Is Patriotism a virtue or a mental disorder?

[Liberty4eva]

Is patriotism a virtue or a mental disorder?

[MTVN]

Well it's not a virtue, but mental disorder's a bit far..

[GypsyGoth]

I think it's people being exploited.

[Liberty4eva]

Well it's not a virtue, but mental disorder's a bit far..

Most people don't think it's either a virtue or a mental disorder so I suppose the question could be which do you think patriotism is closest to.

[Liberty4eva]

I think it's people being exploited.

Not that I doubt you but who do you think is exploiting them? And for what purpose are they being exploited?

[MTVN]

Most people don't think it's either a virtue or a mental disorder so I suppose the question could be which do you think patriotism is closest to.

I'd say it's closer to the latter then, I dont think there's any real logical reason to be proud of your country, it's not like you had any choice in it. I dont mind if people are patriotic although it can be dangerous if taken too far

[GypsyGoth]

Not that I doubt you but who do you think is exploiting them? And for what purpose are they being exploited?

Well I think it's the nation itself. The government build the monuments, and they don't really mean anything, I think every family would prefer to have their loved one.

And I guess since the government represents us, we are part of it.

So it's us who exploit other people in this society to sacrifice their lives, even if we don't understand the war, we are complicit. I guess I haven't thought this through.

And as to what purpose? I believe that it helps maintain the nation, it sets a boundary.

[Shaun]

On some it's cute (sporting events, flag-waving, national holidays); on others it's monstrous (xenophobia, traditionalism). I personally see little point in it until someone starts slagging us off; then I get defensive :tongue:

[Chuck]

None of the above. D:

[Liberty4eva]

Well I think it's the nation itself. The government build the monuments, and they don't really mean anything, I think every family would prefer to have their loved one.

And I guess since the government represents us, we are part of it.

So it's us who exploit other people in this society to sacrifice their lives, even if we don't understand the war, we are complicit. I guess I haven't thought this through.

And as to what purpose? I believe that it helps maintain the nation, it sets a boundary.

The government represents us in theory but in practice I doubt whether they do. Personally, I think that you may be on to something. It exploits those who go to war but it also exploits the taxpayers who have to pay for the wars. The expoiters, I think, are those who get billions for producing the tanks and aircraft necessary for the war.

[joeysteele]

I wouldn't actually describe myself as Patriotic, there are things I love about England but more things I dislike intensely.
I consider myself a member of the Human race so can see some of the good and bad of all Nations. (I don't support England in football so I guess that makes me very un-patriotic anyway).

[Grimnir]

Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious said Oscar Wilde

I choose mental disorder because they have gone full ******

[ElProximo]

Why wouldn't you be proud and supportive of your own family that raised you?

I'd say someone who calls this unhealthy may themselves have a serious problem. A sick heart.

[karezza]

If patriotism is a mental disorder then the Americans are totally insane.

[Grimnir]

ameeeerreeeeeca

3BN1jSpiyIM

[lostalex]

Virtue for SURE. Why are you even having a poll? you shoulda just asked me and i coulda told you the answer.

[Niamh.]

A virtue of course!

[Benjamin]

A virtue.

[Livia]

A virtue over here on the east side of the Atlantic. A mental disorder on the West side. I thought it was obvious for everyone to see.

[letmein]

Why wouldn't you be proud and supportive of your own family that raised you?


Just because your family raised you, doesn't mean that they're good people.

[lostalex]

Just because your family raised you, doesn't mean that they're good people.


That's true. Patriotism in places like Cuba or Iran or North Korea or China, is very different from good patriotism like in the USA or UK or Australia.

[Niamh.]

That's true. Patriotism in places like Cuba or Iran or North Korea or China, is very different from good patriotism like in the USA or UK or Australia.

Don't forget Ireland:nono:

[lostalex]

Don't forget Ireland:nono:

Sorry, i thought Ireland was so obvious it would be patronizing to mention it specifically:P

[Niamh.]

Sorry, i thought Ireland was so obvious it would be patronizing to mention it specifically:P

:laugh: good answer, you are forgiven:love:

[MTVN]

That's true. Patriotism in places like Cuba or Iran or North Korea or China, is very different from good patriotism like in the USA or UK or Australia.

Bollocks, what makes being a patriotic Iranian worse than being a patriotic Briton?

[lostalex]

Bollocks, what makes being a patriotic Iranian worse than being a patriotic Briton?


the British state doesn't stone homosexuals and rape victims to death as a matter of national policy? That's just 1 of many reasons.

[Pyramid*]

the British state doesn't stone homosexuals and rape victims to death as a matter of national policy? That's just 1 of many reasons.


No, but they do allow child murderers to be freed, given new identities and allow them a completely new life to start over - all paid for by the public purse - the same public who in the majority, dsagree with such 'policies'. Iran may have their flaws, but my god, so too does Britain and the rest of the Western world.

To suggest Patriotism as being considered a mental disorder is uttery nonsense. Many people see different things, good and bad, in their country.

[MTVN]

the British state doesn't stone homosexuals and rape victims to death as a matter of national policy? That's just 1 of many reasons.

Irrelevant. If you're from Iran and consider yourself patriotic that doesnt automatically mean you're accountable for what your government does and it doesnt mean you're a "bad patriot".

And look at the atrocities Britain has commited in the past, and the USA, if you're patriotic to the UK it doesnt suddenly mean you're accountable for that either.

[Pyramid*]

Irrelevant. If you're from Iran and consider yourself patriotic that doesnt automatically mean you're accountable for what your government does and it doesnt mean you're a "bad patriot".

And look at the atrocities Britain has commited in the past, and the USA, if you're patriotic to the UK it doesnt suddenly mean you're accountable for that either.

Totally agree.

[lostalex]

Irrelevant. If you're from Iran and consider yourself patriotic that doesnt automatically mean you're accountable for what your government does and it doesnt mean you're a "bad patriot".

And look at the atrocities Britain has commited in the past, and the USA, if you're patriotic to the UK it doesnt suddenly mean you're accountable for that either.

That's a good point. I suppose it is all relative. I'm only speaking for myself. If i was Iranian, i wouldn't be proud of my country, but I'm American, and i am very proud of my country. (but not everything it's ever done)

[Niamh.]

That's a good point. I suppose it is all relative. I'm only speaking for myself. If i was Iranian, i wouldn't be proud of my country, but I'm American, and i am very proud of my country. (but not everything it's ever done)

You don't know that though, you would think very differently if you were Iranian.

[Pyramid*]

That's a good point. I suppose it is all relative. I'm only speaking for myself. If i was Iranian, i wouldn't be proud of my country, but I'm American, and i am very proud of my country. (but not everything it's ever done)

That does not make sense. How can you possible assume / know how you would feel if you were someone else!!:conf:

I have no idea what it would feel like to be a Masai warrior for example, therefore I could not possibly comment on whether they are proud of Kenya?

How you can say that, completely baffles me.

[Zippy]

Nothing wrong with being proud of where you come from

But like with everything else its about moderation. Nobody likes extremists or arrogant superiority complexes.

But devotion and loyalty are fine and dandy.