Americans Rank No. 1 in Patriotism Survey

[BlackRain]

Americans Rank No. 1 in Patriotism Survey
http://img.breitbart.com/images/ap.gif

When it comes to national pride, Americans are No. 1, according to a survey of 34 countries' patriotism. Venezuela came in a close second in the survey, released Tuesday by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.

People rated how proud they were of their countries in 10 areas: political influence, social security, the way their democracy works, economic success, science and technology, sports, arts and literature, military, history, and fair treatment of all groups in society.

In the U.S., "the two things we rank high on are what we think of as the political or power dimension," said Tom W. Smith, a researcher at the university. "Given that we're the one world superpower, it's not that surprising."

Patriotism is mostly a New World concept, the researchers said. Former colonies and newer nations were more likely to rank high on the list, while Western European, East Asian and former socialist countries usually ranked near the middle or bottom.

The U.S. ranked highest overall and in five categories: pride in its democracy, political influence, economy, science and military. Venezuela ranked highest in four categories: sports, arts and literature, history, and fair treatment of all groups in society.

Eric Wingerter, a Washington spokesman for the Venezuelan government, said many Venezuelans believe President Hugo Chavez has helped create a new sense of national pride. "There's been a real emphasis on rediscovering what it means to be Venezuelan," he said.

Chavez rails against the U.S. government and the Bush administration in particular.

Ireland came in at No. 3, followed by South Africa and Australia.

Cultural differences might explain the lower rankings for the three Asian countries on the list _ Japan (18th), Taiwan (29th), and Korea (31), Smith said.

"It is both bad luck and poor manners to be boastful about things there," Smith said.

Countries that were part of the former Soviet Union or in the former Eastern Bloc ranked lower because they are still struggling to find new national identities, Smith said. Hungary was the highest Eastern European country on the list at 21.

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/06/27/D8IGNV700.html

[Blarney]

America, F*ck Yeah!

[Atlantic Friend]

Wasn't it an American who said that patriotism was the last refuge of the scoundrels ? ;)

Nah, more seriously, good for the US - and good for all the people in the world who are ready to make a stand for their country.

[BlackRain]

Wasn't it an American who said that patriotism was the last refuge of the scoundrels ? ;)

AF, Yes -- an now you know my secret, merde.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2004/team/team3.jpg

[stonecutter]

Wasn't it an American who said that patriotism was the last refuge of the scoundrels ? ;)
Nah, more seriously, good for the US - and good for all the people in the world who are ready to make a stand for their country.


Yeah, but blind, jingoistic patriotism leads to easy manipulation of a people as well as misplaced pride, which all too often creates "us versus them" mentalities that lead to moral self-justification and war.
This is why Europeans, after WWI and II, are now on the whole a hell of a lot less patriotic (read: self-absorbed) than they used to be. They've learned.

[CPLHUNTER]

I believe it is taken outta context a bit, maybe referring to false patriotism :)

But seriously, AMERIKA STRONG!!!

[BlackRain]

Yeah, but blind, jingoistic patriotism leads to easy manipulation of a people as well as misplaced pride, which all too often creates "us versus them" mentalities that lead to moral self-justification and war.
This is why Europeans, after WWI and II, are now on the whole a hell of a lot less patriotic (read: self-absorbed) than they used to be. They've learned.


Was this supposed to be intentionally funny post?

[Atlantic Friend]

AF, Yes -- an now you know my secret, merde.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2004/team/team3.jpg

I'll be silent as a tomb, as we say over here.:)

Have you ever looked at www.nationmaster.com (or .org, I'm not so sure anymore) ? They have lots and lots of stats for hundreds of nations, from the most taxed to the most crime-plagues to the number of tanks...

It's supposed to be based on International Monetary Fund and CIA World Factbook data, and whenever I've looked at it it's been roughly consistent with the data I had. I think they have a series of stats about patrootism, like the percentile of people declaring to be ready to fight for their country. There too America leads the way !

[DIU]

Wasn't it an American who said that patriotism was the last refuge of the scoundrels ? ;)
This is saying of Englishman Samuel Johnson (XVII century).

[XShipRider]

Since none of us have any idea what the questions were, how they were
posed, what demographic was used, etc., we have no idea what this
poll actually reveals.

On top of that, what definition of "patriotism" are they using? Dictionary.com
lists two definitions, they are:
1) Love of and devotion to one's country.
2) n : love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it [syn: nationalism (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=nationalism)]

The "sacrifice" part stands out quite nicely.

[Plastic_Yank]

Was this supposed to be intentionally funny post?Let's be charitable and assume it was. ;-)

[Hollis]

I'll be silent as a tomb, as we say over here.:)

Have you ever looked at www.nationmaster.com (http://www.nationmaster.com) (or .org, I'm not so sure anymore) ? They have lots and lots of stats for hundreds of nations, from the most taxed to the most crime-plagues to the number of tanks...

It's supposed to be based on International Monetary Fund and CIA World Factbook data, and whenever I've looked at it it's been roughly consistent with the data I had. I think they have a series of stats about patrootism, like the percentile of people declaring to be ready to fight for their country. There too America leads the way !

I was going to say something cute too but BR beat me to it. :cantbeli:

What is Important is what each Citizen is doing or will do for their country to make it a better place. Some people whine about the US, only maybe to ease the pain of where they live. Maybe if they stop whining and try to improve their own country, the world would be better off. (same for Americans who whine about other countries).

Charity and hard work, begins at home.

[CPLHUNTER]

I was going to say something cute too but BR beat me to it. :cantbeli:

What is Important is what each Citizen is doing or will do for their country to make it a better place. Some people whine about the US, only maybe to ease the pain of where they live. Maybe if they stop whining and try to improve their own country, the world would be better off. (same for Americans who whine about other countries).

Charity and hard work, begins at home.

Your common sense always makes sense...

[Macs.]

You may have the patriotism, but can you sing your national anthem louder ? p-)

http://www.youtube.com/v/RjJIZBw6ZOY

[Roids]

Nationmaster is a great site, use it all the time.

*Willing to fight for country

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/lif_wil_fig_for_cou-lifestyle-will-fight-for-country

US is at 78% but finland has 86%.

Finland STRONG!111!!

Sweden at 90%?

[Roids]

You may have the patriotism, but can you sing your national anthem louder ? p-)

Most americans dont even know our anthem lyrics.

[RGRBOX]

You may have the patriotism, but can you sing your national anthem louder ? p-)

http://www.youtube.com/v/RjJIZBw6ZOY

Macs.. it's great to see this happening in Germany...

I was watching a game with the US playing once.."can't remember the sport".. but when the National Anthem of the US was played.. even the non US had their hands over their hearts, and were singing.. I was completely ..proud.

[RGRBOX]

Most americans dont even know our anthem lyrics.

And for a long time.. a lot of Amercians forgot to salute the Flag...

For me what's sad is they don't say the Pledge of Alegence in schools in the states anymore...

[CPLHUNTER]

And for a long time.. a lot of Amercians forgot to salute the Flag...

For me what's sad is they don't say the Pledge of Alegence in schools in the states anymore...

That is sad, most just mumble along and don't even care

[p$ycho+log!cal]

Yeah, but blind, jingoistic patriotism leads to easy manipulation of a people as well as misplaced pride, which all too often creates "us versus them" mentalities that lead to moral self-justification and war.
This is why Europeans, after WWI and II, are now on the whole a hell of a lot less patriotic (read: self-absorbed) than they used to be. They've learned.


wow , you stole my words!

good post

[Roids]

And for a long time.. a lot of Amercians forgot to salute the Flag...

For me what's sad is they don't say the Pledge of Alegence in schools in the states anymore...

I still got in my school.......but people can refuse to stand for it. But what pisses me off is that the two ***hats who refuse to stand in the seats behind me feel they can continue to talk rudely during the pledge. It's one thing to let the class acknowledge that you are a ungrateful POS and another to show complete disrespect.

[Hollis]

I still got in my school.......but people can refuse to stand for it. But what pisses me off is that the two ***hats who refuse to stand in the seats behind me feel they can continue to talk rudely during the pledge. It's one thing to let the class acknowledge that you are a ungrateful POS and another to show complete disrespect.

What those asshats needs are some kind words of encouragement.

[Roids]

I dont bother, because them and the teacher will pull out the "freedom of speech" card. It will be like trying to convince a wall to move. I'd rather be able to sort the asshats out of the group than not hearing them talk anyways.

[XShipRider]

That is sad, most just mumble along and don't even care

Those that mumble don't know the words.:)

[PeoplesPoster]

I still got in my school.......but people can refuse to stand for it. But what pisses me off is that the two ***hats who refuse to stand in the seats behind me feel they can continue to talk rudely during the pledge. It's one thing to let the class acknowledge that you are a ungrateful POS and another to show complete disrespect.

Eh, although I'll get flamed for this I've gotta say that theres really no point in saying the pledge unless theres some special reason to. Otherwise it's just another example of the empty patriotism such as the flags on cars after 911. How many of those flags are still on cars and how many people just let them rot out in the weather?

[Hollis]

Eh, although I'll get flamed for this I've gotta say that theres really no point in saying the pledge unless theres some special reason to. Otherwise it's just another example of the false patriotism such as the flags on cars after 911. How many of those flags are still on cars and how many people just let them rot out in the weather?

Your such a cynic............. :cantbeli:

[PeoplesPoster]

Your such a cynic............. :cantbeli:

;) can't help it. I mean really what does it mean to people when they recite the pledge. I'd rather that it be reserved for special occasions rather then as something thats recited so often it becomes more of an act rather than having any true meaning. Take for example those kids in the classroom goofing off, they've probably seen the thing done so many times that it becomes routine, resulting in them taking it for granted and being disrespectful.

[ttunavy]

i cant find a video but id bet that this group makes more noise than any soccer crowd on any given saturday during season.

http://www.chron.com/content/news/photos/01/09/23/a&m.jpg

[PeoplesPoster]

i cant find a video but id bet that this group makes more noise than any soccer crowd on any given saturday during season.

http://www.chron.com/content/news/photos/01/09/23/a&m.jpg

Eh, what do you expect it's a bunch of aggies, they'd make as much noise for sheep fondling. :D GO HORNS!

[ttunavy]

well they are an odd bunch sometimes but they do have the loudest damn stadium besides a dome around.

[Craniel]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Atlantic Friend
Wasn't it an American who said that patriotism was the last refuge of the scoundrels ? ;-)


AF, Yes -- an now you know my secret, merde.

<IMG style="WIDTH: 480px; ; WIDTH: expression(this.width > 640 ? 480 : true)" alt="" src="http://www.darkhorizons.com/2004/team/team3.jpg" border=0>


hey are you italian

[LaoSexMachine]

Yeah, but blind, jingoistic patriotism leads to easy manipulation of a people as well as misplaced pride, which all too often creates "us versus them" mentalities that lead to moral self-justification and war.
This is why Europeans, after WWI and II, are now on the whole a hell of a lot less patriotic (read: self-absorbed) than they used to be. They've learned.

Vs. sitting in a cafe sipping drinks and convincing yourself you are better but reality and things on the ground contradict your thought. So sip on because the truly self absorb don't live in reality. I bet you are French or Quebecois.

[PeoplesPoster]

Vs. sitting in a cafe sipping drinks and convincing yourself you are better but reality and things on the ground contradict your thought. So sip on because the truly self absorb don't live in reality. I bet you are French or Quebecois.

Wow way to prove his point. I didn't see him insult anyone and you come out swinging as if he somehow offended your very being.

[LaoSexMachine]

Wow way to prove his point. I didn't see him insult anyone and you come out swinging as if he somehow offended your very being.

Patriotism=self absorbing is not insulting? Maybe you should reread his post.

[Durandal]

I still got in my school.......but people can refuse to stand for it. But what pisses me off is that the two ***hats who refuse to stand in the seats behind me feel they can continue to talk rudely during the pledge. It's one thing to let the class acknowledge that you are a ungrateful POS and another to show complete disrespect.

Well at least they have taught you the pledge. :cantbeli:

[p$ycho+log!cal]

I bet you are French or Quebecois.

and i bet ur retarded ?

[Ichhabe]

Nationmaster is a great site, use it all the time.

*Willing to fight for country

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/lif_wil_fig_for_cou-lifestyle-will-fight-for-country

US is at 78% but finland has 86%.

Finland STRONG!111!!

Sweden at 90%?

All the Nordic countries on top of the list. Very interesting, but not surprisinly I must say.

[a_very_ex_STAB]

I'll be silent as a tomb, as we say over here.:)

Have you ever looked at www.nationmaster.com (http://www.nationmaster.com) (or .org, I'm not so sure anymore) ? They have lots and lots of stats for hundreds of nations, from the most taxed to the most crime-plagues to the number of tanks...

It's supposed to be based on International Monetary Fund and CIA World Factbook data, and whenever I've looked at it it's been roughly consistent with the data I had. I think they have a series of stats about patrootism, like the percentile of people declaring to be ready to fight for their country. There too America leads the way !

Saying you'd fight for your country and actually doing it are two completely different things!

[Durandal]

Saying you'd fight for your country and actually doing it are two completely different things!

Yeah, I'll say...

I'll be the first to pick up a gun and shoot bad guys coming ashore in the United States.

I have not, however, seen many military conflicts, involving the regular army, that involve defending this nation as a cornerstone of reason.

I'm a pretty strict Constitutionalist and so far we haven't seen many declared wars recently.

Then again, I'm heading into my late 30s, have a business, a future wife, and a community to influence. So, I have a duty here. ;-)

[signatory]

Nationmaster is a great site, use it all the time.

*Willing to fight for country

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/lif_wil_fig_for_cou-lifestyle-will-fight-for-country

US is at 78% but finland has 86%.

Finland STRONG!111!!

Sweden at 90%?

Man, Japan sucks.

[Olybrius]

Yeah, but blind, jingoistic patriotism leads to easy manipulation of a people as well as misplaced pride, which all too often creates "us versus them" mentalities that lead to moral self-justification and war.
This is why Europeans, after WWI and II, are now on the whole a hell of a lot less patriotic (read: self-absorbed) than they used to be. They've learned.

Obvious ... we had a perfect exemple with US the last 3 years

[Hypno85]

Macs we can give you a run for you money lol!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CZyoAFGpbY

[Pille1234]

Wasn't it an American who said that patriotism was the last refuge of the scoundrels ? ;)

Actually, if you are referring to Dylan, he did only lend that quote from the Brit Samual Johnson. Ironicly that same Johnson wrote some interesting stuff about the positive power of patriotism.

[IronFinn]

With Finland that number means that 86% of finns would fight even it would mean obvious defeat.

Finland STRONG!!111