to me that there are people who really want to blame America first, instead of realizing that we live in our country for a reason, because we don't want to live like those in other countries. If we did want to, we'd move there!

Why do people get angry? Maybe because you have made a choice to live in the United States and others simply don't realize that there is a choice involved... and perhaps resent that you do know.

Answer 5

As someone else on here said I think you are in the silent majority. I think those of us who do feel this way should not be so silent. I too have traveled outside our country and it is a FACT that there is no better place to live.Many of those people who put you down and get angry don't understand what this country is and stands for. Be patriotic and support our country don't let them get to you. YOU are in the RIGHT!!!! God Bless the USA!

Answer 6

It depends on who you say it to. If you say it to people from other countries, it's just obnoxious. By saying "my country is the greatest country in the world", you are saying to non-Americans, "my country is better than yours." Might as well add "nyah, nyah." after it. And it is particularly grating coming from Americans because we have a long history of marching into countries whenever we want, expecting things to be "like in the States", etc. Our fellow Americans have not always been good ambassadors.

When saying it to other Americans, it is not offensive ... just unnecessary. There's no purpose in saying "I love America" to fellow Americans, unless you are implying that they don't.

I love my country. I really do. I would live nowhere else, and for that reason I know that I feel it's the greatest country in the world. But for some reason I feel very little need to tell anybody that. It should be assumed, go without saying. It should be evident in what I *do*, not what I say.

But as you've travelled around the world you know that *everybody* feels that way about their own country. And if you talk (and really listen) to other Americans, you will be hard pressed to find an American who does not feel the same way. (It is a cold-hearted lie to suggest that Americans who disagree with you "hate America.") I strongly disagree with conservatives ... but I would never suggest that they "hate America" or they love America less than I do.

So it becomes obnoxious to keep telling people from other countries that you think America is the greatest country in the world ... they feel the same about their country. And it become unnecessary to tout the greatness of America to other Americans ... it just sounds hollow and self-serving.

You have served your country. That is a more powerful statement than *any* words you could utter. Your love of your country is unquestioned.

Let me try an analogy. I love my family. Privately, I think I have the greatest family in the world. But my family knows that. And other people feel the same about their family ...so I feel no need to try and convince them why my family is the greatest (and theirs isn't).

If you need to *say* it, then it sounds like you're not completely convinced that it's true. It just sounds insincere ... or that you're saying that the listener *doesn't* love their country.

Answer 7

I see your point i am the same way i feel as though i am continuously ridiculed for my political views on both parties and where i stand on the issues the only person who i can talk to about my views is my mother we see all the issues eye to eye!
But in general all my family are Democrats why i will never know!
I am so Conservative it hurts and i get so mad at my Conservative Friends and loved one who vote democrat for they know not what they do!As for the country it's going to go down the Sh** hole because the Dem's have there fingers on the handle so be an island unto your self (live, love, laugh, and be as happy as you can)!

Answer 8

I am thankful for the sacrifices you have made and would be proud to hear your opinions even if I didn't agree. As long as your opinions are not abusive in delivery we would be fine. I love America too, I am just tired of being attacked by my fellow citizens.

Answer 9

You've traveled and you still think the U.S. is the greatest country in the world? Where have you traveled, exactly? You know, going to Afghanistan and Iraq with the military does not make you a world traveler. There are plenty of places out there that, in a lot of people's minds, would be better areas to live than the U.S.

If you don't feel wanted in your own country then it is probably coming from your end. Whose approval are you looking for? How exactly do you feel "unwanted"? No one can make you feel any more unwanted than you let them.

I am guessing that you assume that people disagree with you and judge your views whether or not they do. Cut the crap and just accept that people have different opinions, like for example their opinions on the best country to live in.

Also, one more suggestion...if you come off as preachy, perhaps that's one reason people don't like you. "A bit of traveling abroad would do some of you some good"...if someone said that to my face, I would probably not want them around, either.

Answer 10

Our country has been deliberately polarized to the point that everyone is uneasy about where they stand in the eyes of others. I think that was also deliberate. We all need tot examine this and rid ourselves of this intellectual cancer. What is great about this country is the diversity that keeps it always alive and stimulated out of the complacency and one track thinking that exists in many other nations. Lately there has been an effort to demonize opposing views to the detriment of us all. This keeps us all off balance and afraid to speak our minds and we need to stop it before we lose what this country has been all about.