Sacred Relics, or distractions?

[Tchocky]

Originally Posted by NefariousKoel

I mentioned how I disliked reciting 'the pledge' when I was younger, but it didn't have any effect on how I felt about my country when I got older. After watching world events unfold over a few decades, I became thankful for where I was.

True, it had little or no effect on me at the time also. It's the whole idea of getting up and swearing allegiance to a country every morning that I can't stand. If I was in my parents place at the time, I think I would have had issues with it, seeing as I'm not a US citizen :?
I haven't any real trouble with patriotism or nationalism, I just don't understand it. This isn't US-specific, btw, but I do shudder at the idea of a Pledge Of Allegiance, and making children say it. Pisses me off something horrid.

Is having national pride really that dead in Europe? I think not when someone insults a European's nation... I see the reaction. Deep down they're still proud of who they are. It's just damn unfortunate that this political correctness has become second nature - even part of your culture.

National pride isn't dead at all, nor is political correctness the culprit. Personally, I prefer reasoned pride/shame of my nation, hence my status as "conflicted". Being proud of my country for a reason, not just because of my passport. I'm not going to honour my country by default, as my determined nationality has nothing to do with me.
If that's the death of national pride, fair enough. What political correctness do you see at work here?

Overall, I'm proud I'm an American because my ancestors left such staleness behind.

That....makes no sense. You are proud of the choices of others, centuries in the past, which you are connected to by an accident of birth.

Sorry, don't meant to be mean, maybe if you could explain it a little more
me no understandy