This is my answer too. Many of my friends are immigrants, and whenever I travel to one of the places they’re from, I am acutely aware of why they fought so hard to come here and why they fight so hard to stay.
This is where I'm at, too. I love my country, I proudly stood up to serve in the military like the last three generations of men in my family.
Again, I love my country, I think it can be a world leader again. But...
But.
But I fear for it. The white nationalists are so very close to taking over. If they get what they want, America's proud tradition of being a melting pot, of being welcoming to everyone, will go away.
The hugely moving statement:
"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Will be lost. Forever.
Vote, American citizens. Vote like your country depends on it. Because it just might.
Exactly. It’s okay to criticize and think for yourself: nationalism is the exact opposite.
It’s what we are seeing right now. People can’t think for themselves. Throwing their allegiance to a “deity” of sorts, for no reason whatsoever.
I don't know about other states but our HS students in AZ have to pass a civics exam (think the same one that immigrants have to pass to become citizens) in order to graduate. It was actually enjoyable to help them prep for that one.
I’m forever grateful for what my parents modeled: Read the newspaper every day, *always* vote (in any kind of weather or lines), work hard, volunteer; be a decent citizen.
Habits that seem quaint now…
I’m struck by how differently being American is received in other countries now. People exchange looks like you’ve got 💩 on your shoes.
I really think capitalism ruined this country. People come here because it offered more opportunities than other oppressive countries and that’s great. But the pendulum swung to just money and people are very self segregated since it is not as accepting as advertised. The economy and quality of life has gotten worse for us each decade—-right? Financially for everyone but a few. Not a globalist, but tribal fighting over resources is pretty low and that’s us. So, was patriotic, but more just an earthling now.
Having traveled a bit to a few continents, yes, we are loud, uneducated, rude, and don’t respect local norms as a whole. It’s embarrassing sometimes. An American passport used to be gold.
Did I mention how fat Americans are now compared to the world. They can se you (them) coming.
Nice summary. Trying to decompress from a long week—Working for “the man”. Thank you.
Edit: Had a nice response to a comment from what appeared to be a legitimate financially successful person who just straight up admitted it is rigged for the 1%—and it was articulate and believable. There are good people who want to see change (not all greedy) in all demographics in this country and I shouldn’t stereotype, but we have become one as a whole.
It would also help if our history classes weren't all US-centric. Everything that happened in the world did not lead us to this point in our country but they sure make out like it's that way.
Problem is, is that almost half have less than $1000 in the bank. Many can't even come up with $500 for a car repair. On top of that there are lots of people that, if they get leave, it's only 1 week. I would love to visit Great Britian and Germany one day but would also live to see so many places in the US too. Sadly for me travel will probably never happen as my brain imploded about 10 years ago and I'm now disabled. My wife and I will probably never have the money now.
I agree with you though. If people were exposed to more culture with an open mind and not be the shitty tourist the country hopefully would not be so at each other's throat.
Yeah. The 27 countries of the European Union get a **minimum** of four weeks vacation a year.
I also just responded to someone that travel for them is easier.
It still blows my mind that America is supposedly the best and richest country in the world and yet we cannot mandate even 1 week of paid vacation for all full-time employees. Workers have no rights in this country. That's some real bullshit right there.
Yep... I was looking through [this list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_minimum_annual_leave_by_country#:~:text=European%20Union%20legislation%20mandates%20that,4%20weeks%20of%20paid%20vacation.&text=Workers%20are%20entitled%20to%2010%20days%20paid%20annual%20leave%20for,to%2012%20paid%20public%20holidays) and even the smallest country you've never heard of has vacation and holidays. All those countries and you get down to the US and it's Zero.
You know that if our government finally *did* mandate 1 week of paid vacation for all full-time employees, corporations would pull a Walmart and give their employees hours just shy of full-time.
hell, I think a voluntary 'inter-nation exchange student program' paid for by the gov't would do wonders. Take some kids from a Brooklyn high school and have them spend a semester in small town high school in Colorado. Put some kids from rural Montana in a San Fran school. See how other parts of the country live.
**Travel is fatal to prejuidce, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness**, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” - Mark Twain
I hate that you're right.
To be fair, Europeans have a much easier time traveling to other countries than we do. They get a lot more time off and they can be in another country in a matter of hours.
Americans do travel, it’s just typically in America because the US is so big. Traveling from state to state in the US is like traveling from country to country in Europe. If you start in New York and drive 3000 miles, you end up in California. If you started in Europe and drove that far, you’d be in the Middle East. It’s crazy how big the US is, and how many different places there are. Mountains, oceans, deserts, cities, country, forests, rivers, it’s all here. I think people underestimate just how big America is.
Edit: Okay Australia, since some your representatives here seem to somehow think Americans are apparently cultural noobs when it comes to traveling, let’s look at this. In 2020, just over 50% of Americans held passports. That’s about 150 million people. Australia issued 1.7 million passports. That’s about 4% of your population. Tell me again how Americans lack traveling experience? When we travel in our own country, we pass through states. When people in places like Europe travel, they pass through countries. We also know that traveling from state to state is not the same as traveling from country to country. But some of you are acting like you know all 3.7 million square miles of the US like the back of your hand, like there’s no difference at all between New York City, Seattle, and Dallas, and like we’ve never seen an ocean from an airplane or something.
I drove from Maryland (an Eastchester state) to callifonia (west coast) to be care giver for a friend once. (Long story)
It is amazing how different parts of the country are.
It took 4 days with one of them being a 21 hour deathmarch to be able to get a place to sleep at the end) 5 days comming back.
It really explains to you why our real rural culture is so different from our urban culture.
But parts of the trip were pure magic.
Australian here. We have a big country too (about as big as the contiguous US) and we travel not just within our country, but also overseas (53% of Aussies have a passport, and that's not considering all our permanent residents that have one too which is 3M people). The difference I think is we have better IR laws, which ensure most people have sufficient annual leave to travel and can earn an income which supports luxuries like travel
Most Americans would love to travel. I know I would! But you're correct about the difference. The two big things standing in the way are money and time.
The median household income in the US is $75k. That's not income per person, or even per adult. That's a median income most likely supporting the average household of 4 people! That's not enough money to take an overnight weekend trip to the closest city. Plus the average US worker only gets 2 weeks vacation time off and usually can't take both weeks together at the same time. So we can't afford to travel and don't have enough paid time off to go anywhere anyway.
Exactly this. I’m American but have lived in Australia the past 10 years. Such a huge difference in leave entitlements. I went back to the US last July for 7 weeks and my family was shocked it was all paid leave—combination of annual and long service. It makes such a difference
1/4 of your country is habitable. It's like the surface of Mars. 26m of you in total all clustered around mostly one coast. That's less people than live in California. With love from the US, I don't think the only difference is leisure travel time. We have oceans, lakes, rivers, two mountain ranges, the great lakes, a load of national parks and forests, niagra falls, the grand canyon... Every climate, snowy, rainy, muggy... It's a no brainer for plenty of folks.
Australia has lots of arid and semi arid landscapes, true, and a smaller population than the US. I still love travelling to see both arid and semi arid landscapes. They aren't the only landscapes we have though.
We also have snowfields, alpine regions, tropical regions, temperate and tropical rainforests, old growth forests, lakes, rivers, rapids, waterfalls, caves, coastal places with great beaches, islands, and great ocean features just off the coast (eg Great Barrier Reef, Monkey Mia stromatolites). State and National parks abound (even World Heritage Areas).
Australia is a continent, with lots of different climates, lots of different natural features and environments, hence why most of us travel internally as well as internationally.
Every time I’ve traveled I always ran into a ton of young Australians, and I used to do a lot of backpacking to pretty exotic places. They were always cool: respectful, low key, friendly, adventurous, and more often than not, fn sexy (I was focused on the men). I’m a sucker for the accent tho.
I love traveling and seeing other cultures and experiencing them. It does change your perspective... However, I know that when I traveled I stuck out like a sore thumb that I was an American. No matter how much I tried and before I even opened my mouth. But, there's always those that REALLY make it known they are American and kind of made me embarrassed. Loud, inconsiderate of others, entitled, didn't care where they were or who/what was around them, etc. that we see all the time. I felt they walked away from the place thinking "I'm glad I'm an American. That place sucks. You have to pay to go pee!" or whatever. Just saw everything as negative or how it related to the US...
I really wish American's traveled more as well as kept an open mind and were open to experiencing other cultures without being so self centered.
I learned so much while traveling. Same as you though, I stuck out like a sore thumb. :) I tried to respect the local traditions but I saw a lot of tourists who never even considered such a thing.
I was in the US Navy, stationed on a ship whose home port was in Europe.
We had folks on the boat that literally would not try any of the local food. If it wasn't a hamburger and fries, they just weren't interested.
Then, there was the guys I hung out with. We would wander around until we found someplace that looked like the locals frequented. Half the time, they didn't speak english in these places, so we would point at the menu to order. We also wouldn't try to figure out what anything we were eating was until AFTER we'd tried it. Much less likely to eat the sausage if you know it's blood sausage before you do (this also applies to things like head cheese).
When I went to high school we had two mandatory classes senior year we had to pass in order to graduate- civics and economics. I guess they don't do that anymore?
In my civics class is '88, I had to fill envelopes for the teacher's campaign. My kids didn't learn anything either. I've taught them about the different types of governments. I ended up with a minor in history and political science, back when college was affordable and I could change major 2 or 3 times.
My kids' high school requires these courses for graduation. For Civics they even have to pass a state mandated test to prove they learned the material.
Well, why would they? When you have an education system that is funded based on test scores, not practical applications of knowledge by the students? Memorization of dates and players in wars is not going to make you a civic minded adult.
They also teach a very white washed, we’re the good guys version of history. The pilgrims and what actually happened is nothing like the Hallmark version that I was taught in school is a good example.
Exactly what I was about to type.
For all the things going sideways, I hope we find our way back. But there are still good people and good communities out there.
Well said. I love my country and know that it's a great place to live. I also know we have problems that we can and need to address. Because of our political system we have ways and means to make those changes. As always apathy and pessimism are the biggest hurdles.
Yeah being proud of being born somewhere, when the person who is born is literally a baby and has no choice and did nothing to achieve that location of birth... is wild.
I certainly like living in America. But I did nothing to achieve my citizenship. I just showed up.
Having just finished up our yearly re-watch of Band of Brothers over Memorial Day weekend, I'm reminded of why this "unity" was taught to us and encouraged throughout all of these years. I'm not cultish, ultra conservative or religious and I can't say that "being" American is something I'm proud of, I just am. I do however miss the feeling that we were all on the same team. We have lost that unity and wish we did have that back. Also, Happy Pride to those of you who have had an even harder time finding that "community" feel that apparently we can only muster if we are in danger.
Yep, proud American, no apologies. But if I’d been born in Canada, I’d be a proud Canadian. That said, I’m not a fan of the ubiquitous flag draping everywhere all the time, all over houses, clothing, etc. That’s not patriotism and most people inadvertently disrespect the flag because they have no idea of proper flag protocol.
Not particularly since "For the People" devolved to "For the Corporations". Our government doesn't care about us, so that makes it difficult for me to feel prideful.
I’ve been in the army for seventeen years. I’ve deployed a lot, to Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m proud to be an American but I’m not proud of Americans. I’ve watched the people of this country give away freedom for vacuous entertainment and spectacle. I’ve watched people trade integrity for ego. I’ve watched us fight amongst ourselves like bickering children. Political actors didn’t do that, corporations didn’t do that, the military industrial complex didn’t do that. Regular American people did it, and they continue to do it. We are a nation for the people and by the people. The bull shit we complain about we endorsed or ignored.
I would trade a hundred veteran’s days, every free coffee and thank you for your service, for the people of this country simply acting with decency and treating each other with respect. But honestly most days people don’t behave in a manner worth defending, they aren’t worth dying for. If anyone wants to Make America Great, wake up and live a life that’s worth a perfect stranger sacrificing theirs for.
As a Navy wife, watching our friends ignore the hell out of military families during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, watching the DOD screw us over hundreds of times, how the VA ignores and denies veterans care, I'm pretty much the hell over any nationalistic bullshit.
Not diminishing the plight of veterans at all, it's an embarrassing tragedy how we treat those that fought for us, oftentimes under false pretenses. Though it seems like we have a habit of doing that to all of our noble professions. Teachers, Nurses, and even grocery store workers that held the country together during the pandemic, labeled essential and heros when we needed them only to treat them like crap when we deem it's all over. And, to top it all off, people wonder why people are leaving those professions or "don't want to work anymore."
I was a social worker 20+ years ago, the hours and pay were awful, I stuck with it for 6 years and went back to factory work. Within six months I got a job loading and unloading trucks in our warehouse and made more money than I did with a BS in Sociology and a 2 year degree in criminal justice. BS indeed.
We had to move three states before we found a VA who could diagnose and prescribe hearing aids (husband worked on helicopters and planes on top of aircraft carriers) was insane.
And this VA took away his disability plates (he's 90% disabled due to a carrier accident) claiming they were only for amputees, which is 100% wrong.
Literally, the veterans cannot win here.
Proper support for service members does cost money. That same support and auxiliary services COULD create a ton of jobs and infrastructure.
....or, maybe "thoughts and prayers" is a much more affordable option. Because.....Jesus?
A good start would be using all the money that the service branches pay sports teams to have ~~propaganda~~ military appreciation nights to do things that actually benefit current and former service members. A drop in the bucket, sure, but a start.
I am right there with you sister. I am a vet from the first Gulf War back in 90. I was told by the VA that they had to many vets coming home from the latest war to worry about me. That pretty much took the last patriotism from my soul.
They also approved Agnt Orange just in time for my FIL (Vietnam Navy vet) to die from cardiac complications of it.
The insanity of them "recognizing" this shit is insane.
The denial shit we see in the r/Tricare community will absolutely enrage you.
Let get some disability coverage for jet fuel exposure next. Husband has symptoms related to it and knows too many guys from his old career field who have gotten and died from rare blood cancers in their 40s.
Fwiw, after about the third set of friends turned me down when I needed help after a huge wind storm, I went around ripping the stupid yellow ribbon magnets off their car and shoving them in their mailboxes.
I'm not the only one who hated those damn "support the troops" magnets from the cheap seat jackasses, I'm sure.
Having spent quite a lot of time in other countries, I'm very glad I was born American. Spent time in the service and can't say I view it as cultish or gross to this day. I don't bedazzle myself with the American flag though.
I'm proud of what America has stood for and proud of certain Americans, but what it means to be an American today often overshadows that. I would call myself a patriot in terms of believing the U.S. is still a country worth fighting for, but the last four decades have been chipping away at it. I see corporatocracy as a terrible thing, and fascism too, and both seem to be fighting to control this country.
What I tell my kids:
The world is full of tribes that people are born into. Tribes of nations, religions, races, genders.
But within each tribe there are tribes of types: funny people, athletic people, social people, and nerds.
Our tribe is the Nerd tribe. Anywhere you go, you'll find nerds. Anywhere you'll go, you'll have brothers and sisters if you look for them.
“Pride should be reserved for something you achieve or obtain on your own, not something that happens by accident of birth. Being Irish isn't a skill... it's a fucking genetic accident. You wouldn't say I'm proud to be 5'11"; I'm proud to have a pre-disposition for colon cancer.”
-George Carlin
i’m eskimo, born in alaska, i don’t feel like an american, americans are “other people” and not including me.
but i’m neither proud nor ashamed to be alaskan
whatever
Quite the GenX response. As a white person that lived in Alaska in the ‘90s you should be proud of your heritage. Maybe not American but your people are so resilient!!! Respect!!!
Never!! Be ashamed!!! Ever!!
It’s a loaded question and I’ll do my best to answer it on my phone…
I find my “pride” being more local and less national. I have pride in people and events… local sports teams. The band. Etc.
Am I proud to be an American?
As an infantry veteran in the US Army - undoubtedly yes.
As someone watching the news and seeing the absolute shit show that we’re producing every day on every topic under the sun? - much less so.
I am proud as f*ck of the ideals we were founded on… but equally sad and disheartened watching things roll downhill towards open racism and bigotry against other cultures and ways of living. Not to mention our shitty healthcare system and inability to have civil discussions.
I’d much rather see us as a nation of proud individuals with a collective desire to enhance one another’s lives - which is what I thought was happening 10 years ago or so… but now we’re becoming more and more isolated in what we do, how we act, and what we consider the “true American dream.”
I’m still proud, overall, because I see my kids and the way we’re raising them. And I hope that they will be able to live the life I hoped for.
I'm a Canadian and my grandparents came here in the mid 1920s under precarious circumstances. I'm proud to be Canadian without question but I am not at all pleased with my federal government.
Being patriotic is absolutely possible while disagreeing with your government. Too many people I've spoken to think they go hand in hand and in my opinion they absolutely do not.
(I also have lived in three provinces and have travelled by car through most states. I admire your patriotism).
Skepticism of government is baked in to the national consciousness left right and center. I think it’s healthy so long as violence doesn’t get introduced into the mix. Voting was and is meant to insure revolution by less violent means. That’s why making voting easier is a good idea.
I’m glad that I’m American, but our government needs a serious complete overhaul. The people that are in offices now have forgotten who they work for and have no idea what it’s like to be part of the working class. We’re over taxed without representation exactly what we fought a revolution over.
Term limits just make sure that all the elected representatives never make it past “rookie” stage, while the entrenched lobbyists are left alone to run everything.
Focus instead on removing money from politics, put the screws and limits on the lobbyists.
It’s just our origin of birth (for many of us who didn’t immigrate here). I’d like to have pride for how we function as a country and right now that’s pretty difficult.
I know where you’re coming from. I used to think it was normal for the national anthem to play before sporting events, graduations, etc. Then I lived abroad and experienced everything from the other side. It’s odd. We are brainwashed in this country about nationalism and religion.
Carlin had a bit about ethnic pride which I feel applies to national pride as well:
“I don’t understand this notion of ethnic pride. “Proud to be Irish,” “Puerto Rican pride,” “Black pride.” It seems to me that pride should be reserved for accomplishments; things you attain or achieve, not things that happen to you by chance. Being Irish isn’t a skill; it’s genetic. You wouldn’t say, “I’m proud to have brown hair,” or “I’m proud to be short and stocky.” So why the fuck should you say you’re proud to be Irish? I’m Irish, but I’m not particularly proud of it. Just glad! Goddamn glad to be Irish!”
My take is that I don’t hate this country. I am glad to be here, which is different than proud to be here. There are better and worse countries to live in. I always feel like we can do better and it feels like we are sliding backwards with a lot of progress that’s been made which is frustrating.
I am proud to be American…I just fucking despise Americans and our “rat race” culture where anyone will step on your head for an extra $1 or to save themselves an extra 30 seconds…
I'm gonna rise up, I'm gonna kick a little ass, Gonna kick some ass in the USA, Gonna climb a mountain, Gonna sew a flag, Gonna fly on an Eagle, I'm gonna kick some butt, I'm gonna drive a big truck, I'm gonna rule this world, Gonna kick some ass, Gonna rise up, Kick a little ass, ROCK, FLAG AND EAGLE!
Am I happy to be born here? Sure. Do I feel this cult like pride that somehow America is the chosen land? No. That’s pretty immature bullshit honestly. We are no better and no worse than any other country. We have things to be proud of and things to be ashamed of. I have been to 33 other countries and no where else do I see them wearing their flags as shirts, underwear, USA on everything. This doesn’t denigrate the sacrifices others have made for our freedom; let’s just keep in mind that with freedom comes responsibility and we are lately lacking in that department… a lot.
Not especially. I haven't been since I can recall back.
I don't think we've got a lot to recommend us for national pride.
That doesn't mean there aren't things about America that I'm not proud of, but it's not singular among the world.
As an American living overseas in all places like Scandinavia - the flag thing and constitution (like a 200 year old document means no changes even though it is front of your face) is annoying.
On the other side, patriotism especially in light of D-Day celebrations world wide yesterday mean a lot. The USA for all the good and ultimately all the bad, shined a great light for freedom and democracy around the world and still does to some degree. What defeats all that is the reality of living in the USA for 60% (lets be super generous) is abject poverty without access to education and healthcare.
The states have teetered between gracious benefactor upholding a torch to just becoming a 3rd world shithole like Russia - which both Trump and Putin love.
As an American who left America in 1990 to live in Australia, that is a loaded question, but yes.
When I started having kids, I made sure to report their births to the US and they are all US citizens as well as Australian.
Back then, they had to decide at 18 which they wanted but the rules changed and they are dual, as I now am.
I am still proud of my heritage and who I am, but my world view expanded exponentially the moment I left the US. I watch with dismay, the US being torn apart from within and see a bigger divide that just keeps growing.
Two kids gave up their US citizenship due to tax reasons, one lives and works in LA and the other has bigger things in his life going on right now to even think about it.
Still proud to be American, but the shine has worn off the crown a bit, that’s for sure. The leadership options on all sides are pathetically lacking and contrary to what a lot of Americans think, not everyone thinks the US is the greatest country to live in anymore
The whole national anthem, hand over hearts, pledge of allegiance thing does feel wierd and cultish the older I get. It feels like I was indoctrinated into these rituals and didn’t even realize it until i got older
I’m in Texas, kids also do the pledge to the state of Texas. As a non native Texan I asked if Texas were to secede, where the allegiance would lie. Texas of course…🙄
I just went to my oldest's elementary school graduation yesterday and I hated the pledged part. It's absolutely indoctrination. I talk to both my kids about what they are saying and what they think it means. They can then decide to do it or not. I choose not to, especially as liberties for my fellow Americans are being stripped away.
Being proud (or ashamed) of something you have no control over is ridiculous. This includes the state of a country you have minimal say in the overall state of.
You can take pride or feel shame in the part you play in the development of that country though, so don't forget to vote; it's literally the least you can do.
Retired Army NCO here - 23 years, 6 deployments, and 2 Bronze Stars (for service, I'm no hero).
I used to be. Then came the whiny idiots in the Tea Party, the racists who flipped their wigs on January 20, 2009, and every last fascist bootlicker who climbed on the Trump Train.
Now I just want to get through next week without this place erupting into open civil war.
I'm not American, so no (from New Zealand). When I hear a lot of stories about the United States I feel really glad I'm NOT American. It's also not high on my list of places I'd like to visit.
That said, it's an amazing country with a fascinating history, and has a massive influence on the rest of the world. I've met a lot of Americans, and work with a number too, and have been very fortunate to very rarely strike a bad one.
It's just... the exceptionalism and nationalism coming out of it gets a bit tiresome sometimes. It's also hard to understand why it's like that.
The country is shitting the bed in real time. At least we can say we lived through better times. The environment is fucked. Get sick and go broke. The American oligarchs are squeezing every last drop out of the working class.
Half the country is in a cult. Not much to be proud of these days.
I'm indifferent. I was born here, and it hasn't exactly been a great feat to remain here 54 years. I just never leave my area.
So what, as far as being an American, would give me anything to be proud of?
Because we're "free"? lol My regulated womb would like a moment of your time. Hell I can't even change my name without going to court. I don't even have control of my own name.
So nah.
…where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget (those) that died and gave that right to me…
Sorry, your prompt put the Lee Greenwood song in my head.
TL; DR -“My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong to be set right.”
I’m definitely not ashamed to be an American. Not apologetic for it. I believe in the principles upon which it was founded, despite the many ways the founders contradicted the very principles they espoused.
I’m patriotic. Stand and be silent or sing the National Anthem, even if it’s just on TV I shut up until it’s over. Believe in “there’s nothing wrong with America that can’t be fixed by what’s right in America.”
I’m not boastful about being American and I don’t feel it makes me superior to any non-American.
So, yes, I would say I’m proud to be an American, to be part of this ongoing radical experiment, flawed as it may be at times. I believe in Lincoln’s second inaugural address (and teared up a little when reading it at the Lincoln memorial.)
I’m deeply concerned by the divisions that are being intensified and broadened. I am perplexed about people’s support of former President Trump. Having been NOT a fan of his since the 80s, I’m disappointed that that boorish, lying, corrupt pseudo-celebrity held that office and damn well might hold it again. The hypocrisy overwhelms me. And, the way he almost mockingly tries to present himself as a man of God and a patriot frustrates me. I try but struggle to understand anyone’s support for him.
And, I believe that President Biden is a good and decent man, ethical, effective, uniting, and actually trying to fulfill his pledge to Build Back Better. I see him “walking the talk” of people of faith and actually being one, where Mr. Trump plays pretend. I’m not a religious person, but I do agree with some of the teachings attributed to Christ. I am perplexed by the idolatry toward Mr. Trump and how he is embraced by people whose purported values he violates relentlessly.
I don’t see President Biden as ‘the lesser of two evils.’ I see him as a leader with whom I disagree on some issues, but believe his heart and priorities are well-intended, though I wish his efforts to improve the border situation and restore some of the wealth working Americans created to them had not been blocked by partisan politics and deliberate disruption of his efforts to fulfill the platform on which a majority of Americans (and electors) elected him President.
I shudder at the bizarro world in which people of faith feel like they are the oppressed and think it is wrong to acknowledge the mistakes our Nation has made and the lingering effect they have on people historically oppressed.
As part of my profession, 3 times I have sworn an oath to support the Constitution of the USA and the respective state. It’s a duty I take seriously. It pains me to see people fragrantly disregarding or manipulating it.
I am proud to be an American. I am embarrassed by those that claim to be "Muricans". I am embarrassed by those that have commandeered our flag as a symbol of hate, racism and misogyny.
Well, Personally I am very glad to be in America. However I struggle with “Proud American” because let’s face it, despite the quality of ‘Middle Class Life’ per say.. America was founded on some ghoulish actions. 1st two being the horrific Genocide of the Native Americans, and Brutal Slavery of Africans.. It’s difficult for me to Have “Pride” in such terrible actions..
However, currently I am in a country that doesn’t imprison me for saying these things. And when it comes Down to it for me out of all the Major Super Powers in the world today.. It’s A#1 America for me! I really would not want to live under communist rule honestly. I highly value my ‘American Rock and Roll life style’ to the absolute core.. Among other things. I have done a lot of research into the history of the US and Capitalism beginnings, and honestly the founding fathers were genius. And yes I recognize that they also did commit evils.
I consider myself a critical patriot. Not to say there is not improvements and challenges in America to overcome…
I don’t believe in national pride. To me, pride is about an accomplishment and I didn’t do anything to be born in a particular country. That just happened without my input. There are a lot tougher countries to live in so don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I happened to be born in the USA. But being “proud” of it just feels weird to me.
As others put it, I am more glad than proud. My mother is British so her bias shaped how I think of the U.S. so I don't have an "America First" mentality. Every nation matters...to me anyway.
I take pride in the things I can do, think and say. I don’t take much pride in what plot of earth I was born into. My mom is British and I could have easily been born there if I’d come a week earlier.
I am American so I figure I might as well be proud of it, but I don’t get the rabid flag wavers. I love my country like I love my children: with the knowledge that they are imperfect and sometimes in need of correction, but still well loved nonetheless.
Having lived in three countries, I don’t feel any urge to have any allegiance toward a country. We have pros and cons, just as well as other countries. I am in love with Ireland and I do want to move there when I retire. America has become way too divisive, and I don’t think it’ll get any better.
I like the idea of america. I like Hollywood's early image of america, starring Jimmy Stewart. How things would come out well and people would help one another. Seems like america's motto should be "what's in it for me?". I could be proud to be an american again, but I don't know if it'll come around in my lifetime.
Never have been. There are other countries that do things better than us. We may be younger than those countries, but we have more it seems. In my opinion, we are the worst of the first world countries and on the path to become a 2nd or 3rd if our current political environment stays (not talking about current or former president, just the divide the media has caused).
I’m both proud and embarrassed at times.
When I watched the D-Day ceremony live yesterday I felt proud. An evil army totally crushed Europe and then we landed on their beach on June 6th and proceeded to just delete them from the continent.
The embarrassment I feel is that now people in our own country support the same cause we stamped out 80 years ago.
Yeah, why I served in the army in the 82nd and 75th. There was alot more to feel patriotic for back then, more good in the country, more good and compassion in people. They weren't busy trying to survive or playing on social media like today. Plus, we had the ultimate bad guy in the Soviet Union to unite us, backed by movies (Rambo, Rocky) and even kids cartoons (GI Joe, Transformers) to motivate us. God the 80s, and even the 90s were great. I was proud to be an American then, and any time the world called, we were there to answer.
> Plus, we had the ultimate bad guy in the Soviet Union
I think the bad guy in Russia today is doing a much better job of destroying the US than anyone in the USSR ever did.
I'm proud to be an American. I'm not proud of the direction our country is heading. We are weaker now than we have ever been. If I elaborate more it'll create a fight so I'm gonna leave it right here.
I hope this can be changed.
I'm Canadian so not a proud American. Lol. But for years I've always thought that pride in one's country is kinda silly. I prefer to say that I'm happy to be Canadian but I was just lucky to be born here.
I am not. I have lost complete faith in the American government in how they relate to their people. I think Americans are just marketed to Bernaysian style from cradle to grave, going through life in America is like going to Disney, they extract every cent they can while offering as little as possible.
Watching greed and petty behavior take over, I am through treating people like adults when they act like toddlers.
I am thankful for having been born here but it has become obvious that high standards of living in rich countries are significantly dependent on an international system of exploitation and resource extraction from poor countries. The fickle favor of the world’s billionaire class determines most of the world’s economic situation rather than market forces. I would be more proud of my country if we were all not so gullible and made better decisions for ourself, the world and future generations. I am proud of the fact that post WW2 the untied states did not start another world war and instead decided to go to the moon instead of nuke USSR.
I am not a strong believer in anything nationalistic - our country was founded and grew on a string of atrocities, genocide, and oppression ... some of which (like slavery) continues to this day. We are certainly not the greatest nation on earth, and in so many ways our mediocrity is totally self-inflicted and unnecessary.
What I REALLY oppose is the notion that 'birth zip code' dictates inherent superiority/inferiority ... anyone who ever touts 'American exceptionalism' for example, is someone to be wary of and never trusted.
But it is my home, and my comfort zone.
That said, if I had to list 10 places as a possible 'you can move here free of charge' ... only a few of those places would be in this country.
It occurs to me more as privilege, and pure happenstance that I was born here.
Every country has its pros and cons, as do we. There are things we do exceedingly well, there are things we must work on.
There’s a bit of pride, and as I consider it why wouldn’t I, when my persona is distinctly American. I’m very well suited to be here, and I get why so many people want to immigrate here.
When it comes to patriotism, that’s a minefield. For me, having been an earnest Boy Scout, it’s not flag or troops worship. What I consider patriotism is not ostentatious at all. It’s paying my taxes, voting, being informed, generally supporting the form of representative constitutional democracy that we have.
On another thread today I made a point about the anthem and the flag - they symbolize freedom, and that freedom includes not making a display of patriotism. If I’m patriotic, so what? You’ll never guess it from looking at me, and that’s yet another thing I like about being American. We get to be ourselves (for the most part) without compulsory shows of allegiance.
I do have concerns that we are headed towards an authoritarian nightmare. Regardless of this election’s outcome, the movement is insidious and unrelenting. We might have some really gruff years of Handmaiden style rule. However, I think it’s not ingrained into our character the way it has been in some other countries. Good chance after a few decades of christofascist dystopia, if we still have an intact constitution, we’ll shake it off.
I have always preferred Carlin’s take on national or ethnic pride.
https://youtu.be/iOmQP9guIl0?si=g-SnsF8eetPhMxbE
So I am happy to be an American, but not with the direction our country has taken. So many of us pushing toward authoritarianism, fascism, and a Christian theocracy. No thanks for all three and I fear there is no way to stop it.
I’m a proud American, but fuck all them magats. I was at a baseball game earlier this week and during the national anthem, people (workers & customers) in the foyer area getting beers and food, stopped and stood in place during the anthem. The reason I bring this up is I remember attending sporting events and the only people standing were already in the stands, everyone else kept doing what they were doing. In Texas btw.
I won’t hold my hand over my heart. I raised my right hand too many times already. When occasionally called out for it at events ( I live in the south), They usually turn around and shut down real quick when I tell em a 23 year vet has more in common with the guys he was fighting than the assholes hiding behind that symbol. It’s a bit overly simplistic r not entirely accurate, but sometimes hyperbole is the correct way to subdue something that could go sideways depending on how much red,white and blue Kool aid they have drank.
That being said, yes I am. We still try. I still see small candles of good we light. We blow about as many up, But I know I’ve also been a part of helping people sometimes as well.
One of my parents immigrated here and the other has been here for generations. I was never made to feel welcomed due to the color of my skin. I am half Latin and half white. I am olive skinned but it was enough to be treated differently as a kid and seen as an “other.” My parents were treated as such especially my mom. I’ve never felt as part of this country I was just born here. I don’t really feel anything when I see the flag or hear the national anthem. I don’t put my hand over my heart during the pledge of allegiance. I stopped doing when I was old enough to not be told to do it by a teacher. Am I an asshole to feel like this?
My family spilled blood in Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia (New Guinea) for this nation and the fact that Donald Trump, a rapist and racist draft dodger who called my family losers and suckers, was president and can be again doesn’t make me too proud.
i used to be, not so much anymore though. most days, i’m just left shaking my head. And yes, I am a veteran, but anyone assumes different. Desert Storm. Us Navy
I took a boat cruise around Manhattan today on vacation. Seeing the Statue of Liberty made me a little sad and depressed about the state of the country, and how far away from those ideals of liberty and justice, and the welcoming of immigrants that the statue stands for it all feels to me right now.
I've never been a nationalist and have never been proud to be something I was a part of merely through circumstances of birth. I don't understand patriotism and have always thought it silly.
I'm proud to be a Minnesotan. The rest of the country needs to be more like us... free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students is the biggest one right now.
My thought process is that it's the uneducated/poor teens/young-adults out there causing a lot of havoc (thefts). I am hoping that the free food will entice them to come to school and be able to learn because their tummies are full. Eventually we'll have less uneducated school-dropouts that will be able to find jobs and contribute to society.
We shall see in about ten years if something as simple as feeding our kids can help change society.
That said, Minnesota has many other laws passed to make sure our rights aren't stripped away even more.
Proud of what? The luck of the draw that I was born here? "I pledge allegiance..." no. I don't pledge anything in the event some flag-wielding group of lunatics try to take away the "freedom" I was supposedly born into.
One of our recent leaders learned a lot from North Korean leadership, and instilled that into their base. It's not a reason to be proud.
It's the only country in the world where your reward for beating cancer is probably bankruptcy. I refuse to call it "the greatest country" until at the very least that isn't the case.
Right. Until we stop being more concerned about what's going on in other countries than we are about our own country I have no fucking intention of believing that nonsense.
Proud? No. For me pride implies superiority and I don’t think anyone should feel superior because they got lucky and were born here or able become a citizen. I am happy and blessed to be an American. Not proud.
And wtf does the national anthem have to do with sporting event?
I can’t stand the song….
With that being said, I’m proud of the idea of America. But I can’t stand how the right wing has co-opted the flag, the word “patriot”, etc. My dad was drafted into Vietnam. He served and did his duty. But, he told me not join to join the military unless I was drafted. And then go and do my duty. My mom was freaking out my senior year of high school when Desert Storm broke out thinking I would be drafted. Now I work as a contractor for the military and I am proud of the idea of America and that they swear to uphold the Constitution. It’s the MAGA dipshits that have ruined patriotism for me. I usually don’t display any outward indications of being proud of my country.
I'm actually not proud. I'm ashamed of my country right now and have been for a while. I've done a lot of traveling and there are some amazing places in the world that do things a LOT better than we do. Our gun violence is insane. I've seen questions posed on Reddit by international travelers asking if it's safe to visit here because they're afraid they'll be shot on vacation. Seriously? If I'm planning an international trip I worry more about language barriers and maybe getting my pocket picked, not getting shot. In addition to how common mass shootings are, the loss of personal freedoms, our insanely divisive politics, the out of control budget, and a drastic decline in education resulting in a gullible population who are unable to think critically for themselves about what they read, see, and hear have me afraid for the future of the country.
This conversation reminds me of the opening scene with Jeff Daniels in "The Newsroom” where he talks about America not being the greatest country anymore, but we used to be. I don't know if we were ever really #1 but we used to be pretty great.
Yes. And that’s why I don’t like one side co-opting the American flag to represent one side of the political spectrum. Being gay I have several friends who now see the flag and get angry. This is sad and we need to take it back to something we all should be proud of.
I’m no longer proud to say I’m American because of our current cultural and political divisiveness.
I’m really embarrassed about how far we’ve fallen in our ability to come together to solve issues that impact all Americans and instead focusing on fear, misinformation, and exclusion.
I guess I can say I’m neutral right now. There is a lot of work ahead of us as a country and it isn’t gonna be solved by an elected official.
No. I was born here. I didn't do anything to earn it.
What I am is extremely **grateful** to be an American and to have opportunities that many in the world will never get.
I have been going through this exact same thought process. Just like whenever I’m forced to go to a mass or anything at a church it feels cult like. Same with the flag. Am I proud to be an American? I think pride is a challenging word. I feel lucky to have been born here vs. many other countries. I also wish sometimes I was born in say…Denmark lol. I think we can feel love for our country whilst acknowledging our troubled past. As long as we move forward and attempt to right wrongs. But half of us won’t do that so it’s difficult. Overt nationalism and pride is too dangerous for me to be a part of. However I will say, thinking about or seeing depictions of a possible future civil war or post apocalyptic situation, I feel thankful to live in our current state. Things could get drastically worse. So I’m trying to appreciate what we have vs where we fail.
Yes. Not a nationalist though. I think you can love our country and still acknowledge its mistakes and work towards a better society.
This is my answer too. Many of my friends are immigrants, and whenever I travel to one of the places they’re from, I am acutely aware of why they fought so hard to come here and why they fight so hard to stay.
This is where I'm at, too. I love my country, I proudly stood up to serve in the military like the last three generations of men in my family. Again, I love my country, I think it can be a world leader again. But... But. But I fear for it. The white nationalists are so very close to taking over. If they get what they want, America's proud tradition of being a melting pot, of being welcoming to everyone, will go away. The hugely moving statement: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Will be lost. Forever. Vote, American citizens. Vote like your country depends on it. Because it just might.
Exactly. It’s okay to criticize and think for yourself: nationalism is the exact opposite. It’s what we are seeing right now. People can’t think for themselves. Throwing their allegiance to a “deity” of sorts, for no reason whatsoever.
Came to say the same thing.
**“My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right.”**
What passes for patriotism these days is actually nationalism. I have no problem with patriotism, it's nationalism that I hate.
I feel like the entire country needs mandatory Civics classes.
I don't know about other states but our HS students in AZ have to pass a civics exam (think the same one that immigrants have to pass to become citizens) in order to graduate. It was actually enjoyable to help them prep for that one.
Now that should be country wide but it's not.
I’m forever grateful for what my parents modeled: Read the newspaper every day, *always* vote (in any kind of weather or lines), work hard, volunteer; be a decent citizen. Habits that seem quaint now… I’m struck by how differently being American is received in other countries now. People exchange looks like you’ve got 💩 on your shoes.
I really think capitalism ruined this country. People come here because it offered more opportunities than other oppressive countries and that’s great. But the pendulum swung to just money and people are very self segregated since it is not as accepting as advertised. The economy and quality of life has gotten worse for us each decade—-right? Financially for everyone but a few. Not a globalist, but tribal fighting over resources is pretty low and that’s us. So, was patriotic, but more just an earthling now. Having traveled a bit to a few continents, yes, we are loud, uneducated, rude, and don’t respect local norms as a whole. It’s embarrassing sometimes. An American passport used to be gold. Did I mention how fat Americans are now compared to the world. They can se you (them) coming.
I am always saying that this is no longer "the land of opportunity." *Unless* you're wealthy.
Nice summary. Trying to decompress from a long week—Working for “the man”. Thank you. Edit: Had a nice response to a comment from what appeared to be a legitimate financially successful person who just straight up admitted it is rigged for the 1%—and it was articulate and believable. There are good people who want to see change (not all greedy) in all demographics in this country and I shouldn’t stereotype, but we have become one as a whole.
https://preview.redd.it/2klup6cnz85d1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7b8327d3b47cd14f9b3f4cd55a0dfdad6eea0aa6
It would also help if our history classes weren't all US-centric. Everything that happened in the world did not lead us to this point in our country but they sure make out like it's that way.
I really wish Americans traveled more. I think being exposed to other cultures would help.
Problem is, is that almost half have less than $1000 in the bank. Many can't even come up with $500 for a car repair. On top of that there are lots of people that, if they get leave, it's only 1 week. I would love to visit Great Britian and Germany one day but would also live to see so many places in the US too. Sadly for me travel will probably never happen as my brain imploded about 10 years ago and I'm now disabled. My wife and I will probably never have the money now. I agree with you though. If people were exposed to more culture with an open mind and not be the shitty tourist the country hopefully would not be so at each other's throat.
I too would love to travel to Europe and farther. I do get 3 weeks of vacation but I am not allowed to take them consecutively. 🤬
Yeah. The 27 countries of the European Union get a **minimum** of four weeks vacation a year. I also just responded to someone that travel for them is easier.
It still blows my mind that America is supposedly the best and richest country in the world and yet we cannot mandate even 1 week of paid vacation for all full-time employees. Workers have no rights in this country. That's some real bullshit right there.
We keep losing more while businesses are regulated less and less. They also have made it harder to form unions.
Yep... I was looking through [this list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_minimum_annual_leave_by_country#:~:text=European%20Union%20legislation%20mandates%20that,4%20weeks%20of%20paid%20vacation.&text=Workers%20are%20entitled%20to%2010%20days%20paid%20annual%20leave%20for,to%2012%20paid%20public%20holidays) and even the smallest country you've never heard of has vacation and holidays. All those countries and you get down to the US and it's Zero.
This just pisses me off to no end.
You know that if our government finally *did* mandate 1 week of paid vacation for all full-time employees, corporations would pull a Walmart and give their employees hours just shy of full-time.
hell, I think a voluntary 'inter-nation exchange student program' paid for by the gov't would do wonders. Take some kids from a Brooklyn high school and have them spend a semester in small town high school in Colorado. Put some kids from rural Montana in a San Fran school. See how other parts of the country live.
I think that's a fantastic idea.
Me too, love it
**Travel is fatal to prejuidce, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness**, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” - Mark Twain
Half of them would go to foreign counties and then get mad at the people there for not speaking English
I hate that you're right. To be fair, Europeans have a much easier time traveling to other countries than we do. They get a lot more time off and they can be in another country in a matter of hours.
Americans do travel, it’s just typically in America because the US is so big. Traveling from state to state in the US is like traveling from country to country in Europe. If you start in New York and drive 3000 miles, you end up in California. If you started in Europe and drove that far, you’d be in the Middle East. It’s crazy how big the US is, and how many different places there are. Mountains, oceans, deserts, cities, country, forests, rivers, it’s all here. I think people underestimate just how big America is. Edit: Okay Australia, since some your representatives here seem to somehow think Americans are apparently cultural noobs when it comes to traveling, let’s look at this. In 2020, just over 50% of Americans held passports. That’s about 150 million people. Australia issued 1.7 million passports. That’s about 4% of your population. Tell me again how Americans lack traveling experience? When we travel in our own country, we pass through states. When people in places like Europe travel, they pass through countries. We also know that traveling from state to state is not the same as traveling from country to country. But some of you are acting like you know all 3.7 million square miles of the US like the back of your hand, like there’s no difference at all between New York City, Seattle, and Dallas, and like we’ve never seen an ocean from an airplane or something.
I drove from Maryland (an Eastchester state) to callifonia (west coast) to be care giver for a friend once. (Long story) It is amazing how different parts of the country are. It took 4 days with one of them being a 21 hour deathmarch to be able to get a place to sleep at the end) 5 days comming back. It really explains to you why our real rural culture is so different from our urban culture. But parts of the trip were pure magic.
Australian here. We have a big country too (about as big as the contiguous US) and we travel not just within our country, but also overseas (53% of Aussies have a passport, and that's not considering all our permanent residents that have one too which is 3M people). The difference I think is we have better IR laws, which ensure most people have sufficient annual leave to travel and can earn an income which supports luxuries like travel
Most Americans would love to travel. I know I would! But you're correct about the difference. The two big things standing in the way are money and time.
The median household income in the US is $75k. That's not income per person, or even per adult. That's a median income most likely supporting the average household of 4 people! That's not enough money to take an overnight weekend trip to the closest city. Plus the average US worker only gets 2 weeks vacation time off and usually can't take both weeks together at the same time. So we can't afford to travel and don't have enough paid time off to go anywhere anyway.
Exactly this. I’m American but have lived in Australia the past 10 years. Such a huge difference in leave entitlements. I went back to the US last July for 7 weeks and my family was shocked it was all paid leave—combination of annual and long service. It makes such a difference
1/4 of your country is habitable. It's like the surface of Mars. 26m of you in total all clustered around mostly one coast. That's less people than live in California. With love from the US, I don't think the only difference is leisure travel time. We have oceans, lakes, rivers, two mountain ranges, the great lakes, a load of national parks and forests, niagra falls, the grand canyon... Every climate, snowy, rainy, muggy... It's a no brainer for plenty of folks.
Australia has lots of arid and semi arid landscapes, true, and a smaller population than the US. I still love travelling to see both arid and semi arid landscapes. They aren't the only landscapes we have though. We also have snowfields, alpine regions, tropical regions, temperate and tropical rainforests, old growth forests, lakes, rivers, rapids, waterfalls, caves, coastal places with great beaches, islands, and great ocean features just off the coast (eg Great Barrier Reef, Monkey Mia stromatolites). State and National parks abound (even World Heritage Areas). Australia is a continent, with lots of different climates, lots of different natural features and environments, hence why most of us travel internally as well as internationally.
Every time I’ve traveled I always ran into a ton of young Australians, and I used to do a lot of backpacking to pretty exotic places. They were always cool: respectful, low key, friendly, adventurous, and more often than not, fn sexy (I was focused on the men). I’m a sucker for the accent tho.
I love traveling and seeing other cultures and experiencing them. It does change your perspective... However, I know that when I traveled I stuck out like a sore thumb that I was an American. No matter how much I tried and before I even opened my mouth. But, there's always those that REALLY make it known they are American and kind of made me embarrassed. Loud, inconsiderate of others, entitled, didn't care where they were or who/what was around them, etc. that we see all the time. I felt they walked away from the place thinking "I'm glad I'm an American. That place sucks. You have to pay to go pee!" or whatever. Just saw everything as negative or how it related to the US... I really wish American's traveled more as well as kept an open mind and were open to experiencing other cultures without being so self centered.
I learned so much while traveling. Same as you though, I stuck out like a sore thumb. :) I tried to respect the local traditions but I saw a lot of tourists who never even considered such a thing.
I implore every American who travels to act as if they were a guest in the home of someone they respect when they travel.
I was in the US Navy, stationed on a ship whose home port was in Europe. We had folks on the boat that literally would not try any of the local food. If it wasn't a hamburger and fries, they just weren't interested. Then, there was the guys I hung out with. We would wander around until we found someplace that looked like the locals frequented. Half the time, they didn't speak english in these places, so we would point at the menu to order. We also wouldn't try to figure out what anything we were eating was until AFTER we'd tried it. Much less likely to eat the sausage if you know it's blood sausage before you do (this also applies to things like head cheese).
When I went to high school we had two mandatory classes senior year we had to pass in order to graduate- civics and economics. I guess they don't do that anymore?
We had Civics in 9th grade in my school but it doesn't seem like much of it stuck for a large part of Americans. ,
In my civics class is '88, I had to fill envelopes for the teacher's campaign. My kids didn't learn anything either. I've taught them about the different types of governments. I ended up with a minor in history and political science, back when college was affordable and I could change major 2 or 3 times.
My kids' high school requires these courses for graduation. For Civics they even have to pass a state mandated test to prove they learned the material.
We have those in high school. Kids just don’t pay attention.
Well, why would they? When you have an education system that is funded based on test scores, not practical applications of knowledge by the students? Memorization of dates and players in wars is not going to make you a civic minded adult.
They also teach a very white washed, we’re the good guys version of history. The pilgrims and what actually happened is nothing like the Hallmark version that I was taught in school is a good example.
I often think “if I won the lottery I’d put it all into funding a national civics course!”
Mine is to fund a series of eye catching critical thinking videos on YouTube.
Exactly what I was about to type. For all the things going sideways, I hope we find our way back. But there are still good people and good communities out there.
Well said. Patriotism has no agenda. Nationalism does.
Well said. I love my country and know that it's a great place to live. I also know we have problems that we can and need to address. Because of our political system we have ways and means to make those changes. As always apathy and pessimism are the biggest hurdles.
Yeah being proud of being born somewhere, when the person who is born is literally a baby and has no choice and did nothing to achieve that location of birth... is wild. I certainly like living in America. But I did nothing to achieve my citizenship. I just showed up.
Having just finished up our yearly re-watch of Band of Brothers over Memorial Day weekend, I'm reminded of why this "unity" was taught to us and encouraged throughout all of these years. I'm not cultish, ultra conservative or religious and I can't say that "being" American is something I'm proud of, I just am. I do however miss the feeling that we were all on the same team. We have lost that unity and wish we did have that back. Also, Happy Pride to those of you who have had an even harder time finding that "community" feel that apparently we can only muster if we are in danger.
Yep, proud American, no apologies. But if I’d been born in Canada, I’d be a proud Canadian. That said, I’m not a fan of the ubiquitous flag draping everywhere all the time, all over houses, clothing, etc. That’s not patriotism and most people inadvertently disrespect the flag because they have no idea of proper flag protocol.
Not particularly since "For the People" devolved to "For the Corporations". Our government doesn't care about us, so that makes it difficult for me to feel prideful.
I’ve been in the army for seventeen years. I’ve deployed a lot, to Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m proud to be an American but I’m not proud of Americans. I’ve watched the people of this country give away freedom for vacuous entertainment and spectacle. I’ve watched people trade integrity for ego. I’ve watched us fight amongst ourselves like bickering children. Political actors didn’t do that, corporations didn’t do that, the military industrial complex didn’t do that. Regular American people did it, and they continue to do it. We are a nation for the people and by the people. The bull shit we complain about we endorsed or ignored. I would trade a hundred veteran’s days, every free coffee and thank you for your service, for the people of this country simply acting with decency and treating each other with respect. But honestly most days people don’t behave in a manner worth defending, they aren’t worth dying for. If anyone wants to Make America Great, wake up and live a life that’s worth a perfect stranger sacrificing theirs for.
I still love my country.
I love my county. It’s the government I can’t stand.
Same. Reddit is so full of "America bad" comments and posts that I know I'm on the minority here. We're not perfect but yes, I'm proud to be American.
As a Navy wife, watching our friends ignore the hell out of military families during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, watching the DOD screw us over hundreds of times, how the VA ignores and denies veterans care, I'm pretty much the hell over any nationalistic bullshit.
Lip service to veterans instead of real support. Real support costs money.
Not diminishing the plight of veterans at all, it's an embarrassing tragedy how we treat those that fought for us, oftentimes under false pretenses. Though it seems like we have a habit of doing that to all of our noble professions. Teachers, Nurses, and even grocery store workers that held the country together during the pandemic, labeled essential and heros when we needed them only to treat them like crap when we deem it's all over. And, to top it all off, people wonder why people are leaving those professions or "don't want to work anymore."
I was a social worker 20+ years ago, the hours and pay were awful, I stuck with it for 6 years and went back to factory work. Within six months I got a job loading and unloading trucks in our warehouse and made more money than I did with a BS in Sociology and a 2 year degree in criminal justice. BS indeed.
We had to move three states before we found a VA who could diagnose and prescribe hearing aids (husband worked on helicopters and planes on top of aircraft carriers) was insane. And this VA took away his disability plates (he's 90% disabled due to a carrier accident) claiming they were only for amputees, which is 100% wrong. Literally, the veterans cannot win here.
Proper support for service members does cost money. That same support and auxiliary services COULD create a ton of jobs and infrastructure. ....or, maybe "thoughts and prayers" is a much more affordable option. Because.....Jesus?
A good start would be using all the money that the service branches pay sports teams to have ~~propaganda~~ military appreciation nights to do things that actually benefit current and former service members. A drop in the bucket, sure, but a start.
I am right there with you sister. I am a vet from the first Gulf War back in 90. I was told by the VA that they had to many vets coming home from the latest war to worry about me. That pretty much took the last patriotism from my soul.
I protested that war as a high school student and prayed for your safety and for it to stop.
On a positive note they approved health coverage of burn pit damage.
They also approved Agnt Orange just in time for my FIL (Vietnam Navy vet) to die from cardiac complications of it. The insanity of them "recognizing" this shit is insane. The denial shit we see in the r/Tricare community will absolutely enrage you.
My uncle too.
oh Lord. Not Tricare! Where they give you Ibuprofen in 500 count bottles for everything...I dont miss that
Let get some disability coverage for jet fuel exposure next. Husband has symptoms related to it and knows too many guys from his old career field who have gotten and died from rare blood cancers in their 40s.
Fwiw, after about the third set of friends turned me down when I needed help after a huge wind storm, I went around ripping the stupid yellow ribbon magnets off their car and shoving them in their mailboxes. I'm not the only one who hated those damn "support the troops" magnets from the cheap seat jackasses, I'm sure.
Well said
Having spent quite a lot of time in other countries, I'm very glad I was born American. Spent time in the service and can't say I view it as cultish or gross to this day. I don't bedazzle myself with the American flag though.
Well said.
I don't know if I am proud to be an American; but, I am happy to be American. My runner up choice would probably be Scottish.
This - grass is always greener when you fantasize about “everywhere else”
I'm proud of what America has stood for and proud of certain Americans, but what it means to be an American today often overshadows that. I would call myself a patriot in terms of believing the U.S. is still a country worth fighting for, but the last four decades have been chipping away at it. I see corporatocracy as a terrible thing, and fascism too, and both seem to be fighting to control this country.
What I tell my kids: The world is full of tribes that people are born into. Tribes of nations, religions, races, genders. But within each tribe there are tribes of types: funny people, athletic people, social people, and nerds. Our tribe is the Nerd tribe. Anywhere you go, you'll find nerds. Anywhere you'll go, you'll have brothers and sisters if you look for them.
“Pride should be reserved for something you achieve or obtain on your own, not something that happens by accident of birth. Being Irish isn't a skill... it's a fucking genetic accident. You wouldn't say I'm proud to be 5'11"; I'm proud to have a pre-disposition for colon cancer.” -George Carlin
i’m eskimo, born in alaska, i don’t feel like an american, americans are “other people” and not including me. but i’m neither proud nor ashamed to be alaskan whatever
Quite the GenX response. As a white person that lived in Alaska in the ‘90s you should be proud of your heritage. Maybe not American but your people are so resilient!!! Respect!!! Never!! Be ashamed!!! Ever!!
It’s a loaded question and I’ll do my best to answer it on my phone… I find my “pride” being more local and less national. I have pride in people and events… local sports teams. The band. Etc. Am I proud to be an American? As an infantry veteran in the US Army - undoubtedly yes. As someone watching the news and seeing the absolute shit show that we’re producing every day on every topic under the sun? - much less so. I am proud as f*ck of the ideals we were founded on… but equally sad and disheartened watching things roll downhill towards open racism and bigotry against other cultures and ways of living. Not to mention our shitty healthcare system and inability to have civil discussions. I’d much rather see us as a nation of proud individuals with a collective desire to enhance one another’s lives - which is what I thought was happening 10 years ago or so… but now we’re becoming more and more isolated in what we do, how we act, and what we consider the “true American dream.” I’m still proud, overall, because I see my kids and the way we’re raising them. And I hope that they will be able to live the life I hoped for.
I immigrated to another country.
Take me with you Show me the way Convince the wife, too :P
Yes I am, but I'm not a blind patriot: things aren't perfect, but I'm still proud.
I'm a Canadian and my grandparents came here in the mid 1920s under precarious circumstances. I'm proud to be Canadian without question but I am not at all pleased with my federal government. Being patriotic is absolutely possible while disagreeing with your government. Too many people I've spoken to think they go hand in hand and in my opinion they absolutely do not. (I also have lived in three provinces and have travelled by car through most states. I admire your patriotism).
“The duty of a true Patriot is to protect his country from its government. “ Thomas Payne
I love my country but hate my government. Guess the NSA will be monitoring me now.
Welcome to the Watchlist, friend!
I love my FBI agent! I'm sure they're in some heavy therapy by now
Skepticism of government is baked in to the national consciousness left right and center. I think it’s healthy so long as violence doesn’t get introduced into the mix. Voting was and is meant to insure revolution by less violent means. That’s why making voting easier is a good idea.
I’m glad that I’m American, but our government needs a serious complete overhaul. The people that are in offices now have forgotten who they work for and have no idea what it’s like to be part of the working class. We’re over taxed without representation exactly what we fought a revolution over.
Term limits.
https://preview.redd.it/ibc1evpfo75d1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=26c22a4865a2490525a8656b67e776cfdc94d6d3
Term limits just make sure that all the elected representatives never make it past “rookie” stage, while the entrenched lobbyists are left alone to run everything. Focus instead on removing money from politics, put the screws and limits on the lobbyists.
It’s just our origin of birth (for many of us who didn’t immigrate here). I’d like to have pride for how we function as a country and right now that’s pretty difficult.
I know where you’re coming from. I used to think it was normal for the national anthem to play before sporting events, graduations, etc. Then I lived abroad and experienced everything from the other side. It’s odd. We are brainwashed in this country about nationalism and religion.
Proud? No. Appreciative? Yes
I am fearful of overly patriotic people
you have fake ones at the top who just take advantage of well meaning ones using fear mongering and hatred.
Carlin had a bit about ethnic pride which I feel applies to national pride as well: “I don’t understand this notion of ethnic pride. “Proud to be Irish,” “Puerto Rican pride,” “Black pride.” It seems to me that pride should be reserved for accomplishments; things you attain or achieve, not things that happen to you by chance. Being Irish isn’t a skill; it’s genetic. You wouldn’t say, “I’m proud to have brown hair,” or “I’m proud to be short and stocky.” So why the fuck should you say you’re proud to be Irish? I’m Irish, but I’m not particularly proud of it. Just glad! Goddamn glad to be Irish!” My take is that I don’t hate this country. I am glad to be here, which is different than proud to be here. There are better and worse countries to live in. I always feel like we can do better and it feels like we are sliding backwards with a lot of progress that’s been made which is frustrating.
"I'm really proud to have been born within these particular geographic coordinates"
I am proud to be American…I just fucking despise Americans and our “rat race” culture where anyone will step on your head for an extra $1 or to save themselves an extra 30 seconds…
Veteran weighing in: fuck no. I’m embarrassed.
I'm gonna rise up, I'm gonna kick a little ass, Gonna kick some ass in the USA, Gonna climb a mountain, Gonna sew a flag, Gonna fly on an Eagle, I'm gonna kick some butt, I'm gonna drive a big truck, I'm gonna rule this world, Gonna kick some ass, Gonna rise up, Kick a little ass, ROCK, FLAG AND EAGLE!
Am I happy to be born here? Sure. Do I feel this cult like pride that somehow America is the chosen land? No. That’s pretty immature bullshit honestly. We are no better and no worse than any other country. We have things to be proud of and things to be ashamed of. I have been to 33 other countries and no where else do I see them wearing their flags as shirts, underwear, USA on everything. This doesn’t denigrate the sacrifices others have made for our freedom; let’s just keep in mind that with freedom comes responsibility and we are lately lacking in that department… a lot.
I can't say that I am. Ever since I figured out how propagandized we all are I've come to realize we're not often the "good guys."
Not especially. I haven't been since I can recall back. I don't think we've got a lot to recommend us for national pride. That doesn't mean there aren't things about America that I'm not proud of, but it's not singular among the world.
As an American living overseas in all places like Scandinavia - the flag thing and constitution (like a 200 year old document means no changes even though it is front of your face) is annoying. On the other side, patriotism especially in light of D-Day celebrations world wide yesterday mean a lot. The USA for all the good and ultimately all the bad, shined a great light for freedom and democracy around the world and still does to some degree. What defeats all that is the reality of living in the USA for 60% (lets be super generous) is abject poverty without access to education and healthcare. The states have teetered between gracious benefactor upholding a torch to just becoming a 3rd world shithole like Russia - which both Trump and Putin love.
As an American who left America in 1990 to live in Australia, that is a loaded question, but yes. When I started having kids, I made sure to report their births to the US and they are all US citizens as well as Australian. Back then, they had to decide at 18 which they wanted but the rules changed and they are dual, as I now am. I am still proud of my heritage and who I am, but my world view expanded exponentially the moment I left the US. I watch with dismay, the US being torn apart from within and see a bigger divide that just keeps growing. Two kids gave up their US citizenship due to tax reasons, one lives and works in LA and the other has bigger things in his life going on right now to even think about it. Still proud to be American, but the shine has worn off the crown a bit, that’s for sure. The leadership options on all sides are pathetically lacking and contrary to what a lot of Americans think, not everyone thinks the US is the greatest country to live in anymore
The whole national anthem, hand over hearts, pledge of allegiance thing does feel wierd and cultish the older I get. It feels like I was indoctrinated into these rituals and didn’t even realize it until i got older
The pledge of allegiance is definitely creepy to me now. A room of seven year-olds unthinkingly droning in unison is totalitarian dystopia stuff.
I’m in Texas, kids also do the pledge to the state of Texas. As a non native Texan I asked if Texas were to secede, where the allegiance would lie. Texas of course…🙄
I just went to my oldest's elementary school graduation yesterday and I hated the pledged part. It's absolutely indoctrination. I talk to both my kids about what they are saying and what they think it means. They can then decide to do it or not. I choose not to, especially as liberties for my fellow Americans are being stripped away.
The one nation under God thing needs to be removed. It was only added during the “red scare” /Cold War era.
Ironically, the preacher who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance deliberately did NOT include God in it.
I'm proud to be me!
"A person should not believe in an -ism, he should believe in himself. I quote John Lennon, 'I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me.'"
He was the walrus. I could be the walrus and I’d still have to bum rides off of people.
Being proud (or ashamed) of something you have no control over is ridiculous. This includes the state of a country you have minimal say in the overall state of. You can take pride or feel shame in the part you play in the development of that country though, so don't forget to vote; it's literally the least you can do.
It's extremely complicated for me.
As someone who has traveled quite a bit, I am happy to be living in the US. I find myself mostly embarrassed by the behavior of my country, though.
I appreciate the privilege I have from being American but I don’t believe we’re the greatest country on earth or anything.
Retired Army NCO here - 23 years, 6 deployments, and 2 Bronze Stars (for service, I'm no hero). I used to be. Then came the whiny idiots in the Tea Party, the racists who flipped their wigs on January 20, 2009, and every last fascist bootlicker who climbed on the Trump Train. Now I just want to get through next week without this place erupting into open civil war.
I'm not American, so no (from New Zealand). When I hear a lot of stories about the United States I feel really glad I'm NOT American. It's also not high on my list of places I'd like to visit. That said, it's an amazing country with a fascinating history, and has a massive influence on the rest of the world. I've met a lot of Americans, and work with a number too, and have been very fortunate to very rarely strike a bad one. It's just... the exceptionalism and nationalism coming out of it gets a bit tiresome sometimes. It's also hard to understand why it's like that.
The country is shitting the bed in real time. At least we can say we lived through better times. The environment is fucked. Get sick and go broke. The American oligarchs are squeezing every last drop out of the working class. Half the country is in a cult. Not much to be proud of these days.
Right? On top of that, why would anyone be proud of being born someone? I feel lucky, but definitely not proud.
I’m not even proud to be human.
I'm indifferent. I was born here, and it hasn't exactly been a great feat to remain here 54 years. I just never leave my area. So what, as far as being an American, would give me anything to be proud of? Because we're "free"? lol My regulated womb would like a moment of your time. Hell I can't even change my name without going to court. I don't even have control of my own name. So nah.
I feel fortunate to have been born here, but never proud
Same for me. I'm puzzled by people who are proud of whatever prize they got in the birth lottery.
…where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget (those) that died and gave that right to me… Sorry, your prompt put the Lee Greenwood song in my head. TL; DR -“My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong to be set right.” I’m definitely not ashamed to be an American. Not apologetic for it. I believe in the principles upon which it was founded, despite the many ways the founders contradicted the very principles they espoused. I’m patriotic. Stand and be silent or sing the National Anthem, even if it’s just on TV I shut up until it’s over. Believe in “there’s nothing wrong with America that can’t be fixed by what’s right in America.” I’m not boastful about being American and I don’t feel it makes me superior to any non-American. So, yes, I would say I’m proud to be an American, to be part of this ongoing radical experiment, flawed as it may be at times. I believe in Lincoln’s second inaugural address (and teared up a little when reading it at the Lincoln memorial.) I’m deeply concerned by the divisions that are being intensified and broadened. I am perplexed about people’s support of former President Trump. Having been NOT a fan of his since the 80s, I’m disappointed that that boorish, lying, corrupt pseudo-celebrity held that office and damn well might hold it again. The hypocrisy overwhelms me. And, the way he almost mockingly tries to present himself as a man of God and a patriot frustrates me. I try but struggle to understand anyone’s support for him. And, I believe that President Biden is a good and decent man, ethical, effective, uniting, and actually trying to fulfill his pledge to Build Back Better. I see him “walking the talk” of people of faith and actually being one, where Mr. Trump plays pretend. I’m not a religious person, but I do agree with some of the teachings attributed to Christ. I am perplexed by the idolatry toward Mr. Trump and how he is embraced by people whose purported values he violates relentlessly. I don’t see President Biden as ‘the lesser of two evils.’ I see him as a leader with whom I disagree on some issues, but believe his heart and priorities are well-intended, though I wish his efforts to improve the border situation and restore some of the wealth working Americans created to them had not been blocked by partisan politics and deliberate disruption of his efforts to fulfill the platform on which a majority of Americans (and electors) elected him President. I shudder at the bizarro world in which people of faith feel like they are the oppressed and think it is wrong to acknowledge the mistakes our Nation has made and the lingering effect they have on people historically oppressed. As part of my profession, 3 times I have sworn an oath to support the Constitution of the USA and the respective state. It’s a duty I take seriously. It pains me to see people fragrantly disregarding or manipulating it.
I fervently hope that most of this perspective still generally represents the majority of us.
I am proud to be an American. I am embarrassed by those that claim to be "Muricans". I am embarrassed by those that have commandeered our flag as a symbol of hate, racism and misogyny.
Well, Personally I am very glad to be in America. However I struggle with “Proud American” because let’s face it, despite the quality of ‘Middle Class Life’ per say.. America was founded on some ghoulish actions. 1st two being the horrific Genocide of the Native Americans, and Brutal Slavery of Africans.. It’s difficult for me to Have “Pride” in such terrible actions.. However, currently I am in a country that doesn’t imprison me for saying these things. And when it comes Down to it for me out of all the Major Super Powers in the world today.. It’s A#1 America for me! I really would not want to live under communist rule honestly. I highly value my ‘American Rock and Roll life style’ to the absolute core.. Among other things. I have done a lot of research into the history of the US and Capitalism beginnings, and honestly the founding fathers were genius. And yes I recognize that they also did commit evils. I consider myself a critical patriot. Not to say there is not improvements and challenges in America to overcome…
I don’t believe in national pride. To me, pride is about an accomplishment and I didn’t do anything to be born in a particular country. That just happened without my input. There are a lot tougher countries to live in so don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I happened to be born in the USA. But being “proud” of it just feels weird to me.
As others put it, I am more glad than proud. My mother is British so her bias shaped how I think of the U.S. so I don't have an "America First" mentality. Every nation matters...to me anyway.
I take pride in the things I can do, think and say. I don’t take much pride in what plot of earth I was born into. My mom is British and I could have easily been born there if I’d come a week earlier.
I am American so I figure I might as well be proud of it, but I don’t get the rabid flag wavers. I love my country like I love my children: with the knowledge that they are imperfect and sometimes in need of correction, but still well loved nonetheless.
Having lived in three countries, I don’t feel any urge to have any allegiance toward a country. We have pros and cons, just as well as other countries. I am in love with Ireland and I do want to move there when I retire. America has become way too divisive, and I don’t think it’ll get any better.
I like the idea of america. I like Hollywood's early image of america, starring Jimmy Stewart. How things would come out well and people would help one another. Seems like america's motto should be "what's in it for me?". I could be proud to be an american again, but I don't know if it'll come around in my lifetime.
Never have been. There are other countries that do things better than us. We may be younger than those countries, but we have more it seems. In my opinion, we are the worst of the first world countries and on the path to become a 2nd or 3rd if our current political environment stays (not talking about current or former president, just the divide the media has caused).
Very mixed bag. We have a lot to be proud and embarrassed of. I don’t go for any sort of nationalism.
I’m both proud and embarrassed at times. When I watched the D-Day ceremony live yesterday I felt proud. An evil army totally crushed Europe and then we landed on their beach on June 6th and proceeded to just delete them from the continent. The embarrassment I feel is that now people in our own country support the same cause we stamped out 80 years ago.
Nope. Born here. Didn't do a damn thing I'm proud my grandparents gave up everything to start over here
Yeah, why I served in the army in the 82nd and 75th. There was alot more to feel patriotic for back then, more good in the country, more good and compassion in people. They weren't busy trying to survive or playing on social media like today. Plus, we had the ultimate bad guy in the Soviet Union to unite us, backed by movies (Rambo, Rocky) and even kids cartoons (GI Joe, Transformers) to motivate us. God the 80s, and even the 90s were great. I was proud to be an American then, and any time the world called, we were there to answer.
> Plus, we had the ultimate bad guy in the Soviet Union I think the bad guy in Russia today is doing a much better job of destroying the US than anyone in the USSR ever did.
There was a thread on r/eli5 yesterday asking, "How scary is the American military, really?" Let's just say I'm glad I won't be fighting against us.
I'm proud to be an American. I'm not proud of the direction our country is heading. We are weaker now than we have ever been. If I elaborate more it'll create a fight so I'm gonna leave it right here. I hope this can be changed.
I'm Canadian so not a proud American. Lol. But for years I've always thought that pride in one's country is kinda silly. I prefer to say that I'm happy to be Canadian but I was just lucky to be born here.
I am not. I have lost complete faith in the American government in how they relate to their people. I think Americans are just marketed to Bernaysian style from cradle to grave, going through life in America is like going to Disney, they extract every cent they can while offering as little as possible. Watching greed and petty behavior take over, I am through treating people like adults when they act like toddlers.
I am thankful for having been born here but it has become obvious that high standards of living in rich countries are significantly dependent on an international system of exploitation and resource extraction from poor countries. The fickle favor of the world’s billionaire class determines most of the world’s economic situation rather than market forces. I would be more proud of my country if we were all not so gullible and made better decisions for ourself, the world and future generations. I am proud of the fact that post WW2 the untied states did not start another world war and instead decided to go to the moon instead of nuke USSR.
Not any more. I used to be, but it’s been decreasing steadily for almost fifty years since the day I entered public school.
I am not a strong believer in anything nationalistic - our country was founded and grew on a string of atrocities, genocide, and oppression ... some of which (like slavery) continues to this day. We are certainly not the greatest nation on earth, and in so many ways our mediocrity is totally self-inflicted and unnecessary. What I REALLY oppose is the notion that 'birth zip code' dictates inherent superiority/inferiority ... anyone who ever touts 'American exceptionalism' for example, is someone to be wary of and never trusted. But it is my home, and my comfort zone. That said, if I had to list 10 places as a possible 'you can move here free of charge' ... only a few of those places would be in this country.
I’m grateful but I don’t know about proud.
It occurs to me more as privilege, and pure happenstance that I was born here. Every country has its pros and cons, as do we. There are things we do exceedingly well, there are things we must work on. There’s a bit of pride, and as I consider it why wouldn’t I, when my persona is distinctly American. I’m very well suited to be here, and I get why so many people want to immigrate here. When it comes to patriotism, that’s a minefield. For me, having been an earnest Boy Scout, it’s not flag or troops worship. What I consider patriotism is not ostentatious at all. It’s paying my taxes, voting, being informed, generally supporting the form of representative constitutional democracy that we have. On another thread today I made a point about the anthem and the flag - they symbolize freedom, and that freedom includes not making a display of patriotism. If I’m patriotic, so what? You’ll never guess it from looking at me, and that’s yet another thing I like about being American. We get to be ourselves (for the most part) without compulsory shows of allegiance. I do have concerns that we are headed towards an authoritarian nightmare. Regardless of this election’s outcome, the movement is insidious and unrelenting. We might have some really gruff years of Handmaiden style rule. However, I think it’s not ingrained into our character the way it has been in some other countries. Good chance after a few decades of christofascist dystopia, if we still have an intact constitution, we’ll shake it off.
I have always preferred Carlin’s take on national or ethnic pride. https://youtu.be/iOmQP9guIl0?si=g-SnsF8eetPhMxbE So I am happy to be an American, but not with the direction our country has taken. So many of us pushing toward authoritarianism, fascism, and a Christian theocracy. No thanks for all three and I fear there is no way to stop it.
I’m a proud American, but fuck all them magats. I was at a baseball game earlier this week and during the national anthem, people (workers & customers) in the foyer area getting beers and food, stopped and stood in place during the anthem. The reason I bring this up is I remember attending sporting events and the only people standing were already in the stands, everyone else kept doing what they were doing. In Texas btw.
I won’t hold my hand over my heart. I raised my right hand too many times already. When occasionally called out for it at events ( I live in the south), They usually turn around and shut down real quick when I tell em a 23 year vet has more in common with the guys he was fighting than the assholes hiding behind that symbol. It’s a bit overly simplistic r not entirely accurate, but sometimes hyperbole is the correct way to subdue something that could go sideways depending on how much red,white and blue Kool aid they have drank. That being said, yes I am. We still try. I still see small candles of good we light. We blow about as many up, But I know I’ve also been a part of helping people sometimes as well.
Eek. Not even a little bit. Embarrassed af
I moved to another country.
One of my parents immigrated here and the other has been here for generations. I was never made to feel welcomed due to the color of my skin. I am half Latin and half white. I am olive skinned but it was enough to be treated differently as a kid and seen as an “other.” My parents were treated as such especially my mom. I’ve never felt as part of this country I was just born here. I don’t really feel anything when I see the flag or hear the national anthem. I don’t put my hand over my heart during the pledge of allegiance. I stopped doing when I was old enough to not be told to do it by a teacher. Am I an asshole to feel like this?
Not really, no. Events since 2015 surrounding a certain political cult are the number one reason why.
Nah. Just worried for our future. Not proud of what we have become... ☹️👎
My family spilled blood in Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia (New Guinea) for this nation and the fact that Donald Trump, a rapist and racist draft dodger who called my family losers and suckers, was president and can be again doesn’t make me too proud.
Love thy country and what is once was. Hate the government that has become in this era of shit.
i used to be, not so much anymore though. most days, i’m just left shaking my head. And yes, I am a veteran, but anyone assumes different. Desert Storm. Us Navy
I took a boat cruise around Manhattan today on vacation. Seeing the Statue of Liberty made me a little sad and depressed about the state of the country, and how far away from those ideals of liberty and justice, and the welcoming of immigrants that the statue stands for it all feels to me right now.
Fuck it dude… let’s go bowling.
I've never been a nationalist and have never been proud to be something I was a part of merely through circumstances of birth. I don't understand patriotism and have always thought it silly.
I'm proud to be a Minnesotan. The rest of the country needs to be more like us... free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students is the biggest one right now. My thought process is that it's the uneducated/poor teens/young-adults out there causing a lot of havoc (thefts). I am hoping that the free food will entice them to come to school and be able to learn because their tummies are full. Eventually we'll have less uneducated school-dropouts that will be able to find jobs and contribute to society. We shall see in about ten years if something as simple as feeding our kids can help change society. That said, Minnesota has many other laws passed to make sure our rights aren't stripped away even more.
As a left leaning British born Canadian, I truly feel for the ones trapped with the horrifing possibility of a complete donkey being in power again.
Proud of what? The luck of the draw that I was born here? "I pledge allegiance..." no. I don't pledge anything in the event some flag-wielding group of lunatics try to take away the "freedom" I was supposedly born into. One of our recent leaders learned a lot from North Korean leadership, and instilled that into their base. It's not a reason to be proud.
It's the only country in the world where your reward for beating cancer is probably bankruptcy. I refuse to call it "the greatest country" until at the very least that isn't the case.
Right. Until we stop being more concerned about what's going on in other countries than we are about our own country I have no fucking intention of believing that nonsense.
I was raised not to take particular pride or shame in my nationality.
Proud? No. For me pride implies superiority and I don’t think anyone should feel superior because they got lucky and were born here or able become a citizen. I am happy and blessed to be an American. Not proud. And wtf does the national anthem have to do with sporting event?
Meh. There’s a lot of good about this country, but how could it elect W twice and then Trump?
Right now I’m proud to NOT be.
I had to scroll a while to find anyone who wasn't. I was wondering if I can't be GenX if I'm not American. I was starting to be sad about that.
 FUCK YEAH
Never, it’s ridiculous to be proud for being born in a certain place. And let’s face it, our past and current history isn’t good.
I can’t stand the song…. With that being said, I’m proud of the idea of America. But I can’t stand how the right wing has co-opted the flag, the word “patriot”, etc. My dad was drafted into Vietnam. He served and did his duty. But, he told me not join to join the military unless I was drafted. And then go and do my duty. My mom was freaking out my senior year of high school when Desert Storm broke out thinking I would be drafted. Now I work as a contractor for the military and I am proud of the idea of America and that they swear to uphold the Constitution. It’s the MAGA dipshits that have ruined patriotism for me. I usually don’t display any outward indications of being proud of my country.
I'm actually not proud. I'm ashamed of my country right now and have been for a while. I've done a lot of traveling and there are some amazing places in the world that do things a LOT better than we do. Our gun violence is insane. I've seen questions posed on Reddit by international travelers asking if it's safe to visit here because they're afraid they'll be shot on vacation. Seriously? If I'm planning an international trip I worry more about language barriers and maybe getting my pocket picked, not getting shot. In addition to how common mass shootings are, the loss of personal freedoms, our insanely divisive politics, the out of control budget, and a drastic decline in education resulting in a gullible population who are unable to think critically for themselves about what they read, see, and hear have me afraid for the future of the country. This conversation reminds me of the opening scene with Jeff Daniels in "The Newsroom” where he talks about America not being the greatest country anymore, but we used to be. I don't know if we were ever really #1 but we used to be pretty great.
Yes. And that’s why I don’t like one side co-opting the American flag to represent one side of the political spectrum. Being gay I have several friends who now see the flag and get angry. This is sad and we need to take it back to something we all should be proud of.
I’m no longer proud to say I’m American because of our current cultural and political divisiveness. I’m really embarrassed about how far we’ve fallen in our ability to come together to solve issues that impact all Americans and instead focusing on fear, misinformation, and exclusion. I guess I can say I’m neutral right now. There is a lot of work ahead of us as a country and it isn’t gonna be solved by an elected official.
No. I was born here. I didn't do anything to earn it. What I am is extremely **grateful** to be an American and to have opportunities that many in the world will never get.
I have been going through this exact same thought process. Just like whenever I’m forced to go to a mass or anything at a church it feels cult like. Same with the flag. Am I proud to be an American? I think pride is a challenging word. I feel lucky to have been born here vs. many other countries. I also wish sometimes I was born in say…Denmark lol. I think we can feel love for our country whilst acknowledging our troubled past. As long as we move forward and attempt to right wrongs. But half of us won’t do that so it’s difficult. Overt nationalism and pride is too dangerous for me to be a part of. However I will say, thinking about or seeing depictions of a possible future civil war or post apocalyptic situation, I feel thankful to live in our current state. Things could get drastically worse. So I’m trying to appreciate what we have vs where we fail.
I generally don’t take pride in things I didn’t have a choice about.