Patriotism isn't inherently xenophobic, separatist or insulated. It isn't inherently about supporting your current government or your country's military exploits.
I'm from Britain, and I like a lot of the aspects of our culture and environment. One of the aspects of our culture I don't like is how passionately against patriotism so many of us are (especially my generation). We look to American stereotypical displays of patriotism and fascist examples of nationalism (BNP, Nazism) as representations of patriotism; we associate merely LIKING our own country as having some kind of extreme leaning (right or left).
Well I will say this. For me, the UK has a lot to be appreciative of. But there are negatives too. A desire for your country to change for the better is an expression of patriotism. It need not be a desire for your country to be SUPERIOR, or a desire for your country to be ISOLATED. Simply wanting better for your society and enjoying the positives is patriotism in my view.
Patriotism annoys me...
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Patriotism isn't inherently xenophobic, separatist or insulated. It isn't inherently about supporting your current government or your country's military exploits.
I'm from Britain, and I like a lot of the aspects of our culture and environment. One of the aspects of our culture I don't like is how passionately against patriotism so many of us are (especially my generation). We look to American stereotypical displays of patriotism and fascist examples of nationalism (BNP, Nazism) as representations of patriotism; we associate merely LIKING our own country as having some kind of extreme leaning (right or left).
Well I will say this. For me, the UK has a lot to be appreciative of. But there are negatives too. A desire for your country to change for the better is an expression of patriotism. It need not be a desire for your country to be SUPERIOR, or a desire for your country to be ISOLATED. Simply wanting better for your society and enjoying the positives is patriotism in my view.
It is a stance of optimism.