Why are Europeans so offended by US patriotism?

Riprorin

Banned
Apr 25, 2000
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It's not like most of us think the socialist European countries suck, it just that we're proud of our country.

I'll admit that some of our displays of patriotism are a little over the top, but why is that so offensive?
 

Scipionix

Golden Member
May 30, 2002
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Originally posted by: Riprorin
It's not like most of us think the socialist European countries suck, it just that we're proud of our country.
I'll admit that some of over displays of patriotism are a little over the top, but why is that so offensive?

Jealousy.
 

DonaldC

Senior member
Nov 18, 2001
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A great many of our founders were European. Look at all the USA has accomplished in the last 226 years. Much of Europe is still 25 years behind us. Do we rule or what.
 

Tominator

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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More like envy!

Our economy, military...you name it...beats them by a long shot and we won't even go in to saving their ass a time or two.

They pretend freedom and equality. We struggle every day with those things. Our borders are the most liberal of ANY nation. We accept EVERYONE with half a desire to live here.

Be American and try and get a job in Germany and you'll go to jail! Be German and try to get a job in the US and you'll get hiring preference and interest free loans.....

Be an illegal immigrant in any country you can name besides the US and you get deported asap. Here we turn the other way....then give them amnesty a job and interest free loans.

They pretend, we don't and it irks them to no end.
 

Danman

Lifer
Nov 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: DonaldC
A great many of our founders were European. Look at all the USA has accomplished in the last 226 years. Much of Europe is still 25 years behind us. Do we rule or what.

Yes we do. :D
 

PlatinumGold

Lifer
Aug 11, 2000
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I would have to say, sometimes we confuse patriotism with arrogance.

example this thread, much of what is said here could be considered arrogance and not patriotism.

i'm as patriotic as the next guy. there is no reason to be offensive about it tho.
 

Vadatajs

Diamond Member
Aug 28, 2001
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Originally posted by: PlatinumGold
I would have to say, sometimes we confuse patriotism with arrogance.

example this thread, much of what is said here could be considered arrogance and not patriotism.

i'm as patriotic as the next guy. there is no reason to be offensive about it tho.

Yes, there's a definite difference between loving/being proud of one's homeland, and shoving it down someone's throat. The typical, globally-tactless american tends toward the latter.
 

glenn1

Lifer
Sep 6, 2000
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Why are Europeans so offended by US patriotism?

I think many Europeans find it hard to distinguish patriotism from nationalism. Considering that the European experiences with nationalism over the years have typically tended to wind up in extremely bloody conflicts, the concept has left somewhat of a bad taste in their mouths, and it tends to be seen as a negative trait.
 

JellyBaby

Diamond Member
Apr 21, 2000
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I doubt the typical European hates us all that much (France excluded). It's their body politic and media that's a bit crazy. They desperately want to be a world superpower but I don't think they know what's in store for them if they happen to reach that pinnacle.
 

Tominator

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Sorry, but being proud of this country gets you zip anywhere else and idiotic stares from europeans who have never experienced generations growing up is real freedom.

It ain't braggin if you can do it! Call it what you want...arrogance....another term for proud and willing to prove it. We continually hear Europeanns telling us how to act....shoving down the throat is a European tradition! It starts wars and slaughters millions!
 

N8Magic

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
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Originally posted by: Vadatajs

Yes, there's a definite difference between loving/being proud of one's homeland, and shoving it down someone's throat. The typical, globally-tactless american tends toward the latter.
VERY well put.
 

Scipionix

Golden Member
May 30, 2002
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Originally posted by: glenn1 I think many Europeans find it hard to distinguish patriotism from nationalism. Considering that the European experiences with nationalism over the years have typically tended to wind up in extremely bloody conflicts, the concept has left somewhat of a bad taste in their mouths, and it tends to be seen as a negative trait.
American nationalism: never had it, never will.
 

Cyberian

Diamond Member
Jun 17, 2000
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Originally posted by: PlatinumGold
I would have to say, sometimes we confuse patriotism with arrogance.

example this thread, much of what is said here could be considered arrogance and not patriotism.

i'm as patriotic as the next guy. there is no reason to be offensive about it tho.
I agree 100%!
Could you give us some examples of each?

 

Dofuss3000

Golden Member
Feb 10, 2001
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Originally posted by: Tominator
Sorry, but being proud of this country gets you zip anywhere else and idiotic stares from europeans who have never experienced generations growing up is real freedom.

It ain't braggin if you can do it! Call it what you want...arrogance....another term for proud and willing to prove it. We continually hear Europeanns telling us how to act....shoving down the throat is a European tradition! It starts wars and slaughters millions!

heh, maybe thats why they are upset..... we're the best food in the world right now ;)
 

Scipionix

Golden Member
May 30, 2002
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Originally posted by: Tominator
Sorry, but being proud of this country gets you zip anywhere else and idiotic stares from europeans who have never experienced generations growing up is real freedom.

It ain't braggin if you can do it! Call it what you want...arrogance....another term for proud and willing to prove it. We continually hear Europeanns telling us how to act....shoving down the throat is a European tradition! It starts wars and slaughters millions!

Yep, not to mention the fact that the European capacity for action instead of bitching is about as great as their capacity for lowering unemployment and reversing the 29 hour workweek.
 

Nefrodite

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Feb 15, 2001
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deep seeded shame at either being run over by nazi's, collaborating with nazi's etc. etc etc etc:)
 

gplanet

Senior member
Jan 5, 2002
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remember you can only be a patriotic american if you're a Christian and you like your sunday mornings and pledge of allegiance with god
 

Scipionix

Golden Member
May 30, 2002
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Originally posted by: gplanet
remember you can only be a patriotic american if you're a Christian and you like your sunday mornings and pledge of allegiance with god
Didn't take long for the morons to find this thread.
 

HappyPuppy

Lifer
Apr 5, 2001
16,997
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It's jealousy. They are weak and dependent upon each other. We are strong and dependent upon noone. What they perceive to be arrogance is just self-confidence. We know we can kick ass, but we don't. We only ask to be left alone. That doesn't appear to be a possibility.
 

UltraQuiet

Banned
Sep 22, 2001
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Why are Europeans so offended by US patriotism?

Who cares. I certainly don't. I won't apologize for who I am or where I am from. Are we a perfect country/people. No. My experience with Europeans is that they think they are morally, socially and intellectually superior to Americans and America. The problem is that they are not and it really chaps their ass.
 

gplanet

Senior member
Jan 5, 2002
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sciponix

that's not my opinion, but apparantly it's the opinion of George W. Bush, the majority of Congress, and 91% of Americans ;)
 

N8Magic

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
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I can't believe Czar hasn't replied in this thread yet. :Q

This kind of topic usually drags him right in!