Can anybody name one good thing to come from patriotism?

Question

I'll reconsider the pride I take in not being a patriot, as soon as anyone can name just one good thing to come from "patriotism." I can rattle off atrocities it's caused all day; all I ask is one good thing.

Answer 1

u mean , like a flag huger----do not really know---maybe they like to be wierd

Answer 2

OK, let's give it a try.

Patriotism is the affiliation you feel with your own country, for whatever reasons. It motivates people to sacrifice in some way (monetarily, time, etc.) for the betterment of the group (country) with which they are affiliated.

That means that whatever a country offers to its citizens has, as its origin, the "giving" or sacrifice or contributions of those same citizens to the common good (motivated by patriotism in some form or another). Or, putting it in another way, to others in the same boat who, hopefully, feel the same way since, if they did not, at least in the majority, the country would collapse.

So, patriotism is the glue that holds any country together. Of course, patriotism can be "misplaced", as in the case of an autocracy, or other factors which are entirely in the eye of the beholder.

The point I am leading to is that many of the benefits which you enjoy in the USA (I am assuming you are an American) stems basically from the patriotism of the citizens who are a voluntary part of a team working for the common good.

Now, you may not think much of many things the USA and/or other countries are doing. But, taking your own personal situation into account, and ignoring what you think on basic political issues, you can thank patriotism for at least two things.

1. You have a computer and some education which means that you are reasonably well off compared to the rest of the world. So, your standard of living, which is notoriously high compared to most of the human race, is due in large part to patriotism since it would not exist without the cooperation that stems from it. Try life in most of the African countries and I think you might agree.

2. You can also thank patriotism for the fact that you can write what you wrote without the fear of going to jail or a concentration camp, or lose your job, etc. etc.

Patriotism is a mixed bag, but the idea that you get nothing from it (especially in the USA) is erroneous. It's just that everything you get from it is not good in all countries at all times.

Answer 3

The United States of America under the Constitution.

Answer 4

The United States of America and its continuing existence.

Answer 5

Too much is dangerous, but if you mean because patriotism causes people ignore their governments atrocities-I disagree.

Answer 6

Freedom.

Answer 7

Pride and love of ones country leads to pride and love for ones neighbours.

People who are "proud and happy" of their country and society are far more likely to contribute to the greater social wellbeing of their neighbours and society in general.

Like most liberals, you are confusing patriotism (love and pride in ones country) with nationalism (hatred of other countries).

Nationalism is bad. It leads to war and bigotry. You need to learn the difference.

Answer 8

There is a enormous difference between blind patriotism and true patriotism.

Answer 9

We don't speak a mix of low German and Japanese with a Cockney accent??? And those atrocities are (so far) not happening HERE ??? (where the F**K are you?)

Answer 10

Military uniforms look really snappy and help guys get some

Answer 11

Increased flag sales. Good for retailers, manufacturers and states where sales tax is collected.