The only possible one that I can think of is that it allows the ruling class to convince people in their nation that it would be a good idea for them to travel around the world killing people they don't know and have no grudge against, and having a chance of being killed themselves, while the rulers get to stay safe and sound at home risk free and reaping the profits of their campaigns. I can't think of a single advantage for the average citizen in this day and age. So what's the point?
2007-10-21 02:13:55 · 13 answers · asked by EncycloAd 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
The only possible one that I can think of is that it allows the ruling class to convince people in their nation that it would be a good idea for them to travel around the world killing people they don't know and have no grudge against, and having a chance of being killed themselves, while the rulers get to stay safe and sound at home risk free and reaping the profits of their campaigns. I can't think of a single advantage for the average citizen in this day and age. So what's the point?
Additiion: Some answers seem to be mixing up good governance with patriotism. I'm all for good governance and doing what is right. I wouldn't fight for 'my country' but I would fight for what is right. So I would sign up to fight against Hitler, but I wouldn't sign up for the Iraq war. Didn't the US expect the Iraqi's to lose their patriotism and back them once Saddam was overthrown?
2007-10-21 02:33:12 · update #1
Yes you are right. Brainwashing the gullible. The First question should be, "What has my country done for me that I haven't been paying taxes for?". And the answer really is NOTHING. So when Bush and co wanted to continue their grudge against Saddam, they sent patriotic people who are not really concerned. But brainwashed with this rubbish about patriotism.
The biggest fiction in the world.
2007-10-21 04:19:18 · answer #1 · answered by Maxi Robespierre 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gee.... love your country, not.... The idea is to be involved enough to elect those that will run the country in the best way possible. That's what a Republic is. It falls down when people elect those that promise to take money away form others and give it to them. Selfish self interest and greed are the downfall of a free nation...
Funny thing is that those same people are *always* complaining about the "ruling class" and what is being done to them by the ruling elite that they elected.
2007-10-21 09:22:37 · answer #2 · answered by lordkelvin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
what the hell are you talking about??? why does patriotism and nationalism always have to be represented in the negative? how about a pride in a country that looks after its own! and is loyal to its people. comes to the aid of other country's who are in trouble. has good social standards for its people and a decent legal system and strong police force. a country with morals. a country that has a happy and contented people. a country who can hold itself as an example to outhers so that they have some thing decent and possible to fight for. patriotism can do that if a people believe in them selves. and nationalism is sometimes essential if you want to protect what you have managed to build. a prime example being the NHS and the social security system. social housing all!! in place for the good and the happiness and contentment of the people. but because of the LACK!! of patriotism and nationalism DESTROYED AND ABUSED BY OUTSIDERS!! patriotism has produced all of the great inventions of our time. all the great art! music, advances in medical science. if used for the good it is a force to be reckoned with. a taste of it would soon put this country back on its feet and send the garbage we have allowed our selves to become infested with packing.
2007-10-21 10:19:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love this country, but I hate our government.
Other than actually bringing communities together, which is like pulling teeth these days, there aren't many benefits of patriotism. I am only patriotic as far as the accomplishments in our nation's past, I have no pride whatsoever in where our country is headed, which is into a hole much deeper than the one that we are already in.
2007-10-21 09:38:49 · answer #4 · answered by tru_blu_scorpio 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To me, patriotism is closely akin to faith. I get cold chills when I hear our national anthem. When I'm in a foreign country, the sight of the American flag gives me a little rush, kinda like seeing a loved one, or dear friend you haven't seen in a while.
I served four tours in Vietnam, knew it was destined to be America's first failure, and still came home a patriot.
Many times I have hated the Government, but never our nation.
The flip side of the coin is, as some sage said some time ago,"Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels".
2007-10-21 09:29:41 · answer #5 · answered by thehermanator2003 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Patriotism is not just on a battlefield. It also includes the discussions we have at home. Libs and Cons both provide the patriotism needed to weigh the difference between "should we" or "shouldn't we". My personal opinion aside from that discussion, we need both to make those ultimate decisions. That is a part of patriotism.
2007-10-21 09:20:57 · answer #6 · answered by rance42 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Patriotism is a good way to silence the deserters.
The Nazi's perfected their way to silence their country men / women who were against the war, and laid claim it was their lack of patriotism to support the war.
Read link below...
2007-10-21 09:24:41 · answer #7 · answered by suanniiq 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, what we see in America today is the opposite of patriotism. Calling someone a traitor because they disagree with you is fascism, not Patriotism. Patriotism is loving your country because it has provided you a good life.
2007-10-21 09:30:10 · answer #8 · answered by You 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
One does not become a patriot to gain benefits, but if you are proud of who you are and what you are and the country of your birth, then you are automatically a patriot and that has its own rewards.
2007-10-21 12:49:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gives a sense of belonging, encourages people to rally together. Gives pride and something to fight for, something to beleive in.
2007-10-21 15:45:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋