Pride in one's nationality?

Question

What is the point in being proud of your nationality? If everyone is proud of theirs surely it is just a pointless exercise.

Answer 1

Of course it's not pointless to be proud of one's nationality.

It's a natural human thing to do to identify with groups of one kind or another. It's probably buried in our genes somewhere and because group identification helps us to rally together for common tasks probably is related to survival of the species in some way.

For a long time national identity was pretty closely linked to racial and cultural identity because people within a nationality tended to be of the same ethnic heritage, too. That has changed, of course, over the last few hundred years, but the basics are still there. Populations within nations tend to have a certain pool of shared culture, history, events, values, mores, and so on. Those shared characteristics help us to feel like we belong, and we will tend to work together toward common goals, common prosperity, and share in the common defense of the group. There are some negatives to this, too, of course, especially if the group/nation goes off onto a route which can prove destructive or can hurt the group's success in some way.

I'm not sure what your nationality is, but as an American I can say that I am very proud to be American. I am proud to have American ideals and values. I would not want to be part of a melting pot with, for example, Europe or South America because they, as a culture, have many values and principles with which I disagree. I'm sure that it's the same for them. Our shared American identity has also helped us in other ways. Because we have come together as a nation we have a great capability to both defend ourselves, and in both military and economic affairs to act in the rest of the world for the common good and prosperity of the American people. Nations that have lost much of their common identity and willingness to work together lose some of that ability and clout.

So, well used, nationalism can be a good thing.

Answer 2

Nothing is wrong with pride in ones self. It is the same as pride in ones nationality. It helps us, be the best person we can be, so to set a good example for our nationality. Unfortunately there are those that have neither and are a drain on our society as a whole.

Answer 3

I am proud of being Russian, Welsh, and Scandinavian because their histories and religions interest me deeply, prior to Christianity and the wars they were involved in of course. The reason people should be proud is if those individuals didn't procreate you wouldn't be here in the first place. It doesn't mean you should push it in everyone else's face but there's absolutely no reason NOT to be proud of what you are, completely.

Answer 4

you may have a point. though of course its one thing for people to be proud of their roots and nationality, but yes to rub it in people's faces and knocking or slagging off other nationalities and saying yours is the best is another and is somewhat arrogant and immature too.
people should be proud of their heritage and upbringing but not to the extent to which it offends others

Answer 5

I'm proud to be British, anyone who says I can't be proud of being British isn't worth my time!

Answer 6

Looking at it that way, everything is a pointless exercise. Why have a job to make money if you're just going to spend it? Everything is useless.

Answer 7

True, a mere accident of birth is nothing to feel pride about, compared to something achieved through one's own efforts.

Answer 8

As a proud representative of the Russian united states and ethnicity, I hereby solemnly grant all of us of one hundred% eu historical past the permission to expose delight interior the Russian element of their ancestry. Come forth and unfold the Russian glory. permit men and females human beings and toddlers and beasts alike heed your word.

Answer 9

i think having pride in your self is the first step as nationality is one thing that make you who you are.

Answer 10

I'm very proud to be Puerto Rican and German, I look and feel exotic!