Why are people so proud?

Question

Of skin color, race, ethnicity, or sexuality? Honestly, I don't understand it. To me it's like being proud of having two arms. I'm asking a serious question, so I hope for some serious answers that can shed light on this for me.

:)

Answer 1

I completely agree with you. People can think or feel whatever they want. That's entirely their business. However, I have to respectfully disagree with the person above. In my opinion, it's absolutely unnecessary to exhibit pride in "race", ethnicity, or whatever other group to/with which you belong/identify. I understand the logic- The logic being that it creates the unity which is needed in order to collectively fight unfairness, mistreatment, and injustice. But group pride isn't needed to create unity. And, to me, it's just down right silly. I truly don't mean any disrespect by saying that. I'm merely giving my honest opinion.

In my humble opinion, group pride is as absurd as group shame. What other people say and do isn't a reflection on you, me, or anyone else. I'll illustrate: Let's say that a few Mexicans rob a jewelry store. Did they rob the jewelry store because they're Mexican? NO! Are their actions an indication of what other Mexicans might do? NO! So, is there any reason for any other Mexicans to feel guilt or shame over what the robbers have done? ABSOLUTELY NOT! And is there any reason for this incident to cause Mexicans to feel ashamed of being Mexicans or to feel ashamed of Mexicans as a whole? HELL NO!

Now flip the script: Let's say that a Mexican scientist discovers a cure for cancer. Wonderful, eh? DEFINITELY! But did the scientist make this discovery because he/she is Mexican? NO! Is his/her actions an indication of what other Mexicans might do? Again, NO! So, is there any reason for any other Mexicans to feel pride as a result of the scientist's accomplishment? With the exception of family, friends, and/or colleagues, NO! And is there any reason for this discovery to cause Mexicans to feel proud of being Mexicans or to feel proud of Mexicans as a whole? WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD THEY?

(There's no particular reason why I used Mexicans in the above examples. They are just that- examples- and not intended to disrespect or offend.)

Individuals' actions, whether "good" or "bad", belong only to the individuals responsible for the actions.

Answer 2

Well if only some people have two arms and the one armed people made the two armed people ashamed of having two arms then it is 100% necessary to show the one armed people just how proud you are.

Answer 3

Pride is one of the seven deadly sins and now I can finaly see why. When you have pride in yourself you are looking down on others, eg. If you're proud of your blonde hair that means you think blonde hair is better than other hair colors.
At least when you achieve something you have a reason to be proud, although I still think it is looking down on others.
Having pride in others is unselfish and a good thing in my opinion.

Answer 4

Because people make it a point to treat others like crap for being one of those classes you mention. Usually, a class will believe it for a time and will cower. When they finally rise up against the people who shame them, they usually do so with a loud "voice" so that people will know they are no longer ashamed.