Question for Americans about ethnic identity
#15
Hi,

(02-09-2011, 03:46 PM)eppie Wrote: ... by the way I think people that drink ... coffee should stay out of my tea room

Fixed Wink

(02-09-2011, 03:46 PM)eppie Wrote: My real question is; what does waving an american flag on a 4th of july parade say about a person than?

The flag is a symbol of the country (and not just the USA). The 4th of July is considered the day that the country was 'born'. I guess it would make more sense to wave scrolls of copies of the Declaration of Independence, but that would be awkward.

(02-09-2011, 03:46 PM)eppie Wrote: To me, outspoken patriotism (flag waving) says the same (except when it is time to play international football tournaments of course).

I know you meant the last part in jest, but think about it. Basically, you are saying that it is OK to wave a flag to show support for a group representing the entity the flag is symbolic of but it is not OK to wave the flag when celebrating the entity it actually represents.

The problem here, I think, is the dual meanings of "waving the flag". In the literal sense, waving a flag on national holidays (and flying a flag at any time) is a statement of support for the country. That is patriotism in it best form. In the figurative sense, the expression is used to convey the sense of chauvinism or even jingoism. A method to use mob mentality and poor arguments to motivate a group into actions which are often evil.

The two are quite different, and to object to one because of the other is illogical.

(02-09-2011, 03:46 PM)eppie Wrote: But back to my first post where I jokingly asked about flag burning.
Sometimes you see hords of people in the middle east burn an american flag. Does that hurt you? I really couldn't give a c**p.....I mean I just feel pitty for people that think we would be bothered by seeing a bunch of morons burn our flag.

Does that hurt me? Two hour lines to clear airport security. Erosion of the principles this country was founded on. Eventually having to pay for two unnecessary war. Preemptive security tests in the middle of shows I was recording. A religious backlash and the shift to political right.

Yeah -- not because they are burning the flag but because of the attitude, the hatred, which the gesture implies. Because of the truth that it will and does not end with gestures and demonstrations. It ends with ships damaged, buildings destroyed and many people dead. Some in the actions and more in the reactions.

So, yes, in a world that is 90 minutes around, the burning of anyone's flag by anyone else is hurting me.

--Pete

How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?

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RE: Question for Americans about ethnic identity - by --Pete - 02-09-2011, 04:50 PM

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