What makes a person patriotic? Sometimes fanatically so?
483547
I think propaganda goes along way to making people fanatically patriotic. Fear helps too - making people believe that their country is constantly under attack. Selective history, leaving out the bad parts and pumping up the good parts, helps. You can also create an us/them mentality to make people fanatically patriotic.
1122129
The answer is simple....no one is actually from America since it's a new country (200+ years old etc). Most people are migrants from previous generations and so feel patriotic to the country that gave their forefathers opportunity.
341739
The feeling it gives me when someone sings the national anthem. The way people are different than other countries. The pride. The honor. Something deep in my heart believes in America, and I love it because of the way it is.
440187
Well, judging by their high living standards, their very low government corruption levels and their democratic, socially-responsible societies, the scandinavian countries are the ones that seem the most patriotic to me.\n\nRemember, we should not confuse patriotism (the love for one's country and people), with nationalism (the belief that a nation is superior to the rest). \nSadly, there are a lot of nations I could classify as nationalist, and not as patriotic.
1108822
The politican is very astute. Through this seemingly simple question he reveals unpleasant truths about the nature of patriotism. Do we put loyalty to country before humanity itself?  If so why? If we put country first there must be reasons that make the protection of life less important. What on earth could these reasons be? I think this politician is ingeniously demonstrating that if the people put country first then they are uncivilised. An interesting thought - for Americans in particular!\n\nThe politician was cleverly showing patriotism for what it is - a fiction. Its a device created to make us obedient to a flag, but there are higher things. Highest of all, our concern for our fellow man - including that one extra foreigner - even at the cost of 100 of our own countrymen.\n\nI would go for 101 strangers every time.
805641
someone who is pround to live in this country and appreciates the freedoms we have
949696
Most people of the United States have a good heart, and have their country's best interests at heart.  They just have different ways of going about it, depending on how they were reared.
887059
i agree with you. unless maybe the person can't for a medical reason, etc. but other than that, yes. SHOW RESPECT FOR OUR COUNTRY! our brave soldiers are willing to go fight for america and risk their lives and some people in here are to lazy to get of their ass to pledge allegiance to the flag. i think its wrong. i will proudly stand for my country and do everything i can to support it.
634384
Blind flag-waving patriotism is shallow at best, and dangerous at worst.  True patriotism is in how you ACT, not just being a rah-rah cheerleader for the home team.  A flag is not a pom-pom.\n\nEnlisting in the army is real patriotism.  Voting is patriotism.  Standing up for the principles of your Constitution (such as defending rights of people you disagree with, keeping the church out of government and government out of the church) is patriotism.  Knowing the difference between defending free speech, and abusing it, is patriotism.  Refusing to give up freedoms in exchange for a little "homeland security" is patriotism.\n\nFlying a flag on the antenna of your gas-guzzling SUV until it's a tattered rag is *not* patriotism.  Flags and eagles on the billboard or ad for a car dealership is *not* patriotism.  Telling people to "go back where you came from" is *not* patriotism.  Chipping away at the Constitution out of *fear*, is *not* patriotism ... and calling it a PATRIOT ACT doesn't make it patriotic. Rooting for your military to kick some Arab a*s, as if war was just a big football game that you are just watching from your couch, is *not* patriotism.  It is cowardice.
94131
Some of these people conveniently forget that real patriotism is not blind allegiance. I am reminded of the sheep in Orwells Animal Farm, that could only bleat in unison.\n\nThe other part of this is a kind of debating tactic where if you don't like what some one says, you attack them with an ad hominum statement. \n\nI remember an old saying : " Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel" .   Turn over a rock in D.C. and you will find a lot of patriots.
935400
Civic virtue is promoting the common good, and civic virtue in a country satisfies the people causing a spur patriotism. So, in a way, yes patriotism is a virtue.\n\nThe United States of America was founded on the principle of Judeo-Christianity, so as Andrew Jackson said "The bible is the rock on which our republic rests".\nMost of the individual rights that we have were inspired by Judeo-Christianity, nevertheless Classical Republicanism (from the time of Rome) also aided the founders/framers when they created the constitution outlining our form of government. Thus, creating our country.
655050
I think being a patriot means standing up for what you believe is "right" for the majority of people. Like the Minutemen are doing. A lot of people disagree with them, but they feel what they are doing is what needs to be done to help secure our country. (Personally, I agree with them). But others feel they are not needed/wanted, etc.\n\nYou never have to follow popular opinion. Just get ALL the facts before you make any decisions. Don't just listen to the news. There is always more to the stories that what they tell you. Make up your own mind. God bless! And, OH!, don't forget to vote EVERY chance you get.
432149
well I might be called flag wrapped as I love this country and think it is the best and have been in the military, probably going back in\n\nI am not bible thumping, I find them funny though.\n\nI vote mostly republican, but not always, probably 80%\n\nhope this helps ya
309906
I believe in patriotism.  I don't believe that you should let a few bad apples spoil the bunch.  This country is great because if you don't like something about it, there are ways to change it.  Celebrate patriotism and vote.
779301
Ironically, yes patriotism could imply that depending on what your country believes in. For instance, in Nazi Germany it was quite patriotic to turn in Jews.\n\nHowever, what our country is supposed to believe in means that we stand up to those who propogate injustice. True patriots of this country are willing to die for what they believe in.\n\nA true patriot would not be intimidated by acts of terrorism. They wouldn't act like frightened sheep running to the proverbial sheperd hoping that he/she could protect them.\n\nA true patriot of this country doesn't suspend basic rights for people, citizen or not. A true patriot does not condone torture, as it is against everything that we stand for.\n\nA true patriot does not take away the rights of the many in the name of security.\n\nTrue patriots of this country have an event like 9-11 happen and say, "Is that all you got?!". True patriots don't let fear change the way they live.\n\nIn this day and age, our country is lacking in true patriots.\n\n~X~
825563
BBQs, Communities, and Baseball:\nAn Analysis of Patriotism's Relevance in Today's Children.\n\nTalk about how patriotism brings a community together and encourages kids to get along through friendly competition, sharing ideas, and making friends.\n\nAnd no plagiarizing.
60431
True patriotism starts and ends not with nifty catch phrases or jingles; its in you're heart.