how does patriotism work?

[shiva]

can i be patriotic if im from england?

[tartanwiz]

Of course you can. As long as you're not racist or think that the English are superior to everyone else on the planet, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being proud of your country. England gave (and still gives) the world many great writers, rock bands, scientists, engineers and designers. It is a beautiful country with a fascinating history. Some people might think it fascist to fly the St George's Cross, but I don't. I'm Scottish (and a patriot), so if it's OK for me to fly the Scottish St Andrew's Cross it surely should be OK for you to fly the English flag. Patriotism is a fine thing, just as long as it doesn't get to the stage of enmity between peoples.

[shiva]

i think you missed the point i was trying to make or maybe it wasnt clear enough. can i be patriotic in england when we have a royal family and not a patriarchal society?

[Ouisch]

Patriotism is something an individual feels and believes.  It's not a tangible entity, like being a Republican or Democrat.  If you love your native country, it's topography (mountians, lakes, rivers, countryside, whatever), it's people, it's achievements...if you get a lump in your throat when you hear your national anthem...if you get a tear in your eye when you see your country's flag, well, then, you're a patriot.

[woofgang]

I believe that patriotic comes from  "patria" or "fatherland", so yes you can be patriotic in england

[ianess]

I like woofgang`s answer.....I`m patriotic British.......mother Scottish, Dad English.  How many people forget that we`re all supposed to be one big happy family regardless of accents, skin colour, religion or whatever else?

Or am I just being naive again?  Answers on a �10 note to...............

[tartanwiz]

Sorry, shiva, I don't understand. What difference does it make about a royal family or a patriarchical society? What are you trying to say? That you can't be an English patriot if England has a royal family? That you can't be an English patriot if England doesn't have a patriarchical society?

[tartanwiz]

I think there may be a misunderstanding. What do you mean by a 'patriarchical' society? Patriarchical means run by MEN, i.e. the male sex. Are you sure you don't mean a 'democratic' society (a society ruled by the common people)?

[paula.e]

II�m welsh and patriotic and see no reason why the English should not feel patriotic. England is a very lovely country as is Wales�s. As for the royal family that�s a matter of choice. My gran and my mum love the royal family .I think they bring money in to the UK mainly London not the rest of the UK. It�s really down to respecting each other I think we are strong together if we can look at each other as equals. And if we can trust the independence that is fair to each nation within the UK

[Kingaroo]

Shiva were you making a pun? Patri-ots are only for patri-archal society?

[srd]

Shiva, I think you have your patras in a twist.

Both are form the same root - pater, meaning father - but patriotism and patriarchalism are totally different concepts.