I am one American who agrees with you on this. My father, a decorated WWII veteran, summed it up very succinctly when I was about 12 in referring to a neighbor who was always flying his out-sized flag: 'Big flag...4-F'.
I always find it humorous to see some 19year-old driving around in his pick-up or SUV with flags flying from every corner of auto(especially common during Irag war). If he's so gung-ho why doesn't he join the Army or Marines and dispense with all the jingoistic display!
I always find it humorous to see some 19year-old driving around in his pick-up or SUV with flags flying from every corner of auto(especially common during Irag war). If he's so gung-ho why doesn't he join the Army or Marines and dispense with all the jingoistic display!
Its an important visual part of the culture, along with the constitution that backs it all up in writing.
(Some of it is silly, like flag infested trucks, but the underlying belief in the image is solid)
The French are like that too.
(A resounding National Anthem rounds off this sort of approach.)
Both countries have done very well using this system, and have enough spare cash for things like space programs.
(Some of it is silly, like flag infested trucks, but the underlying belief in the image is solid)
The French are like that too.
(A resounding National Anthem rounds off this sort of approach.)
Both countries have done very well using this system, and have enough spare cash for things like space programs.
I was driving a couple months ago and when I was stopped at a light, I noticed a vinyl 10 inch by 20 inch flag on the ground on the medial strip. I sat there for a few moments and it really started to bother me. I put my emergency lights on, got out of my BMW convertible (
), and I picked that flag up and took it home. It just didn't feel right, the American flag being treated like that.
I know of a French gentleman in my neighborhood who was getting a lot of negative feedback when the U.S. and France had their disagreement over the U.N. situation and subsequent Iraq invasion. I guess he was catching a lot of flak, because he drove around with an American flag displayed in his car window.
I saw a Muslim driving around in a Chevy pickup truck. He had a large American flag sticker on the side of his door. The Middle-easterners in the U.S. have gotten a lot of shit since 9/11. Tens of thousands have left the U.S. since then.
I know of a French gentleman in my neighborhood who was getting a lot of negative feedback when the U.S. and France had their disagreement over the U.N. situation and subsequent Iraq invasion. I guess he was catching a lot of flak, because he drove around with an American flag displayed in his car window.
I saw a Muslim driving around in a Chevy pickup truck. He had a large American flag sticker on the side of his door. The Middle-easterners in the U.S. have gotten a lot of shit since 9/11. Tens of thousands have left the U.S. since then.
Answer this: Why did you choose the avatar that you have? I can only assume that it is for the same reasons.
My view on the flag is akin to what Nelson said on the Simpson's in the episode where Lisa competes in a essay writing contest in Washington. Those that have seen it know what I'm saying.
My view on the flag is akin to what Nelson said on the Simpson's in the episode where Lisa competes in a essay writing contest in Washington. Those that have seen it know what I'm saying.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Patriot:
Brazil Nut probably the same reason we have about 2 million new people come to this country every year.
And you can put the flag upside down or on your on your ass or wrap up your garbage if they want but most people treat it with respect because they want to.Not because they have to.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Actually, Patriot, I don't think Brazil nut's stupid ass comment about the flags was directed at Americans this time, but rather all nations.
Maybe the reason he doesn't understand about patriotism and why people display the flag,
is because he's from a country that doesn't have as much to be proud of. Americans, in this sense are truly blessed, and can always be proud of the amazing accomplishments of their people and will always have respect for the heart-breaking sacrifices brave men and women have made in the past 250 years to earn and preserve our freedom and liberty. Freedom and liberty need to constantly be fought for and defended. For some reason, they don't come naturally for the human race.
However, the U.S. has never won any World Cups. Brazil has won more than it's share of World Cup titles. A2345exxx...It's not a lot to build on, but it's a start. So, if you decide to fly the Brazil flag in your little corner of the world, I'll respect your reasons for doing so. I would appreciate it if you'd respect my reasons for displaying my flag.
Brazil Nut probably the same reason we have about 2 million new people come to this country every year.
And you can put the flag upside down or on your on your ass or wrap up your garbage if they want but most people treat it with respect because they want to.Not because they have to.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Actually, Patriot, I don't think Brazil nut's stupid ass comment about the flags was directed at Americans this time, but rather all nations.
Maybe the reason he doesn't understand about patriotism and why people display the flag,
is because he's from a country that doesn't have as much to be proud of. Americans, in this sense are truly blessed, and can always be proud of the amazing accomplishments of their people and will always have respect for the heart-breaking sacrifices brave men and women have made in the past 250 years to earn and preserve our freedom and liberty. Freedom and liberty need to constantly be fought for and defended. For some reason, they don't come naturally for the human race.
However, the U.S. has never won any World Cups. Brazil has won more than it's share of World Cup titles. A2345exxx...It's not a lot to build on, but it's a start. So, if you decide to fly the Brazil flag in your little corner of the world, I'll respect your reasons for doing so. I would appreciate it if you'd respect my reasons for displaying my flag.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Answer this: Why did you choose the avatar that you have? I can only assume that it is for the same reasons. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I am proud to be Brazilian (but not nationalistic) and I know many other Brazilians who feel the same way and they are proud of Brazil's achievements and culture etc but they dont go around flying the flag everywhere - in Brazil its more of preserving the culture by expressing pride in 'being Brazilian' - eating Brazilian food, listening to Brazilian music, watching football (of course) etc. I disagree with American:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>he's from a country that doesn't have as much to be proud of <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I have plenty to be proud of but do accept my country's limitations and am also optimistic for the future.
I am proud to be Brazilian (but not nationalistic) and I know many other Brazilians who feel the same way and they are proud of Brazil's achievements and culture etc but they dont go around flying the flag everywhere - in Brazil its more of preserving the culture by expressing pride in 'being Brazilian' - eating Brazilian food, listening to Brazilian music, watching football (of course) etc. I disagree with American:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>he's from a country that doesn't have as much to be proud of <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I have plenty to be proud of but do accept my country's limitations and am also optimistic for the future.
Brazil Nut...A lot of your reason are the reason Americans wave their flag...but I think your tone was less than sincere...A war veteran was asked what he thought of a group burning an american flag in the town square.He replied that he went to war so that they have the right to burn the flag.
I have to say that the one thing that really pisses me off in the states is when you go to a Perkins or any other restaraunt or business and they have a 12 foot by 5 ft flag that they never take down; rain, snow, winter, summer... it has tattered edges, the seams are coming loose and they think this is a symbol of their national pride. It disgusts me.
A2345,
Good question, but it applies to many others, not just Americans. Today is a big national holiday in Hungary and about one out of 3 houses have huge Hungarian flags draped for all to see. These serve a number of purposes...
For one it fosters national unity. While you look at your neighbor thinking what an idiot he is, the flag reminds you that you have something important in common with him that neither of you must ever forget. It reminds you what your priorities are and where you stand on issues that are really important.
If you put out a flag, you are saying to your countrymen who may have fought a war for you that you support them. That is very important because those vets risked life and limb for you, your family, your neighbors and their families and that needs to be acknowledged. They surely appreciate seeing that people appreciated their efforts. The same applies for present and future soldiers, officers, diplomats and even civil servants to an extent.
Another thing a flag does is it quickly identifies internal enemies. Some get offended by such national pride and it's important to know who these people are. They are the ones who may not be fighting for the same causes. It's important to know who's on your side and who's not.
That's 3 reasons I can think of offhand and there are probably more. Good question, though, provokes thought.
Good question, but it applies to many others, not just Americans. Today is a big national holiday in Hungary and about one out of 3 houses have huge Hungarian flags draped for all to see. These serve a number of purposes...
For one it fosters national unity. While you look at your neighbor thinking what an idiot he is, the flag reminds you that you have something important in common with him that neither of you must ever forget. It reminds you what your priorities are and where you stand on issues that are really important.
If you put out a flag, you are saying to your countrymen who may have fought a war for you that you support them. That is very important because those vets risked life and limb for you, your family, your neighbors and their families and that needs to be acknowledged. They surely appreciate seeing that people appreciated their efforts. The same applies for present and future soldiers, officers, diplomats and even civil servants to an extent.
Another thing a flag does is it quickly identifies internal enemies. Some get offended by such national pride and it's important to know who these people are. They are the ones who may not be fighting for the same causes. It's important to know who's on your side and who's not.
That's 3 reasons I can think of offhand and there are probably more. Good question, though, provokes thought.
