[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]

Originally Posted by MTVN

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]

Originally Posted by GypsyGoth

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]

Originally Posted by Liberty4eva

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]

Originally Posted by Liberty4eva

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

[Chuck]

None of the above.

[Liberty4eva]

Originally Posted by GypsyGoth

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

Youtube video

[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]

Originally Posted by ElProximo

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]

Originally Posted by letmein

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.]

Originally Posted by lostalex

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

[lostalex]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

Don't forget Ireland

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

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by lostalex

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

good answer, you are forgiven

[MTVN]

Originally Posted by lostalex

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?