[Jack_]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

It's where you grew up, it's traditions and the people around you all shape you and make you who you are, what's wrong with having an attachment and a loyalty towards that?

I can't be bothered to list them all again, but the earlier post I made in this thread sums up my views on the issue.

Basically, in short:

A) It can encourage racial and xenophobic hatred if not carried out properly, as is often the case
B) People's loyalty to their country never seems to be reciprocated when it comes to people's loyalty to the planet and other human beings
C) It can encourage competition and rivalry between nations, and whilst I admit, that can be quite exciting...it's not always a great idea

I don't completely oppose it (but to me, in principle, the idea of it seems a bit...well, odd), but I just wish it were carried out properly more often. It can be quite a dangerous game, let's be honest here.

As for my own patriotic views...well, I like this country and what it stands for (mostly), however I believe I'd prefer other countries more if I were to visit them. I like seeing our nation succeed in events like the World Cup, that can be quite fun and it's nice to see community spirit arise in times like those, but I don't start putting flags up and insulting other nations when ours don't win, and I don't religiously follow and support our history and success in sporting events and other achievements.