Is your 'location' a Skip Divided reference?

higher numbers of illegal immigrants[/color] and created the environment that i am starting to detest. thankfully a majority still has a heart and common sense and isnt like Greg said above being lead to blind loyalty.

 

^you should.

 

 

I think overall the biggest problem about us (talking about the human race, not individual members on this board) is that we are too quick to judge others. We automatically look at specific characteristics such as where you come from, your race, your gender, your sexual orientation, how you dress, how you act, what you religion or morals believe in, and automatically make an assumption as to what that person is like. And we make a judgement if we'll like a person or not, without even taking the chance to talk to the person.

 

edit: and even if you don't like the person or disagree with them, then fine. But there's no need to look down upon someone if they're different, in fact they're just doing the exact same thing about you.

 

 

Again I totally agree. Very well put indeed. :thumbsup:

 

These posts and Greg's post no. 39 make me feel like this: Everything's not lost. There is still HOPE. :thumbsup:

 

 

In Denmark, there has been a climate of THEM vs. US for some years now. I really detest this climate of suspicion and looking down on immigrants from countries outside Europe, the USA and Australia. :sick:

 

It is really good to read many of the posts in this thread (including the ones quoted here plus Greg's post 39).

Is your 'location' a Skip Divided reference?

 

Ya... how'd you guess? :awesome:

I've been tempted for awhile to make a thread about my annoyance of the term "African American". I understand it's meant to be "politically correct" terminology, but there's something about it that irks me. For example, I work with a guy that came from South Africa (interesting accent too... if you've seen District 9 it's exactly like that). Technically he's an African American. But do you think he's "allowed" to use that term when referring to himself? Of course not. It's almost like he has to deny his nationality, which is a shame.

haha yeah... I sometimes find it annoying to, but I wasn't sure how to go about saying it, besides our first black president.

not directed at you, just a general comment about the phrase

I call everyone who isn't English a Paki.

Sometimes the patriotism of some Americans just really baffles me ... because (and I don't want to offend anyone here) there are countries in Europe whose values and political systems are far more developed. :blank:

no offense, but isn't this kind of contrary to the spirit of the thread? It's like an American saying, "I really don't understand how Germans can be patriotic when we had to save the world from the evil nazis that they produced"

 

Obviously this is a very crude exaggeration. But I think the cogent point is based on what it means to be patriotic.

 

For example, I divorce "love of country" from "love of government" which is not to say I'm ashamed of the political state of my particular country (I'm negatively disposed towards governmental institutions in every country and feel the idea of pledging allegiance to any flag is fundamentally unethical), but that when someone says they love America, they're referring to individual citizens of that country who embody positive traits and values that are not as prominent in other nations. Actually, It doesn't even if have to go that far, ones patriotism needn't be politically founded, but could be based on love of food, sport, lifestyle, language, culture, history etc...things that only people of that particular country would fully embrace.

 

For example, having grown up here I have come to appreciate a certain habit of life virtually exclusive to my local culture, and with that comes a certain type of pride. Obviously I'm not gonna say that my familiarity with this culture makes it objectively better than any other culture, but there is still a certain beauty in it that I think people of most cultures can relate to.

 

I'm actually glad and relieved to see that there are Americans who question these things. :wacky:

I was kind of unfair taking the first quote out of context of the following discussion. Basically what I mean is that, I don't feel like your average American patriot takes the term to mean, "Our army is da best" likes its a sports team. But that there is a type of patriotism that is apolitical. So if Obama did something stupid tomorrow, I wouldn't think, "man, I hate my country" because thats not what I think of when I say country.

 

But am I alone on this? I'd like to think that others make the same distinction, but I'm not sure. I just find that the majority of the people I know are so self-deprecating in regard to the modern perception of America (see Mike's first post), that I feel like their are more people using the stereotype than people who actually correspond with it. And the fact that Mike and I are (mostly) not ignorant or obese doesn't mean we're not Americans or exceptions to the rule, because there are still certain positive things we embrace within american culture.

Ya... how'd you guess? :awesome:

 

It's what I always think of when I see/hear the word lapdog, so I wondered if that's where you'd got it from, given your new obsession.

Interesting post Chris. I agree to some regard there is a divorce from love of country to love, however I think that peoples morals or beliefs can easily get tied into politics and government. I think of course that patriotism as you mentioned is not on politics but more so on more cultural things. Also the whole stance on freedom is of course the biggest thing that people tend to seem patriotic about.

 

I still think though that our fundamental morals are screwed up in some sense because we have the largest military, and also guns are allowed. From an outside perspective I would see this as being an aggressive nation. The biggest thing that I just see that is screwed up is the huge amount of people being hypocrits. I mean they love this country and they idea of free and equal rights yet don't follow respecting others who are not the same.

 

I was being self-deprecating because I honestly feel that people should not be saying that we are the best country in the world. As should no other country. There are faults in every nation and not one is even close to perfect. Also I was being self-deprecating of Americans because it really gets me annoyed at times as to how ignorant and uninformed people are in this country

 

I mean just watch these things and tell me if you aren't ashamed and angry that these people make up our country

 

[ame=

]

[/ame]

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpw_9FFhfHI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpw_9FFhfHI[/ame]

 

 

It's this feeling of confidence and entitlement that I think allows many Americans feel that they don't need to be informed because they live in "the best country in the world". I do agree that at least from my perspective and where I live in the country that it's mostly us are as you put it "using the stereotype than people who actually correspond with it". I find that coming from a very liberal state and an EXTREMELY liberal town it opens your mind up to be more accepting of others and try to stay informed with the world since it's always a constant debate on how things are.

 

Basically I think I'm just trying to say that people need to be more humble and stop having such huge egos. Do I love living here and the opportunities that I'm given? of course. But I'm not going to put myself on a pedestal just because of what country I'm from and/or look down on people that are from other countries.

Well, you've brought up what it means to be German: Always being associated with the Nazi-past.

 

Like Mike said, I agree with you in some regard, but the patriotism that does annoy me to some point, is the one that is separated from the political patriotism.

This ...

Basically I think I'm just trying to say that people need to be more humble and stop having such huge egos. Do I love living here and the opportunities that I'm given? of course. But I'm not going to put myself on a pedestal just because of what country I'm from and/or look down on people that are from other countries.

... sums it up.

I do love living in Germany too and I'm grateful for the many opportunities I am given, my education, the luxury of living, but I don't shout it out every chance I get and I certainly wouldn't say that I'm proud to be German.

There are idiots everywhere.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx6lupC6WyE]YouTube - ‪EDL Yokel Interviewed for Press TV‬‏[/ame]

 

I think the main thing is that America cling on to the fact they are American so much. Generally I don't mention the fact I'm English or British at all in life. For some reason though, as soon as an American achieves something, they always seem to think it's because they are American, or at least push the fact they are American. To me it's like a religious person who thanks God for making him the fastest runner etc. Take some fucking credit for yourself once in a while. If every country did this then it'd be understandable, but most people aren't from what I can tell.

 

Obviously it's not everyone, but that's all people ever see outside of America.

 

USA USA USA!

^I mean of course there are idiots everywhere. I guess though since we are the one country that seems to get most of the spotlight that showing those kind of people gives the rest of us a bad rap. It's like if this country was poorer I could somewhat understand people not being informed. I mean those statistics that Maher gave were ridiculous just because so much of this stuff is common knowledge.

 

But I do agree with the fact that if someone from the US does something great that they automatically thank their nation rather them giving themselves credit. However with the God aspect you bring up I actually sort of somewhat take it as being a bit self absorbed. I sort of get the impression that thanking God for an accomplishment, is really just saying Thank you God for making me so great.

 

 

Don't start with that USA chanting... it annoys the hell out of me :lol:

That USA USA USA chanting actually reminds me of Homer Simpson too much, I don't think I could take anyone who does that seriously anymore, haha. :wacky:

yeah Homer Simpson chanting USA over and over again... and we all know how intelligent he is :lol:

^ Idiots aside (I don't see the idiots in front of the white house after bin laden was killed to be a reflection of the majority), most of my experience with USA chanting is when they're trying to be ironic in regard to the stereotype:[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhnUgAaea4M]YouTube - ‪America fuck yeah-team america‬‏[/ame]

 

Usually its only used in the context of a national sports event (olympics, world cup) in which they're celebrating the team like one would a local club.

 

 

Well, you've brought up what it means to be German: Always being associated with the Nazi-past.

 

Like Mike said, I agree with you in some regard, but the patriotism that does annoy me to some point, is the one that is separated from the political patriotism.

This ...

 

... sums it up.

I do love living in Germany too and I'm grateful for the many opportunities I am given, my education, the luxury of living, but I don't shout it out every chance I get and I certainly wouldn't say that I'm proud to be German.

Of course, I pretty much agree.

Where do I belong to? When I look at my family tree I see that I don't belong to just one country. I belong to England, to Switzerland, East Prussia and to Germany (and maybe more). That gives me a feeling of being a world citizen born somewhere in Europe. But aren't we all just world citizens? Borders are made by governments but my mind has no borders. Come together, make love not war - that's what it is all about I think.

Nevertheless I'd like to see my homecountry winning a World Cup :wacky:

Every region has it's own culture. Another region has anotherone and so on.. Different countries/regions may call some achievements their own and there's no problem to be proud of something I think. But none is better or worse than the other in some way. They're just different from an achievement of another.. Difference is beautiful! We can learn so much from each other! Wouldn't it be boring if we'd all be the same, know the same things, live the same way? One thing I don't get is: Where do all those weapons in the world come from? :blank:

There are idiots everywhere.

 

YouTube - ‪EDL Yokel Interviewed for Press TV‬‏

 

I think the main thing is that America cling on to the fact they are American so much. Generally I don't mention the fact I'm English or British at all in life. For some reason though, as soon as an American achieves something, they always seem to think it's because they are American, or at least push the fact they are American. To me it's like a religious person who thanks God for making him the fastest runner etc. Take some fucking credit for yourself once in a while. If every country did this then it'd be understandable, but most people aren't from what I can tell.

 

Obviously it's not everyone, but that's all people ever see outside of America.

 

USA USA USA!

 

Omg, that guy's so hard to understand ! I had to play that video like 4 times to manage to understand, and there's still one bit I can't work out. :disappointed: Basically, he's a fucking racist.

 

I agree about americans haha. Also, what's with their need to have USA flags everywhere? Like, everyone's house has its little american flag on its roof. I find it ridiculous. It reminds me of that song Beyoncé did to help Michelle Obama's cause against obesity. The song is supposed to encourage teenagers to "move their bodies" but then, randomly, it goes all "WAVE THE AMERICAN FLAG" haha :wtf:. I don't see how this has anything to do with the point of the song. But they just can't help it. :laugh3:

Where do I belong to? When I look at my family tree I see that I don't belong to just one country. I belong to England, to Switzerland, East Prussia and to Germany (and maybe more). That gives me a feeling of being a world citizen born somewhere in Europe. But aren't we all just world citizens? Borders are made by governments but my mind has no borders. Come together, make love not war - that's what it is all about I think.

Nevertheless I'd like to see my homecountry winning a World Cup :wacky:

Every region has it's own culture. Another region has anotherone and so on.. Different countries/regions may call some achievements their own and there's no problem to be proud of something I think. But none is better or worse than the other in some way. They're just different from an achievement of another.. Difference is beautiful! We can learn so much from each other! Wouldn't it be boring if we'd all be the same, know the same things, live the same way? One thing I don't get is: Where do all those weapons in the world come from? :blank:

That is a good point. We should consider ourselves to be more so world citizens. But you also make a good point in that it's good we're all different because we can learn from each other... well that's if some of us want to...haha

Omg, that guy's so hard to understand ! I had to play that video like 4 times to manage to understand, and there's still one bit I can't work out. :disappointed: Basically, he's a fucking racist.

 

I agree about americans haha. Also, what's with their need to have USA flags everywhere? Like, everyone's house has its little american flag on its roof. I find it ridiculous. It reminds me of that song Beyoncé did to help Michelle Obama's cause against obesity. The song is supposed to encourage teenagers to "move their bodies" but then, randomly, it goes all "WAVE THE AMERICAN FLAG" haha :wtf:. I don't see how this has anything to do with the point of the song. But they just can't help it. :laugh3:

haha yeah... well you're probably thinking of the middle of the country. Here you really don't see too many houses with American Flags in the front of the house or on roofs... pretty much only during the 4th of July time of the year

Also, what's with their need to have USA flags everywhere? Like, everyone's house has its little american flag on its roof. I find it ridiculous.

 

Umm, it's nothing like that here. I hardly ever see American flags on houses or in the yards. I'll put a little one in my garden for a week or so near July 4th for decoration, but that's it.

haha yeah... well you're probably thinking of the middle of the country. Here you really don't see too many houses with American Flags in the front of the house or on roofs... pretty much only during the 4th of July time of the year

 

Umm, it's nothing like that here. I hardly ever see American flags on houses or in the yards. I'll put a little one in my garden for a week or so near July 4th for decoration, but that's it.

 

Well I particulary noticed it in a small town I went to in New Hampshire. And I always see it in movies and such. :shrug:

There are idiots everywhere.

 

YouTube - ‪EDL Yokel Interviewed for Press TV‬‏

 

English Defence League lawl. I don't know if this is some sort of correlation, but for some time I was doing door to door work for an African charity in England, and literally any house with a British or English flag would just tell you to fuck off etc. It's like the more patriotic you are the more racist you are.

During the royal wedding week some people posted some nationalist things here and I've read racist/xenophobic things from them in the past :lol:

 

And well, I've seen it in this country too

I fucking hate Chileans for being so fucking racist.

English Defence League lawl. I don't know if this is some sort of correlation, but for some time I was doing door to door work for an African charity in England, and literally any house with a British or English flag would just tell you to fuck off etc. It's like the more patriotic you are the more racist you are.

 

Yeah, no doubt about that.

yeah Homer Simpson chanting USA over and over again... and we all know how intelligent he is :lol:

 

do most americans like the way The Simpsons protray the american life? i think it is a brilliant piece of social commentary.

 

i'm not sure if anyone else is like this. but i'm very patriotic towards my city. much more than i am towards the country.