NationStates Jolt Archive

I've been thinking a lot about the whole idea of patriotism (love and loyalty to one's country) the other day, and now I'm trying to confirm some rather unsteady theories which I'm not going to air until I have a bit of feedback from, well, other people. So, here are some questions. I'm trying to find out what the nature of patriotism is.

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

3) Why?

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.

Do NOT turn this into an anti-America/Western/other-people's-country thread, please. The questions are about your opinions of your OWN country, not of how much you dislike others.

1) What country do you come from?
1) Great Britain.

2) Do you like/dislike your country?
2) I like it.

3) Why?
3) Because it's home.

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.
4) Er, I have a white chocolate Easter egg.

An unshakeable devotion to the the ideals and values of your country.

1) What country do you come from?Come from? Germany, I suppose, though one could also argue the case for the US, though I don't "come from" there.
2) Do you like/dislike your country?Hard to say, Germany and the US are good in different ways, though the fact that Germany hasn't started a war in the past 60 years weighs in its favor.

3) Why?International politics. Internal politics. Being able to compare two countries has a big influence on my perception of what's going wrong in the other.

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.I have dual citizenship.

Sure as h-e-doublehockeysticks isn't an unwavering and unquestioning allegiance to corporate interests. :mad:

1:The "United" States of America.

2:I like it.

3:Because it is, through it all, one of the greatest social experiments ever, in many respects. And a lot of good has come of it.

4:I don't want Corneliu to post the same as me. Nyah! ;)

I've been thinking a lot about the whole idea of patriotism (love and loyalty to one's country) the other day, and now I'm trying to confirm some rather unsteady theories which I'm not going to air until I have a bit of feedback from, well, other people. So, here are some questions. I'm trying to find out what the nature of patriotism is.

I've some ideas on the question ;) IMHO there are even two kinds of "patriotism", a sane and an insane one, which are more or less opposed, even if the slope from the one to the other is slippery.

1) What country do you come from?

France.

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

There is no simple yes/no answer to that question. France is indeed, IMHO, much better than many other places in the world, but it's far from perfect either. But what do you call "country" ? The people ? The current governement ? The current policies (sum of the laws and traditions from the past) ? The history ?

3) Why?

We have sensible social protection, even if not enough. We have a tradition of revolting against injustice and oppression, from Enlightement to the Revolution and the Human Rights declaration, to Paris' Commune, to the Resistance against the nazi, ...

But on the other hand, we did act as an imperial power in Africa, and we still do it now. And our social protection is far from enough, people are still living in misery.

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.

Well, hum, this topic is too broad ;) There would be much to say, and I've to go to eat ;)

1) Scotland.
2) I do, yes.
3) Many reasons. There is a certain pride in the acheivements and innovations of the country, of the fact that we have REAL WATER! and not the mineral or desalinated stuff coming straight out of our taps without need for over-purification, beautiful countryside (and plenty of it), but most of all, I like it because it's home, with all the pros and cons that brings.
4) Happy Easter, y'all.

Oh, I'll clarify a question.

Question 1) could be take as either the country of origin or the country you have lived the longest in, whichever suits you best.

1) United Kingdom
2) I like
3) Constitutional monarchy
4) Scotland is not a proper country, Litherai

1) What country do you come from?

Romania.

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

Mostly dislike.

3) Why?

It'll take me way too long to give you all the reasons, but I'll sum them up as: "I dislike the vey fabric of nationalism and patriotism in this country, as both attitudes are based on tribalism and thought police in here more than most places on Earth".

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.

Ethno-nationalism sucks. Perhaps a nationalism based on a polity rather than "common blood" (like in France or Belgium) is naturally less idiotic than the one we have.

Q: What country do you come from?
A: Presently, Finland. Originally, the Eastern backwaters of the North Central territory, United States of America.
Q: Do you like/dislike your country?
A: I do like my countries, not based on politics or anything. Ask me about the government, and I'll admit to not liking the State's government, while being in the dark about Finland's government, but quite supportive - if a little bewildered at times - of Ålands landskapsregering.
Q: Why?
A: With Finland, it'd be laid back atmosphere and natural environment. The United States, well, its home, and ironically Finland feels quite like my backwater.
Q: Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.
I'm Mariehamn and say 'snyrting' (http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/IcelOnline/IcelOnline.TEId-idx?type=simple&size=First+100&rgn=lemma&q1=snyrting). You should, too. I do not have dual citizenship. I do not intend on serving my country of origin at the moment, nor to I intend on permantly emigrating from it in the near future.

1) United Kingdom
2) I like
3) Constitutional monarchy
4) Scotland is not a proper country, Litherai

I know, but I see it as one. Not sure why. We have our own Parliament and stuff, but more to the point, I would have said 'great Britain' until I realised that the regions are in fact very different, and Scotland is actually pushing for independance, and my statements really only speak for Scotland. however, for technicality's sake, I'm from the United Kingdom, the Great Britain area.

I know, but I see it as one. Not sure why. We have our own Parliament and stuff, but more to the point, I would have said 'great Britain' until I realised that the regions are in fact very different, and Scotland is actually pushing for independance, and my statements really only speak for Scotland. however, for technicality's sake, I'm from the United Kingdom, the Great Britain area.

Oh tosh, Scotland will never be independent.

We can still try! Just wait til everyone here knows the words of our national anthem!
SNP is gaining a lot of popularity.

We can still try! Just wait til everyone here knows the words of our national anthem!
SNP is gaining a lot of popularity.

I suspect that that is Thatcher's doing.

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)

Born in Germany, now living in Ireland


2) Do you like/dislike your country?

I like Ireland better than Germany.


3) Why?

People tend to be a lot more relaxed here, and generally happier.


4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.

Extra details? Er... I just had breakfast?

We can still try! Just wait til everyone here knows the words of our national anthem!
SNP is gaining a lot of popularity.

Even if the SNP gets full Scottish representation, they can't break the union. All of Scotland's constituencies wouldn't make a House of Commons majority, would they?

I've been thinking a lot about the whole idea of patriotism (love and loyalty to one's country) the other day, and now I'm trying to confirm some rather unsteady theories which I'm not going to air until I have a bit of feedback from, well, other people. So, here are some questions. I'm trying to find out what the nature of patriotism is.

1) What country do you come from?

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

3) Why?

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.

Do NOT turn this into an anti-America/Western/other-people's-country thread, please. The questions are about your opinions of your OWN country, not of how much you dislike others.

are you asking about patriotism (love of and loyalty to the state) or nationalism (love of and loyalty to the nation)? the state is the organising institution that has the monopoly on the legitimate use of violence within a given territory. the nation is a community of people with a shared idea of a common culture, history, language and value system which lays claim to a specific territory. a nation-state then is a political/geographical entity that has the supposed congruence of the state and nation as it's justification for legitimacy. a 'country' is a nebulous concept roughly congruent with the concept of the nation-state but which will be closer to either nation or state depending on who you ask. how are you defining it?

*snip*

Why don't you just look at previous examples and answer?

Why don't you just look at previous examples and answer?
Its NationStates General, that's why. The OP is obiously refering to 'nationalism' if we're going to get picky. However, I'd raise the question as to why American freedom fighters during the American Revolutionary War were called 'patriots'. The terms are so similiar, it really doesn't matter. But, its not like I care to argue about it or anything.

1 United States
2 Yes
3 I like the freedoms and all are "rights", We are a stronghold and are nation is so big its like we can live the world inside are country.

The U.S is great but are goverment Stinks. The Clinton years were better. That Crackpot Bush has killed are reputation as a country!!

TO WORLD,
THE U.S IS SORRY. WELL ONLY 60% IS:)

Its NationStates General, that's why. The OP is obiously refering to 'nationalism', but its not like I care to argue about it or anything.
Is he?
"Patriotism is the love for your country. Nationalism is the hatred of all others."
-Johannes Rau, former President of the Federal Republic of Germany

I know, but I see it as one. Not sure why. We have our own Parliament and stuff, but more to the point, I would have said 'great Britain' until I realised that the regions are in fact very different, and Scotland is actually pushing for independance, and my statements really only speak for Scotland. however, for technicality's sake, I'm from the United Kingdom, the Great Britain area.


not all of scotland wants independance! Most don't

"Patriotism is the love for your country. Nationalism is the hatred of all others."
-Johannes Rau, former President of the Federal Republic of Germany
That's apparently what one German thought.
Another, namely Heder, thought completely different. Nationalism does not have to mean "hatred for all others".

Oh boy. :rolleyes:

Nothing is ever simple on these forums, is it?

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)
The Netherlands
2) Do you like/dislike your country?
Neither. It's a nice place to live, but also has many faults.
3) Why?
See 2
4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.
I'm smoking a cigarette right now

Is he?
"Patriotism is the love for your country. Nationalism is the hatred of all others."
-Johannes Rau, former President of the Federal Republic of Germany

But that's not strictly true.

That's apparently what one German thought.
Another, namely Heder, thought completely different. Nationalism does not have to mean "hatred for all others".
Ah, but I had the exact same thoughts before Rau stole them. That leads me to agree with him more than Heder ;)

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

3) Why?

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.

1. Lithuania.

2. I can't say I really like it. Where are some thing in my country which I dislike.

3. I like my Fatherland because it is great. It also has rich history. The things I dislike in Lithuania is crime rates and current state of economy (consequences of 50 years occupation).

4. I like pie.

1. Lithuania.

2. I can't say I really like it. Where are some thing in my country which I dislike.

3. I like my Fatherland because it is great. It also has rich history. The things I dislike in Lithuania is crime rates and current state of economy (consequences of 50 years occupation).

4. I like pie.

Welcome to nationstates :). It says I joined at the same time as you, but that's a darned lie.

Why don't you just look at previous examples and answer?

because the previous posts don't answer my questions. this is my area of study and i think its important not to confuse the terms. but i'll answser anyway if it'll make you happy :p

1) i was born in aberdeen, have lived most of my life in jersey, now living in edinburgh - so i guess i am 'from' both scotland and jersey.

2) i like the bits i live in and some of the other bits and a lot of the people. i don't like the government or the monarchy or any other institutions of the state.

3) i like the bits i live in because of the memories and because i have friends there. i like the other bits because of the memories of visiting there. i like a lot of the people because i think a lot of the people are generally reasonable and friendly. i don't like the government or the monarchy because i am an anarchist and no institution of state is going to be in my favour and specifically because our government does not even pretend to represent us anymore and the monarchy is just ridiculous.

4) i don't like nationalism or patriotism. nationalism is harmful and based on myths and half-truths. patriotism is just stupid. explanations (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10776714&postcount=17)

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)

Australia.

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

I like the country itself - it's one of the most unique environments in the world. However, I hate the goverment and many of the ingrained attitudes in the people. I don't think any country is objectively "better" than another. It's generally governments and populations at fault.

3) Why?
See above.

1. China (Well, Hong Kong)

2. For the most part

3. Five milleniums of tradition, culture,...and because it's my country.

4. *shrugs* I should be doing Calc homework right now...?

1. I come from the United States of America.

2. I dislike the country.

3. It has an intrusive and (more importantly) unproductive government, is filled with ignorant theocrats and various breeds of savages who, on the rare occasion that they are moved from their sofas, are influenced exclusively by emotion. I do like the materialism.

4. I pretty much consider every nation on Earth to be worse or the same. If given the choice and resources, though, I’d relocate to Switzerland. One of the langauges they speak there is English, isn't it?

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

3) Why?

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.



1. Canada.
2. Yes.
3. It feels very balanced here. Pride without arrogance, Agreement without opression, Safety without confinement. Also, Healthcare rocks my socks.
4. Hockey, baby.

1. United States of America

2. Dislike

3. Corrupted government, ignorant masses, widespread materialism, rapidly deteriorating environment.

4. Nature of Patriotism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriotism#An_evolutionary_origin_of_patriotism.3F)

1) What country do you come from?
Canada

2) Do you like/dislike your country?
Like

3) Why?
Because we are progressive sometimes.

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.
Odoil Rule!

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)

The United States of America.

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

Very much like.

3) Why?

Because I believe in the truth that is individual rights and natural liberties based on the very fact of being human, and not received from others, including government. This is what the country was founded on, and is more or less what it currently is, even if certain people give mock respect to that foundation while destroying it to fit their own order.

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.

Same for Texas, my home state.

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)

Great Britain

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

LOVE dude. LOVE my country.

3) Why?

Because I can meet people here I couldn't meet anywhere else. I see a mix of cultures that sometimes works and sometimes doesn't, but is always fresh, dynamic and alive.

Because I feel roots growing from my heart and sucking up my countries history. Pride. Honour. Glory. Invention. Even when in the past my country has done something terrible or just down-right sneaky bastardish it's a story I relish. It's a part of who I choose to be. I say "I am British!" I take all the shame, the blame and the consequences of what my people have done. But in return I am not merely a part of a population or a state, but a story thousands of years old. I am not only surrounded by my living countrymen, but my brothers among the dead - peasant or soldier, servant or king.

Because of monuments and statues and castles and monarchies and traditions and most importantly all that these represent. Not only are they intricate and beautiful works of art in themselves (I'm including the monarchic system in this) but they have a significance and a reverence that extends beyond their mere constituent elements. Because I write about them, think about them and appreciate them.

Because when I walk down my street the smell is gorgeous. Irish pubs, tandoori restaraunts, chinese takeaways, rathole fried chicken shops, tarmac, lilacs in someones front garden.

Because of hiraeth and London arrogance. Scottish stoicism and Northern familiarity. Because of Essex girls and Chavs. Because everything here is unique, different from every other country (the same way as every other country :) ) and I love the way things are here.

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.

I really, really love my country. I want to see it flourish in it's own way, without outside interference. If someone invaded here and tried to force their system of government on my country, or even worse some snivelling traitors tried to overturn the things I loved, then some crazy shit would happen. I'm talking entire platoons flayed and spread-eagled on the side of office buildings. I'm talking collaborators found beheaded with a blunt sword. I'm talking injured soldiers soaked in lighter fluid and slowly burned. My allies would seek out the families of soldiers in their home country and do terrible things on my behalf. I'd never negotiate, never even speak to my enemies. No drama. No videos. No mercy. I'd commit atrocities so great as to make my name damned for a thousand years. I wouldn't just fight for my country, my beloved home. I'd murder for it.

I'm an American. I love my country, I don't always agree with the politics, I don't always agree with my fellow Americans, but, in America, I don't have to agree, and I can work to change things I don't like - I may not succeed, but I can do that. I guess that's one of the reasons I love my country.

Great Britain



LOVE dude. LOVE my country.



Because I can meet people here I couldn't meet anywhere else. I see a mix of cultures that sometimes works and sometimes doesn't, but is always fresh, dynamic and alive.

Because I feel roots growing from my heart and sucking up my countries history. Pride. Honour. Glory. Invention. Even when in the past my country has done something terrible or just down-right sneaky bastardish it's a story I relish. It's a part of who I choose to be. I say "I am British!" I take all the shame, the blame and the consequences of what my people have done. But in return I am not merely a part of a population or a state, but a story thousands of years old. I am not only surrounded by my living countrymen, but my brothers among the dead - peasant or soldier, servant or king.

Because of monuments and statues and castles and monarchies and traditions and most importantly all that these represent. Not only are they intricate and beautiful works of art in themselves (I'm including the monarchic system in this) but they have a significance and a reverence that extends beyond their mere constituent elements. Because I write about them, think about them and appreciate them.

Because when I walk down my street the smell is gorgeous. Irish pubs, tandoori restaraunts, chinese takeaways, rathole fried chicken shops, tarmac, lilacs in someones front garden.

Because of hiraeth and London arrogance. Scottish stoicism and Northern familiarity. Because of Essex girls and Chavs. Because everything here is unique, different from every other country (the same way as every other country :) ) and I love the way things are here.



I really, really love my country. I want to see it flourish in it's own way, without outside interference. If someone invaded here and tried to force their system of government on my country, or even worse some snivelling traitors tried to overturn the things I loved, then some crazy shit would happen. I'm talking entire platoons flayed and spread-eagled on the side of office buildings. I'm talking collaborators found beheaded with a blunt sword. I'm talking injured soldiers soaked in lighter fluid and slowly burned. My allies would seek out the families of soldiers in their home country and do terrible things on my behalf. I'd never negotiate, never even speak to my enemies. No drama. No videos. No mercy. I'd commit atrocities so great as to make my name damned for a thousand years. I wouldn't just fight for my country, my beloved home. I'd murder for it.

Wow. Love the sentiment. you considered joining the army?

edit: I'm also from the UK

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)

India

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

Like.

3) Why?

I like what it stands for and as long as the ideals that I hold dear are reflected by my country, I will continue to like it.

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.

There are a lot that can be improved in my country and there are a lot of stuff going on in my country done by my countrymen that disgusts me. But the overall values are similar to mine and as long as India is what I believe it is, I will continue to love it and fight for it, if necessary. I would not go as far as to want my country/countrymen to prosper at the cost of others, but I would put my country above others otherwise. I dunno what degree of nationalism that is, but that is what I believe in.

1) USA
2) Like
3) Although it does have its faults, I am proud of my country's contribution to society through out it's history. I love the ideas of liberty and equality that my country stands for.

Wow. Love the sentiment. you considered joining the army?

edit: I'm also from the UK

When I went for a walk in the park today I looked around and just felt an extraordinary love for everyone I saw, as well as every plant, tree, bird and dog. I felt connected to it all. British soil feeding British trees, sheltering British people with British pets. They'd all go home or out and contribute to the great ongoing tapestry of my country, giving to me as I give to them. Even visitors or new immigrants were walking and appreciating the British weather (a rare good one and all the more precious for it). I must have looked stoned out of my mind (ironic, as I ran out last night).

There is something wonderful here that I'm allowed the smallest piece of. But that small piece is enough to fill me up with joy and carry me to heaven. I get the same feeling when I read history, or watch British comedy, or stand in front of a statue of Queen Victoria. Loving and loved in return.

This country and everyone/thing in it is my father and mother, brother and sister, lover and friend. Anyone seeks to hurt that which I love and that which loves me, they shall die. And not nicely at all.

That's patriotism, as far as I'm concerned.

I've been thinking a lot about the whole idea of patriotism (love and loyalty to one's country) the other day, and now I'm trying to confirm some rather unsteady theories which I'm not going to air until I have a bit of feedback from, well, other people. So, here are some questions. I'm trying to find out what the nature of patriotism is.

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

3) Why?

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.

Do NOT turn this into an anti-America/Western/other-people's-country thread, please. The questions are about your opinions of your OWN country, not of how much you dislike others.

1. Canada.

2. I like it.

3. It's a pretty good place. Peaceful, fair. But I don't mindlessly support it. I mean sure, it IS my country, but I can, will, and do critisize. (Example: I think we should have the death penalty for murderers, rapists, etc. But we don't. Canada's pretty good, but nowhere is utopia.)

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)
That would be the United States of America

2) Do you like/dislike your country?
it aint half bad

3) Why?
to be honest I like the materialism of the place. We have more stuff and energy usage than is probably necessary. We have great infastructure, technology and enough food to make sure I wont starve to death. Basically I like my comfy life.

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.
I recently found out apple pie aint American:( its english or dutch

That would be the United States of America

it aint half bad


to be honest I like the materialism of the place. We have more stuff and energy usage than is probably necessary. We have great infastructure, technology and enough food to make sure I wont starve to death. Basically I like my comfy life.


I recently found out apple pie aint American:( its english or dutch
It took ya 'til page 3??? :(

BTW, aren't there other quotes you can answer with on #4, to show your patriotism? ;)

1. US
2. It varies, depending on our policies at the time. I don't feel patriotism is a requirement. Nations, at the end of the day, are not concrete things, they're manmade, and subject to change. Added to that, why should we automatically be proud of the place we just happened to be born in? Shouldn't pride be based on other things?
3. Well, right now I dislike my country, because of the direction it appears to be heading in (religious right taking control)
4. I can't think of anything to put here.

1) What country do you come from? (Or, where do you currently live, whichever suits best.)

The United States of America.

2) Do you like/dislike your country?

I dislike all states, imperialist purveyors of corporate neoliberal capitalism most of all. I like many citizens of the US, certain aspects of the culture, the diversity, and the freedoms afforded to privileged citizens.

3) Why?

I'm a virtual anarchist, a socialist, and an anti-imperialist. I have a lot of friends here, and a lot of admiration for various people in this country. I just like diversity, I'm not exactly sure how to explain it.

4) Extra details here, so as not to confuse the posts.

I don't think of the US as a collective entity, and don't believe in being proud of something because I happen to have been born there. I think loving entities as abstract as countries is foolish and nonsensical.