Why are people so blinded by Patriotism?

Question

Don't you think it makes us close minded? If you're proud to be part of a group... imagine the pride of being part of the larger human community. Aren't borders just barriers that make us feel apathetic for those who live outside them? What's your view??

Good responses. Essentially I mean.. what makes you patriotic? It is the people.. the government.. past events... or simple geographic location? I often think what makes patriotic is that they are told to be proud.. although as one intelligent member pointed out... how can you be proud of something you had nothing to do with in forming? Be grateful of where you live yes, but blinding yourself to the outside world no.

Answer 1

Become a citizen first.

Answer 2

Borders generally draw lines between two different groups of people with different views and ideals. I know the idea of us all being part of the same "Human Race" and free love and a truly utopian society SOUNDS good, but it's utterly and wholey impossible. Sadly this world has walls, and there are people on the other side of those walls who want to destroy what they don't have.

I'm patriotic because I believe that while our country may not be perfect, we have the best approach to this world and the problems present in it. We are for freedom and liberty. We are for government that is accountable to the people. We are for elections and free speech. I am for my country, right or wrong.

Think of it like a marriage. You may have your spats and feuds from time to time, but you would let nothing in this world harm or disrespect your wife. You'd always protect her from any and all threats, you'd always honor her by making good choices that benefit both of you. You'd sacrifice yourself to keep her safe and sound.

Patriotism is having that kind of love for your country and fellow Americans.

Answer 3

the Bush administration came out after 9/11 and divided the country, " your either with us or your with the terrorists". They used this statement to give them carte blanc to do whatever they wanted to do and for the first part it worked. Anyone that opposed what they were doing were labled unamerican or unpatriotic ( look at the Dixie Chicks). It wasn't Patriotism, it was a forced loyalty to a corrupt government that had plans long before 9/11. Everyone toed the line to avoid being perceived as being unpatriotic. Now we are seeing how you were deceived, although the truely smart knew that the wool was being pulled over the vast populations eyes from the beginning.( After Saddam disclosed his weapons lists around December 4 2002, which the Bush government dismissed, and was later proven that Saddam had complied.)Republican's and especially the neo-cons could not admit they had lied their way into a war and still wont, willing to divide a country to protect a flawed and corrupt executive branch.

Answer 4

Lots of bad things have been said about patriotism. Even Albert Einstien quotes have negative connotations tword the subject.

The thing is the it is an idea. Like every other idea and belief a few nuts can take it to far and ruin it.

Look at Christianity in the dark ages, Islam now.

Answer 5

Watch out. You're liable to be called anti-american.

If you ask me, I don't know how you can be proud for something you had nothing to do with. I was born an American. I didn't have to work for it. I am GREATFUL I was born in this country that has all these opportunities to advance.

I think nationalism is both good and bad. On the one hand, it unites people (from that nation) together on some common values. On the other hand, (especially with extreme ultra-nationalism) it leads to blind stupid conflicts with other nations.

EDIT: I didn't say I had no work in forming this country. I said I did not have to work to be BORN in this country. There is a difference.

Answer 6

I'm a patriot. I would never sell out my country for any ideology. That's a basic of business as well.

You don't hire a dozen bosses. You hire one. You have one vision, one person in charge of that vision. Others have smaller visions, but you don't tolerate someone who insists that everyone has to follow their personal vision and to heck with the greater vision! How would you get anything done?

Blinded? I see them. I just don't owe them. I'm a democrat, not a socialist. I am all for charity. Not for forced taxation for the charity purposes of others.

I love them. I want them to be successful. I have as email contacts patriots from Iran, China, England, etc.

They are patriots as well. I can appreciate that.

Why would you ever put some other country's needs ahead of your own? If you had a family member like that, that wanted to force you to give up your belongings because some other family didn't have any, would you appreciate it?

Not me. I'd go over and choose to help them become self-sufficient, successful on their own, but I wouldn't force someone else to do that.

I believe in freedom. Choice.

If that's blindness, we're using different dictionaries.

Answer 7

American patriotism used to mean all people working
together for the betterment of mankind.
When Bush took over, patriotism took on a whole new
meaning. Not for the better, but for the ridiculous.

Answer 8

I am not blinded by being a Patriot. Borders are to seperate not ingnore. Look at the US record of money we have given away. More than the World total.

Answer 9

If you respect yourself & your family and you live in freedom & prosperity and you know that it's because of a unique wisdom of the founders and the courage and independence of your forebearers; and you look at other countries and yours seems better to you, and you love it,WHAT"S WRONG WITH THAT?

Answer 10

I don't know where you live, but in my kneck of the woods, there's not a whole lot of patriotism to be blinded by...

Answer 11

It has been said before,When fascism comes to America it will come drapped in a flag and carrying a cross,you are seeing it now...