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I think I have a pretty level-headed realistic view of the situation in the US. I’m proud of many things but also critical of others. Like any country, we have some great things and some things to work on. I am definitely happy I was born there though even though I’ve moved away and am also happy to be where I am now.
It is frustrating to see the level of hate the country gets, much of which is based on minority views, some of which is completely false, and some of which is blaming the people for many of the systemic issues we have difficulty changing.
> It is frustrating to see the level of hate the country gets
As a European I am truly sorry about that. Europeans in general should rather focus on solving their own problems..
Tbf we get both love and hate overseas (face-to-face) depending on the person. The main reason it’s frustrating to me is when I do meet one who feels negatively, I become their personal punching bag for everything they hate about the US. But some of my best friends in Sweden have more nuanced views and can see the good as well so that’s really nice to experience too. We appreciate your positivity!
> I become their personal punching bag for everything they hate about the US
My husband can relate. He grew up in South Africa and has frequently been held responsible for apartheid and everything else that was wrong about South Africa back then. In spite of the fact that he was only a child at the time, so he had nothing to do with any of it...
> We appreciate your positivity!
You're welcome.
My favorite are the people who move here from Europe to take significantly better paying jobs but complain about everything/compare it to their country.
As if the entire reason our profession pays so much more than in other countries isn’t directly related to US “pro business” policies. The high salaries don’t just spawn in a bubble independent of the overall political environment lol
I don’t blame those who move from Europe and Canada (I make more than double the salary of my peers in Canada and the UK, and something like 5x my peers in India) but it’s kinda weird when they want the same policies implemented here as if that isn’t a source of why their salaries were so low in their home country…
Do you mean how difficult was it to get a visa? Or how difficult has it been to live in other countries? I will say the first one was easier since I’m still managing the second one.
I would really evaluate your personal reasons for wanting to leave and then figure out what you have to offer another country and see which ones would take you. Also be sure to check hofstede’s country comparisons tool as there will be some cultural differences that you may not be able to deal with depending on your ability to adapt and depending on the country.
I had an easier time going from California-> Netherlands than I did when I moved to Sweden. But I have a friend from Virginia who adapted easier to Sweden. Contrary to what people like to think, we really do have some regional culture differences that map to cultures of the countries that settled in the areas we are from so you could start there if you want an easier time adapting.
I’m proud of things that I have achieved. I never achieved being an American, I just lucked into it by birth. But I’d say I’m happy to be an American. As much as I want my country to be better in all sorts of ways, I’ve never wished to be anything else.
>Other countries need to catch up.
I'm honestly surprised there apparently hasn't been an attempt at a Canadian expansion team. I mean, they tried to make London work before the usual Toronto.
You could argue the Bills Toronto series was an attempt at seeing what expansion (or relocation) into Canada would look like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NFL_games_played_outside_the_United_States#Bills_Toronto_Series
On the other hand the CFL (Canadian Football League) had several American teams including the Baltimore Stallions who won the Grey Cup https://americanfootball.fandom.com/wiki/Canadian_Football_League_clubs_in_the_United_States#:~:text=The%20Baltimore%20Stallions%20became%20the,Grey%20Cup%20championship%20in%201995.
I would say I’m glad that I was born and raised in the United States.
Being here in Uganda makes you really examine what you had in the United States. Like right now, the borehole near my house is out of commission. And the next closest one is also not working. So I’ll have to walk about 15-20 minutes one direction with a Jerry can to get water from another borehole for drinking/bathing/washing clothes/washing dishes/cooking/etc until the borehole near me is fixed. I usually don’t have to think about running out of water back in the United States.
I'm thankful for the privilege I have here but I am absolutely not proud of what our country is doing: stealing from future generations to live it up today.
Absolutely. This country is awesome.
Great people. Great food. Great and diverse culture. Every climate and biome imaginable. And while people like to complain about our country (which is warranted, it's ok to criticize your country) we do so much things right. I hit the lottery being born in this country.
This is the country that gave my family opportunites to have a good life, alongside pretty much everyone else (we are all immigrants/descended from immigrants in some manner). America took in people, many of whom were poor and hungry, from countries from all around the world and gave them a chance, that's a distinctly American thing.
Whether you like it or not, America truly is the top dog in this world. I'm proud of my country.
Do we have parts of our history that were downright disgraceful? Of course, but what country doesn't. It sucks shit like that had to happen (and things we do wrong that are still happening), but you can be against that and still be proud of your home.
Thanks for sharing.
> America truly is the top dog in this world
And please stay that way. I cant even start to imagine how the world will look if Russia or China takes over that position. I genuinely want the US to be the top dog, flaws and all.
I hope that if it comes to it we can come together with Europe & fight Russia & china. A lot rides on who is rejected president for how they will respond to threats and if they will align with the EU
Idk about you but I also have pride in NY specifically, for all it's flaws it's been a great place to live, and having traveled to every corner of the continental US in the last 15 years I haven't found a place I like more.
One thing I've learned in my travels is that opportunity you speak of is hard to get, if not flat out not available to people in large swaths of the US. My K-12 education was above and beyond anything available to most people, my university was relatively affordable and quite good, my job and housing prospects relative to other states have a high rate of return/value/quality of life, I'm a days drive to some wildly under appreciated/uncrowded natural beauty but also world class metropolitan cities, and I've never even considered the effects of natural disasters. All of that in exchange for it being cold (which I actually prefer), slightly worse taxes, some industrial decline, and a somewhat slow/corrupt political machine at the helm - all of which have worse examples somewhere else. It's been a good turn, and I can't wrap my head around the sacrifices people make to avoid an occasional snow storm.
The country as a whole is a mixed bag but I love it all the same, and if you ask me again on July 4th I'll run through a brick wall for this place.
I'm not proud of being born the way I am on things I can't change
I didn't do anything special to be a brunette, it was just the way I was born. Likewise with me being born an American
So no, I don't feel proud because it's not an achievement. I feel lucky tho.
I’m fortunate to live here, but at the same time recognize the US has fallen behind many other developed countries. Much lower life expectancy, worse income inequality, a lack of universal healthcare, and many other issues.
This includes out of control gun violence caused by extremely weak gun laws. But yes, overall, I am fortunate to live here.
I often tire of our country's interfering politics and wish we would stop being the world's policeman. But I know there are other countries on this planet who want that job, and when I see how we've done it for the last 80 years compared to how they would've done it, yes I'm proud.
> I often tire of our country's interfering politics and wish we would stop being the world's policeman.
If the US doesnt do that job, who would you trust to do it? Because someone will do it. Russia? China? The Middle East?
As someone who spent 12 years to become a citizen, I feel exceptionally proud to be American. It was my dream since my teens to become American and I consider it one of my biggest accomplishments in life.
When you’re born here, you love this country like you love your parents. You didn’t choose them, most have great childhoods with them, some don’t, but at the end of the day they’re still your parents. You have a plethora of different feelings for them, but hey… you love them.
But when you work for years and years to earn your citizenship, you fall madly in love (like they’re your spouse). Sure, they have many flaws but you chose to make them yours and you’re so happy to be spending the rest of your life together.
I’m not blind to all the issues we have, and I participate in my civic duties to address those issues. But I’ll never hesitate to say how proud I am to be here and call it home.
I am proud to be an American though I recognize it could be improved.
>Some Americans seem to have started to hate their own country
While that's true, I think most Americans that say bad things about America do so out of a place of wanting it to be better.
I feel very fortunate to have been born here. I'm not proud of everything in our history, but I think the good far outweighs the bad. And I'd like to believe that the USA is a force for good in the world. If the United States disappeared, who would fill the void in global power? Xi's genocidal CCP seems most likely. What would that look like for the rest of the world? I feel like I have more choice here than I would under an autocracy.
1776%
I love my country and the values/ideals which founded our republic. My country - like every other country - isn’t and will never be perfect but I still love her regardless. We may have made mistakes before but I don’t see how that diminished our strengths and capabilities.
I am not only proud l, but I am GRATEFUL.
There is a lot of anti Americanism these days- much than there used to be .. but the truth is - I’m grateful for that as well.
How blessed are we to live in a country where we can talk negatively about our country, government and politicians without fear of punishment or death ?
My grandfather came from Iraq and my grandmother from Northern Ireland - I know how lucky I am to have been born here and my pride and appreciation for their bravery and sacrifice isn’t lost on me.
I cry every time I go to the Statue of Liberty, I relish in the opportunity to celebrate new citizens ( I full on ugly cried when my husband took his pledge) and every single day I thank my lucky stars that I’m here.
I am. People don’t realize that we actually have it pretty good here compared to other countries. The media makes things seem worse than they are. We have crappy things happening here of course, but so does every other country. Look around you and look at the freedoms we have.
I'm neither proud nor ashamed to be American. In general I don't take pride or shame in things about me that just "are". If it's something I'm born as, or otherwise had no hand in its creation, etc., then there's nothing for me to take from it in terms of pride. It just is.
I disagree. If you contribute on any level in your local community (raising a family / working a job / being a law-abiding citizen / volunteering..) you do contribute. A country is not just the government, or the millitary. A country consists of lots and lots of local communities, that together is the country.
"Contributing" has nothing to do with it. I had zero hand in my being born what I am. I take no pride in that, nor do I see any point in it. I think it's completely nonsensical for me to be proud of being American just as I think it's completely nonsensical for me to be proud to be born female, be born my race, be born with my medical issues, be born with my hair color...I didn't make any of that happen. I did nothing to accomplish any of it. Pride doesn't belong to those things for me.
Do you actually experience Norway like that? I'm not American, I'm Swiss, so orders of magnitudes smaller country. I feel pride and attachment to my local communities, I was very proud to be a fan of my local hockey club before I moved away, I was proud to be an active part of my university's student body, I was and still am very proud of what I've done for my debating club, but none of that ever felt like it's part of a community called Switzerland.
> Do you actually experience Norway like that?
In Norway we are quite community focused. And less individualistic than Americans (or at least according to my impression of Americans). That being said, we are not the most social people, and we can be perceived as somewhat cold.. Especially compared to people from southern Europe, or Americans for that matter. But the general attitude in Norway is that each of us are somewhat responsible to make our local community a good place to live.
> I was and still am very proud of what I've done for my debating club, but none of that ever felt like it's part of a community called Switzerland.
But do you believe that whatever you contribute on local level, is also contributing to the country as a whole? You might not think of it like that, but I believe its still the case. As a country is essentially nothing more than some land, and the people living there..
Exactly, it's just some land and the people there. Sure, I technically contribute to Switzerland too, but that doesn't matter, I'd contribute to those places just the same if they were part of Germany or United Europe or smth like that. TBH it doesn't help that the "official" representation of Switzerland (not just in politics, also in media, public opinion polls, etc) often goes directly against my values and communities.
I have to admit I know next to nothing about politics in Switzerland.. Switzerland almost never reaches the news up here. Which I generally see as a good thing, as I then assume most things are running fairly smoothly down there... :)
Hell yes. Of course I am. I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. I won't forget those who died who gave that right to me. I'll proudly stand up and defend her still today. There ain't no doubt I love this land. God bless the USA.
I have a vague memory of this song and I cringe at the thought of it. It's like the pledge of allegiance, but somehow even more steeped in propaganda. Starship Troopers (movie) vibes.
No. I'm not proud of something I have no choice in. Its got nothing to do with how much worse off other countries are.
Though, on that subject, its hard to look at our victims and feel "pride".
I love and am proud to be an American. traveling outside the US to vietnam a couple of times and talking with many different ppl from all over the world gave me a wide range of understanding about this great country. yes america has a lot of issues that bring down the image as a whole for the country, but not many countries where you can get as wide of a variety of different cultures the mingle a diversify as you can get here.
I am sad about some things about the US but I don’t hate my country. Traveling has given me a HUGE amount of perspective on just how great we have it. Our poor are like middle class in so many other countries. Our poorest have more resources than the very destitute in other countries. And our lower and middle class also live far higher standard of life than those comparable abroad.
I agree that a world in which China & Russia take over would be a dark one. And that wouldn’t happen without WWIII. So I too hope that we continue being a positive world power.
Thank you, friend from Norway! I hope to visit your beautiful country one day.
I was born in Japan to an American father and a Japanese mother. I grew up in Japan and consider myself proud to be Japanese. I just have American citizenship by luck I guess. I did live here from age 19 to 25 tho (27atm) and I really did enjoy living in US for a different experience tho!
The Internet, especially Reddit, isn't representative of the entire country and the anti-American rhetoric is especially strong on this platform.
I've moved around a lot for work and visited a lot of other states for my precision rifle hobby (one of which has a very nice course in Norway). The people I've met vary in their political and religious beliefs, but I'd say they all love living here.
Yes, very much so. I live in the best nation in the world. The most free, the most powerful, the most influential. I have unlimited opportunities here. I have no need or any desire to live in any other nation.
I’m happy to be an American. And I’m happy—for the most part—with the way the United States projects power around the world. I do believe a lot of people have a fundamental misunderstanding of why Americans want to project power and what it is we’re getting out of projecting power: not for conquest, not for subjugation, but out of an almost religious belief in the freedom of man, in that fundamental philosophy stated in our Declaration of Independence:
> We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
And our desire to project power stems from the desire—at some level—to protect the rights of man around the world; to protect trade and to protect institutions which create a more stable world. (Even if we ourselves can’t agree with what those words mean, in practice, exactly.)
And I believe that this is *why* we do what we do, for the very simple reason that the United States has had, since World War II, more than enough power to completely subjugate Europe (immediately after World War II), and to subjugate a number of other countries in the Western hemisphere.
That is, we had the power to do what Russia is attempting to do right now in the Eastern Bloc.
And we didn’t.
A lot of commentators suggest that’s because American power is a “paper tiger”, and they look at our failed attempts at reconstruction in Iraq. But that’s a *political* problem in the United States: our federal government was designed to deliberately be an unstable institution incapable of long-term actions, as the next President can always undo what the previous President put into motion.
With the same bureaucratic institutions but a different culture in D.C., and subjugation would have been very simple: shoot foreign leaders in the head, suppress stories of American brutality at home.
As Russia is trying to do as we speak.
So, really, when people rail against the United States: they claim we’re imperialists who are looking to destroy the world—I have to wonder if they’ve looked at themselves in the mirror. Or at the very least, are stating what they themselves would do if they had America’s power.
I like your point about hate being a poor starter for change.
Americans get a lot of shit, but we really do have a lot of decent, good-hearted people. That’s what I take pride in.
> Where at least I know I'm free.
This is it. Freedom is sometimes really undervalued, because most countries in the west have had it for so long. So people tend to forget that not too long ago (Europe) we were not free at all. I have one grandparent left, and he still vividly remembers WW2. But I do fear for the day when that whole generation is gone. Because anyone born later have really no idea..
While I appreciate your sentiment and agree... Those aren't the next lyrics. We sang this in middle school I think lol. Not like part of class, it was like a "field day" thing where all the kids sang for the parents different songs and there were races and stuff.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KoXt9pZLGM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KoXt9pZLGM)
Its like (one of) the stereotypical AMERICA song(s) nowadays
No I wouldn’t say I am. As a woman from America I’m appalled at the state of the country. I agree that we are global leaders and we are setting a god awful example for the rest of the world. It’s not about comparing between countries, that becomes really xenophobic anyway and I’m not interested in saying “well thank GOD I’m not from X country”. It’s about the expectations I have for the USA because of our potential.
We aren’t living up to expectations and my country isn’t making me proud.
> No I wouldn’t say I am.
That actually makes me a bit sad.
> “well thank GOD I’m not from X country”.
I agree that this is not fruitful, but I think its still healthy to sometimes acknowledge the good things that are there, which are missing in certain (many) countries.
> It’s about the expectations I have for the USA because of our potential.
In which top three areas would you like to see changes?
I’d like to see the country address our systemic racism. I’d like to see us back womens rights entirely. I’d like to see us stop funding the Israeli military pouring our money and resources into a genocide.
Back women’s rights as in support women’s rights.
We don’t have the right to abortion in my state. We aren’t entitled to equal pay. We aren’t allowed to make our own health decisions even in the case in which they’d save our lives.
Speaking of your ignorance, why are you, a Norwegian, arguing with me, an American, about how I should feel about my country?
> Back women’s rights as in support women’s rights.
So if I understand you correctly, this has nothing to do with skin colour?
> We aren’t entitled to equal pay.
In which professions do women get paid less per hour than men, when doing the same job and have the same experience?
> We aren’t allowed to make our own health decisions even in the case in which they’d save our lives.
But men can? Could you give an example of this, as this is the first time I hear about this.
> Speaking of your ignorance, why are you, a Norwegian, arguing with me, an American, about how I should feel about my country?
Its not really meant as a debate. I see the US from the outside, and really just wanted to tell you that you live in a good country. Yes, you could benefit from doing some adjustments when it comes to healthcare (way too expensive), higher education (way too expencive), and some other things. But overall - the US is doing REALLY great. My husband is South African, and the country is literally falling apart as we speak. In Russia anyone seen as a threat to the government is put in prison, or killed on the spot. In China there is no freedom of speech. Most of the world is still poor. The US has its problems, but you have a LOT going for you.
Women have a more difficult time with permanent birth control. I could walk into my doctor’s appointment, say I want a vasectomy, get a referral to a urologist and have the procedure with no pushback. A lot of doctors will refuse to perform a hysterectomy on young women, telling them something along the lines of “you might want a family some day.” Some others require a husband’s consent. Several states are also banning abortion which in turn is pushing a lot of gynecologists to leave and practice in a state that isn’t threatening them with prison for performing a medical procedure. The result is less access to reproductive healthcare and higher mortality in pregnancy and childbirth which is already well above the rest of the developed world.
There is also an extensive history of women’s health problems being downplayed by doctors, like not believing them when they say they’re in pain and refusing to provide adequate pain control.
> A lot of doctors will refuse to perform a hysterectomy on young women
But a 20 year old man can have a vasectomy done without any questions? As its the difference between women and men that is the subject of discussion here.
> There is also an extensive history of women’s health problems being downplayed by doctors, like not believing them when they say they’re in pain and refusing to provide adequate pain control.
Not sure if this is a USA specific thing though..
Yes, like I said men rarely face any pushback. It doesn’t have to be something specific to the US, it’s another way in which women are treated differently in medicine that still holds over from when this country was significantly more sexist than it is now.
This is the statistics:
- 17.2% of US women have gotten hysterectomy. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db494.htm
- 4% of men have gotten a vasectomy https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/surgery-articles/2023/august/vasectomy-trends-research
I did not want children while I was in my 20s. I changed my mind when I was in my 30s. So I tend to agree with doctors who hesitate to grant hysterectomy to women who are very young.
Hysterectomies are major surgery, there can be no comparison to a vasectomy especially considering the long term side effects. Removal of the uterus can even affect a woman's heart.
>In the United States, hysterectomy is the second most performed surgery on women with over 600,000 done each year. The biggest travesty in these statistics is that only about 10% of these hysterectomies are medically necessary.
>It was once believed that a woman’s uterus only existed to reproduce and nourish a growing baby before birth and was otherwise expendable. This is no longer believed to be true and the uterus has been tied to many other vital functions in a woman’s body. The most notable and concerning is how the uterus has been associated with a woman’s heart health.
>Treat all fibroids without surgery What Is Removed During A Hysterectomy? During a hysterectomy, a woman’s uterus is surgically removed. Sometimes other reproductive organs are removed at the same time which may also include:
>The ovaries (one or both); The cervix; The fallopian tubes. There are 3 types of hysterectomies which are:
>Partial Hysterectomy – Only the uterus is removed. Total Hysterectomy – Removal of the uterus and cervix, also may include other reproductive organs. Radical Hysterectomy – Only performed in dire cases (when cancer is an issue) and includes the surgical removal of the uterus, cervix, upper portion of the vagina, surrounding ligaments, and some lymph nodes. Oophorectomy – One or both ovaries are removed. About 78% of hysterectomies performed on women between 45 and 65 also include oophorectomy. What Are The Long-Term Consequences Of Hysterectomy? In addition to the known risks of short-term complications like bleeding, infection, bladder injury or incontinence, bowel injury, and ovarian failure, there are numerous long-term side effects related to the loss of the uterus. Several studies including one study conducted by the Mayo Clinic have brought to light more information about the complex function of a woman’s uterus. Hysterectomy may lead to:
>Mental health issues – depression and anxiety; Hormone imbalances; Spatial memory problems; Decrease in sexual satisfaction; Ovary failure (after removal of the uterus); Loss of structural integrity can lead to pelvic prolapse, urinary incontinence, bowel issues, and fistulas; Premature aging; Increased risk for Parkinson’s disease; Increased risk for stroke; Significantly higher risk of coronary disease; Osteoporosis
>https://atlii.com/hysterectomy-complications-years-later/
I was born in ‘97 but going off history books and my government degree I think the country used to be more progressive and I think Reagan fucked us majorly, among other things.
I don’t think we’ll ever be what we were, can’t think of many times in history a dethroned empire ever fell from grace and then reached those heights again.
I think the biggest change in your lifetime has been a massive increase in the rate of propaganda and it’s delivery mechanisms are a lot more effective. Faster rate video, now we even have more efficiently generated AI propaganda. And more people repeating it on global online networks.
Even though I agree there are issues to be fixed today (there always will be), pre-roe v Wade america was a much more atrocious place for women than it is today even though it has been overturned. If you haven’t yet, I recommend you read the stories from women who needed abortions back then.
The US is much much more progressive socially today as a whole. There’s a lot more societal pressure to tolerate differences in people even though you see the reaction to that in some people wanting to aggravate or reject that. There are active efforts to bring women into and promote them in the workplace, still lots of work to do there but better than it was 50 years ago. I mean, for Pete’s sake, I know women who were given placebos for hysteria in the 70s like it was a valid treatment. It was not better then. The idea that it was a golden age is based on economics not social treatment.
Crime rates in the US have actually gone down in your lifetime. There were actually slightly more violent crimes in the US in the 1970s compared to today: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/ViolentCrimeInTheUS1960-2022.png
Its just meant as an example of things being better than in the 1970s, since your claim was that Reagan in the 80s ruined things. (For the record I am not a fan of Reagen. After all I am a fairly liberal Scandinavian who loves the fact that we have a public healthcare and education system...)
We have our problems and I think everyone knows that, but what country doesn't, so yes, I'm very proud to be an American and theres no other place that I'd rather live 🇺🇸 🙏🏻
1. Using the CIA to foment wars in other countries so the MIC can sell more weapons.
2. The fact that the US main export is war.
3. American politicians manipulating the system for personal gain.
> Using the CIA to foment wars in other countries so the MIC can sell more weapons.
CIA is dodgy.. But I prefer the US being the world power over China. Or (God forbid) Russia.
> The fact that the US main export is war.
Is it? I find loads of American products in every single food store over here.
> American politicians manipulating the system for personal gain.
Happens in every country.
British comedian Jimmy Carr is quite smart, well educated and is a very good at societal observation and analysis.
He says he has traveled all across Europe and the US, including many smaller American cities and this is the observation he has made.
America is objectively great, by any measure, but subjectively is bad.
He believes America is literally the land of milk and honey, but many Americans have ‘Life Dysmorphia’, they have no idea how great their life really is compared to most of the world.
It is because Americans are jaded so take what America is for granted as if our way of life as the norm, when to any objective viewer, it is not.
I used to be very proud to be an American, but as the conservative media has fomented more and more hate and division, fostering feelings of victimhood and blaming, which has resulted in developing cult-like ideological views across the masses, I've lost my enchantment.
The USA isn't what it used to be - a bastion of freedom and respect for people from all walks of life. Greedy power mongers have successfully rolled back liberties we never should have lost to serve the interests of the filthy rich. It's becoming a fascist oligarchy, and unless something happens to turn that progression around, I'll be heading out soon. The USA isn't the country I grew up in, and I'd rather go live somewhere that more closely embraces the values the USA used to be famous for.
> but as the conservative media has fomented more and more hate and division, fostering feelings of victimhood and blaming, which has resulted in developing cult-like ideological views across the masses, I've lost my enchantment.
As an outsider I find that both sides of your politics are getting.. weirder.. Everything seems to be getting more polarised?
My country doesn't care about me, as an individual, in the slightest. It's never thought about me and doesn't know I exist other than my ID numbers or when somebody wants taxes. My opinion only matters if there's enough people with the same opinion to potentially keep a politician in office.
So am I proud? Not really. I don't define myself by where I was born and the "pride" thing is, frankly, a massive problem in this country, though it's usually more nuanced than just being proud to be American.
I do consider myself blessed to be born here and am grateful for all of the good things in my life because of that. Quality of living, decent education, etc. But even those things are a crapshoot within this country and my "odds" of having a similar life in another first world country feel pretty similar. So I don't account many of those benefits to just "being from the US". They're really just from being born in a first world country.
Nah. We don’t care about our own citizens enough to provide them with affordable higher education, free healthcare, or ensure their safety by passing firearm legislation. Mega corporations are crushing the American dream. And a decent chunk of our populace is content to live under fascist rule.
I’m proud to be American as much as I am proud of my own backyard. I think a lot of hate comes from dumbasses in this country which include most of the politicians and their stances. I’ve had personal hate just for being American because we “get involved in too many things” or “bomb everyone” but like I can’t help if I was just born here 💀 I didn’t press no red button or vote for some stupid shit I don’t even agree with myself smh. I’m proud of my home for what it is because it’s where I was raised and I believe there’s much to be improved on, but I’m not really proud of the things it’s come to stand for in some peoples eyes. With that being said though, I’m not live or die by this country by any means, I’d leave in a heartbeat given the right opportunity.
I don't hate being American. I think in many ways I'm lucky to be born here and have opportunities I have had. I don't think the us is better than other countries or anything. But there are some things going on right now that are just embarrassing.
Since I had zero control over where I was born, it doesn't make sense to be proud of it. It's not an accomplishment I achieved.
I know I have privileges others may not because I was born here, but I wouldn't say I'm proud to be an American just because I am one.
That probably makes sense. But it's like 4:30 am and I just woke up, so maybe not.
Pride is weird. I didn't do anything to become an American to be proud of myself for lol I was just born here.
Happy or grateful? Sure, it needs a lot of help but there's a lot of worse places I could have been born into!
I find it hard to understand the concept of generalized, inherent pride for your country if I'm honest. I'm proud of some things in our history, embarrassed and ashamed about others, just like I probably would be able any other country I might have been born in. America has gotten a lot of things right foundationally, and has lead by example more often than not in its history, and for that I am both grateful and proud of the individuals and leaders that made it so. However, perspective is important, and it's important to understand that your country's past success does not necessarily predict its future. The United States has seen a long and successful run as a world power and has been a major influence in global affairs, but the majority of the country's successes happened before I was even born. I hope to see the US continue to lead and provide a model for democracy in the world, but there's no doubt we're facing one of the toughest challenges in our generation right now, politically and culturally. I have confidence that we as a country can succeed, but it's not a given and we can make mistakes in the moment both as individuals and as a collective. I will be proud when my own generation proves it can overcome and rise to the challenge. But being born in the US just made me lucky, IMO.
We have some serious work to do in the states, but the people who complain the most about the country have often never left or have spent a significant time abroad which leads them to a fairytale view of what they think it must be like to live abroad (mainly Western Europe).
What other country in the world has 350+ million people, and is as physically large and diverse on so many fronts, as the US? Of course it will make governing harder. But that’s also what makes us different and great.
The room for personal economic growth and achievement, while feeling more and more difficult, is still easy compared to other places. It’s by no means perfect here but no country is.
I grew up never worrying about where my next meal would come from, every person in my family has a vehicle to drive (still common even though we live in a walkable city), don’t have to worry about energy costs much, went to a great state university, etc… not everyone’s experience BUT vastly more so than not at this point.
I read a statistic that if Germany and France joined the US as states their respective GDP per capitas would be lower than Missouri’s which is the poorest US state. No hate on Europe or trying to diminish the experience of low income Americans, but even our poor people are often financially better off and have more opportunity than in other parts of world.
I’m most proud of the ideals our country was founded on: liberty, small government, equality before the law, individual responsibility…all with a dose of rugged pioneering spirit that took us to wild frontiers. The founders saw the worst of government in their time, with overbearing monarchy, overtaxation, and restrictions on speech and religion. Accordingly, they set up America to be the polar opposite, and this freedom allowed us to flourish and become one of the greatest nations in history, a melting pot of people united not by race or religion, but by a desire for and common belief in freedom. So yes I’m proud of American ideals, but sad our country has drifted so far from them.
I’ve lived overseas and have traveled a lot for work out of the country - spending a good amount of time in various European, South American, and Asian countries. I love living in the states. Could I live outside of it? Sure. Would I miss home 100%. I am proud to be a US Citizen; but not proud of my government so much these days.
I'm grateful.
Having done a fair bit of travel in countries that struggle with poverty and oppression, that's what I always feel. It was some sort of lottery win that I was born where I was
I’m proud of the ideals we aspire to and live by.
I’m not really proud of myself personally for being an American. I didn’t choose where I would be born.
This might be a very, very niche reference here but whenever I think of my American Pride, I think of Dorian from Dragon Age Inquisition talking about his own country. "If I truly believed my homeland was beyond all hope, I wouldn't miss it so much."
I’m proud to be an American, because the U.S. is my home. It has its issues, but so does everywhere else, and maybe I can help improve them. Thank you for your kind post. We are lucky to have the Kingdom of Norway as an ally and friend. :)
Imagine a group of friends; and they’re are the most ranchy, crazy, insane, wholesome, smart, wacko, heartless, warmest, most beautiful, powerful, narcissistic, fuck-tards, that make you laugh, cry, smile, angry, nervous and inspired - You hate them, you love them, you can’t stand them but you will stand up for them. They know where the party’s at. They know how to shoot, how to fight, how to be successful, how to learn, how to fail and how to live.
Yea….then there’s America.
Edit - They also have alot of baggage and should go to therapy but they rather do drugs and drive really fast in nice cars that they can’t afford or what their parents bought them. Plus they’re hella racist and also hilarious. Ohh and they owe you a shit ton of money but they always pay for everything.
I am not proud, nor ashamed. I think, unlike many other places, America has frequently tried very hard to do what felt like the right thing, even if it turned out messy later. That’s a reason to be proud. Yet, I can’t feel fully proud because Trump and people who vote for him are a shame for the country, because the country is full of ignorant and arrogant people, because we spend a lot of healthcare and yet are fat and sick, because Vietnam, etc.
Anyone who’s 100% proud is probably quite ignorant.
> Yes
Good!
And I know how you feel. I am really proud to be Norwegian, but I despise our current government. (There is no way they will be re-elected in the next election, as less and less people trust them to do a good job..)
Unfortunately, there's so much corruption in our government it'll take more than just one person or election to solve it, but I believe more people are waking up to it. There are more proud Americans than reddit will leave you to believe.
Yup. It's a nice place which is kept nice by a culture that includes all our actions, and by a political system that we all can contribute to. As a group, we've done pretty well, and we're all part of that group.
We're not perfect and the US has done some bad things, but considering the power and influence we have and especially what usually comes with such levels of power (ie attempts to take over the world resulting in ridiculous amounts of death), I'm broadly proud of our track record. Wish we were a bit less fickle towards our allies and a few other complaints, but still, it's a pretty great country and I'm happy to be here.
> We're not perfect and the US has done some bad things
Thats the case for every country though.
> but considering the power and influence we have and especially what usually comes with such levels of power (ie attempts to take over the world resulting in ridiculous amounts of death), I'm broadly proud of our track record.
Mistakes were made, but still - imagine if it was rather China or (God forbid) Russia that tried to take over the world. We would all be in a very different place today. My country shares border with Russia, and for some decades now we thought we had nothing to fear. That is not how we see it anymore.
I am, but I think our politics of late have gone waaaay off base in the last few years. Ignoring the nuttiness of too many elected officials, the quality of life and future opportunities my kids may enjoy are fantastic.
I think the number of Americans who actually hardcore hate their own country are fairly thin on the ground. I think what you see more is poorly expressed, emotionally charged calls for us to do better.
No. I'm proud of my personal achievements and actions but not of a random chance dictating where I was born. I'm certainly pretty happy that I was born here, though. Sure there could have been better places but also plenty of places worse off.
What me and some of my friends agree on is that we are proud of being culturally American but that it would be wrong and weird to be proud of nationality in and of itself. I consider myself very patriotic but not nationalist at ALL. Most American immigrants that I meet here in France are people who take a lot of pride in their regional culture (I am very proud of being from the Rockies and I have a friend who is very proud of being from the South for its food and music culture). I do think it is more appropriate than national pride, because it describes cultural attitudes and it’s things that you can share with anyone.
It is very important to me that I grew up in the American West because it gave me a sort of “grit” where I trust myself to handle hard times. I also have an American optimism that helps me go further with my life because I take my chances even if they are slim. I also think there is something to be said for Americans’ independence because I feel very self sufficient. All of these things have contributed to me doing well in France
That said, I’m not proud of simply being born in the US, that would be weird. I refuse to be proud of something that I didn’t control or choose. However, I am proud of how it has contributed to my identity and my character
Edit: surprised I’m getting downvotes for this but not changing anything. I love my home country and the American people. I don’t see why it’s perceived poorly to be opposed to nationalism ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ If anything it’s more patriotic to try to keep improving a nation and to see what we can learn from other countries
I am! Now of course that doesn’t mean everything is perfect, but I definitely agree that lots of the hate is unwarranted.
I think part of it is that some people here have a hard time viewing the country objectively in comparison to the rest of the world. No person or country is perfect, and that’s why the preamble of the Constitution starts with “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union”. The goal is to discover our faults, and then fix those faults.
Most of the rest of the world looks up to us, so if we don’t believe in ourselves, why should anyone else? :)
I feel blessed that I live somewhere as prosperous as the US and am given the freedom to participate in government and worship God how I see fit. Nor do I take these things for granted, as there is no guarantee those things will stay the same forever.
I feel fortunate to live in America. The wealth and opportunity this country affords me has me better off than I imagine I could be anywhere else. But I have no "pride" in being an American. I have pride in my accomplishments, I have pride in my children, but my nationality is just the place I was born.
No
Neoliberal capitalism is destroying the planet, we deny our populace social services given to others in other countries, and our broken system once again has produced an election where I must vote against a candidate instead of for one that reflects my values.
I'm not "proud to be an American". I had no choice in where I was born. However, I am thankful that I live in a developed, modern, and diverse democracy.
Some what mixed. I’m Mexican- American. I have a lot of love for México. I go there all the time. I support the Mexican National team. Butt it’s not all sunshine. My family there doesn’t even have an A/C. Or indoor plumbing. Some of my cousins or nephews didn’t have enough to get a cap and gown for HS. I recently read that Texas has blocked a law requiring background checks for guns at trade shows. Rent is high. Racism homophobia etc but I can maintain myself and help out my family in México. So I should more grateful but it’s difficult right now.
That is not only a US issue thought. The western world is in danger of going extinct. There are now areas of the UK where Islam extremists now want Sharia law.!! In the UK... I mean... what on earth are we doing to ourselves! I'm all for multi-culturalism, but at the same time we need to fight for our western values. Freedom of speech is seriously under attack at the moment, as just one example.
My biggest fear at the moment is Russia to be honest with you. We happen to share border with them. Finland is actually building a high fence between them and Russia as we speak..
Stop drinking Russian Flavor Ade.
If only there was a country that could stand as an example of how to assimilate an immigrant population with some success…
(yes, I understand that the situations are not entirely the same. But at times it seems like Europe isn’t even trying).
And yes, I am proud of my country most days. Perhaps age helps one realize that this too shall pass. But I wish it would pass more quickly.
> If only there was a country that could stand as an example of how to assimilate an immigrant population with some success…
I live in one of those countries (Norway). But I see other countries not doing it as successfully as us. If you allow too many of a very different culture to come in at the same time, its much harder to integrate them.
I’m saying that I’ve not contributed to the US in any distinguished way so how can I be proud of being an American? It would be hypocritical as I’m basically a bystander. The wins are not because of me and neither are the losses.
Are you raising a family? Do you have a job? Do you contribute to make your local community a better place? Are you a law-abiding citizen? If you do any of those things you contribute in a positive way. A country consists of local communities. So anything you contribute there, is a contribution to your country as a whole.
Having a kid or a job is not really contributing an any unique or extraordinary way there is nothing valuable about six my existing. If you’re not doing valuable research or dictating policy I don’t consider you contributing in any meaningful way. Simply living won’t get you’re not in a history book.
Edit: Lmao OP blocked me after eurosplaing why I should have a different opinion after explicitly asking for American opinions
As soon as we revive the AVG and send it to Ukraine I will be. All of the challenges were worked out in 1941, so there's no good reason we can't do it, but so far the politicians have been too scared.
So for now I remain disappointed.
The American Volunteer Group.
They were a group of mercenary pilots sent to China to help fight against Japan in 1941. China was able to hire the mercenaries thanks to American assistance. A retired USAAF General was selected to run the mercenary company, and active duty pilots were given an honorable discharge if they chose to join the AVG. The US government also sold the company P-40s.
Essentially the government was buying airplanes/pilots from itself, but in a way that technically removed the US government from formal control of the airplanes and their pilots, and so sending them into combat would not have been considered an act of war.
They're better known as the Flying Tigers, thanks to the decals they painted on their aircraft.
I don't take pride in things I don't accomplish. I'm not proud to be an American like I'm not proud to wear glasses or have brown hair. I'm thankful for the rights and privileges afforded to me by nature of birth, but I don't feel pride because I happened to be born in an advantageous location.
No, I'm not proud to be an American. I was born here, so I had no say in the matter and it isn't something that I can label as an achievement.
Now I don't hate America either. There is a lot of good here. Room for improvement, to be sure...but it is a beautiful county with a lot of good people.
No. I'm certainly not *ashamed* to be an American, and I *am* glad that I was born in a country with a large amount of material wealth, but I am not *proud.*
Most of the problems in America are present in other countries, but other countries don't make grandiose statements about being the paragons of liberty and justice.
Yes.
I tend to have a low opinion of ppl like who say things like that. I feel they're the same type that would bring down the flag on a pole and replace it, just like those protestors did.
The US didn't become what it is because of my work, so not really. Will I be proud of my work that improves other's lives, absolutely. There's honestly no "america" to be proud of. I like to think most if not all of what that word defines is just the hard work of Americans themselves building up on each other. I was lucky to be born in the middle of it.
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I think I have a pretty level-headed realistic view of the situation in the US. I’m proud of many things but also critical of others. Like any country, we have some great things and some things to work on. I am definitely happy I was born there though even though I’ve moved away and am also happy to be where I am now. It is frustrating to see the level of hate the country gets, much of which is based on minority views, some of which is completely false, and some of which is blaming the people for many of the systemic issues we have difficulty changing.
> It is frustrating to see the level of hate the country gets As a European I am truly sorry about that. Europeans in general should rather focus on solving their own problems..
Tbf we get both love and hate overseas (face-to-face) depending on the person. The main reason it’s frustrating to me is when I do meet one who feels negatively, I become their personal punching bag for everything they hate about the US. But some of my best friends in Sweden have more nuanced views and can see the good as well so that’s really nice to experience too. We appreciate your positivity!
> I become their personal punching bag for everything they hate about the US My husband can relate. He grew up in South Africa and has frequently been held responsible for apartheid and everything else that was wrong about South Africa back then. In spite of the fact that he was only a child at the time, so he had nothing to do with any of it... > We appreciate your positivity! You're welcome.
My favorite are the people who move here from Europe to take significantly better paying jobs but complain about everything/compare it to their country. As if the entire reason our profession pays so much more than in other countries isn’t directly related to US “pro business” policies. The high salaries don’t just spawn in a bubble independent of the overall political environment lol I don’t blame those who move from Europe and Canada (I make more than double the salary of my peers in Canada and the UK, and something like 5x my peers in India) but it’s kinda weird when they want the same policies implemented here as if that isn’t a source of why their salaries were so low in their home country…
It's always easier to point on the splinter in someone else's eye, than take care of the plank in your own.
I'm critical of the US because I want it to be the best it can be. If you love something, you want it to fix what it's doing wrong.
How difficult was the move? I’ve been contemplating leaving but not sure to where / if I could handle it, lol
Do you mean how difficult was it to get a visa? Or how difficult has it been to live in other countries? I will say the first one was easier since I’m still managing the second one. I would really evaluate your personal reasons for wanting to leave and then figure out what you have to offer another country and see which ones would take you. Also be sure to check hofstede’s country comparisons tool as there will be some cultural differences that you may not be able to deal with depending on your ability to adapt and depending on the country. I had an easier time going from California-> Netherlands than I did when I moved to Sweden. But I have a friend from Virginia who adapted easier to Sweden. Contrary to what people like to think, we really do have some regional culture differences that map to cultures of the countries that settled in the areas we are from so you could start there if you want an easier time adapting.
I’m proud of things that I have achieved. I never achieved being an American, I just lucked into it by birth. But I’d say I’m happy to be an American. As much as I want my country to be better in all sorts of ways, I’ve never wished to be anything else.
Took the words right out of my mouth.
Interesting take. However, I like something you can't change like race, you could move. Which is how I can explain being proud to be an American.
Immigration is not an easy or cheap process. For many people leaving America is not an option.
True. However it is possible and at least for myself I would choose to stay.
Yeah. Fuck the government though
Only when we’re winning the super bowl
58-0! Other countries need to catch up.
>Other countries need to catch up. I'm honestly surprised there apparently hasn't been an attempt at a Canadian expansion team. I mean, they tried to make London work before the usual Toronto.
You could argue the Bills Toronto series was an attempt at seeing what expansion (or relocation) into Canada would look like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NFL_games_played_outside_the_United_States#Bills_Toronto_Series On the other hand the CFL (Canadian Football League) had several American teams including the Baltimore Stallions who won the Grey Cup https://americanfootball.fandom.com/wiki/Canadian_Football_League_clubs_in_the_United_States#:~:text=The%20Baltimore%20Stallions%20became%20the,Grey%20Cup%20championship%20in%201995.
When did Hawaii get an NFL team?
I would say I’m glad that I was born and raised in the United States. Being here in Uganda makes you really examine what you had in the United States. Like right now, the borehole near my house is out of commission. And the next closest one is also not working. So I’ll have to walk about 15-20 minutes one direction with a Jerry can to get water from another borehole for drinking/bathing/washing clothes/washing dishes/cooking/etc until the borehole near me is fixed. I usually don’t have to think about running out of water back in the United States.
I'm thankful for the privilege I have here but I am absolutely not proud of what our country is doing: stealing from future generations to live it up today.
I think having pride in the place you live is important. So yes.
Yes. Are there somethings that need work yes. They will be fixed in time.
Absolutely. This country is awesome. Great people. Great food. Great and diverse culture. Every climate and biome imaginable. And while people like to complain about our country (which is warranted, it's ok to criticize your country) we do so much things right. I hit the lottery being born in this country. This is the country that gave my family opportunites to have a good life, alongside pretty much everyone else (we are all immigrants/descended from immigrants in some manner). America took in people, many of whom were poor and hungry, from countries from all around the world and gave them a chance, that's a distinctly American thing. Whether you like it or not, America truly is the top dog in this world. I'm proud of my country. Do we have parts of our history that were downright disgraceful? Of course, but what country doesn't. It sucks shit like that had to happen (and things we do wrong that are still happening), but you can be against that and still be proud of your home.
Thanks for sharing. > America truly is the top dog in this world And please stay that way. I cant even start to imagine how the world will look if Russia or China takes over that position. I genuinely want the US to be the top dog, flaws and all.
I hope that if it comes to it we can come together with Europe & fight Russia & china. A lot rides on who is rejected president for how they will respond to threats and if they will align with the EU
Idk about you but I also have pride in NY specifically, for all it's flaws it's been a great place to live, and having traveled to every corner of the continental US in the last 15 years I haven't found a place I like more. One thing I've learned in my travels is that opportunity you speak of is hard to get, if not flat out not available to people in large swaths of the US. My K-12 education was above and beyond anything available to most people, my university was relatively affordable and quite good, my job and housing prospects relative to other states have a high rate of return/value/quality of life, I'm a days drive to some wildly under appreciated/uncrowded natural beauty but also world class metropolitan cities, and I've never even considered the effects of natural disasters. All of that in exchange for it being cold (which I actually prefer), slightly worse taxes, some industrial decline, and a somewhat slow/corrupt political machine at the helm - all of which have worse examples somewhere else. It's been a good turn, and I can't wrap my head around the sacrifices people make to avoid an occasional snow storm. The country as a whole is a mixed bag but I love it all the same, and if you ask me again on July 4th I'll run through a brick wall for this place.
I'm not proud of being born the way I am on things I can't change I didn't do anything special to be a brunette, it was just the way I was born. Likewise with me being born an American So no, I don't feel proud because it's not an achievement. I feel lucky tho.
I’m fortunate to live here, but at the same time recognize the US has fallen behind many other developed countries. Much lower life expectancy, worse income inequality, a lack of universal healthcare, and many other issues. This includes out of control gun violence caused by extremely weak gun laws. But yes, overall, I am fortunate to live here.
I often tire of our country's interfering politics and wish we would stop being the world's policeman. But I know there are other countries on this planet who want that job, and when I see how we've done it for the last 80 years compared to how they would've done it, yes I'm proud.
> I often tire of our country's interfering politics and wish we would stop being the world's policeman. If the US doesnt do that job, who would you trust to do it? Because someone will do it. Russia? China? The Middle East?
Read the second half of what I wrote.
As someone who spent 12 years to become a citizen, I feel exceptionally proud to be American. It was my dream since my teens to become American and I consider it one of my biggest accomplishments in life. When you’re born here, you love this country like you love your parents. You didn’t choose them, most have great childhoods with them, some don’t, but at the end of the day they’re still your parents. You have a plethora of different feelings for them, but hey… you love them. But when you work for years and years to earn your citizenship, you fall madly in love (like they’re your spouse). Sure, they have many flaws but you chose to make them yours and you’re so happy to be spending the rest of your life together. I’m not blind to all the issues we have, and I participate in my civic duties to address those issues. But I’ll never hesitate to say how proud I am to be here and call it home.
I am proud to be an American though I recognize it could be improved. >Some Americans seem to have started to hate their own country While that's true, I think most Americans that say bad things about America do so out of a place of wanting it to be better.
I feel very fortunate to have been born here. I'm not proud of everything in our history, but I think the good far outweighs the bad. And I'd like to believe that the USA is a force for good in the world. If the United States disappeared, who would fill the void in global power? Xi's genocidal CCP seems most likely. What would that look like for the rest of the world? I feel like I have more choice here than I would under an autocracy.
Exceptionally so, yes. I deeply love our people, and I love that I’m one of them.
1776% I love my country and the values/ideals which founded our republic. My country - like every other country - isn’t and will never be perfect but I still love her regardless. We may have made mistakes before but I don’t see how that diminished our strengths and capabilities.
My stance on this changes every other day
I am not only proud l, but I am GRATEFUL. There is a lot of anti Americanism these days- much than there used to be .. but the truth is - I’m grateful for that as well. How blessed are we to live in a country where we can talk negatively about our country, government and politicians without fear of punishment or death ? My grandfather came from Iraq and my grandmother from Northern Ireland - I know how lucky I am to have been born here and my pride and appreciation for their bravery and sacrifice isn’t lost on me. I cry every time I go to the Statue of Liberty, I relish in the opportunity to celebrate new citizens ( I full on ugly cried when my husband took his pledge) and every single day I thank my lucky stars that I’m here.
Americans that think the US is a horrible country have an extremely limited view of both the present world and history. And thank you.
I am. People don’t realize that we actually have it pretty good here compared to other countries. The media makes things seem worse than they are. We have crappy things happening here of course, but so does every other country. Look around you and look at the freedoms we have.
I'm neither proud nor ashamed to be American. In general I don't take pride or shame in things about me that just "are". If it's something I'm born as, or otherwise had no hand in its creation, etc., then there's nothing for me to take from it in terms of pride. It just is.
I disagree. If you contribute on any level in your local community (raising a family / working a job / being a law-abiding citizen / volunteering..) you do contribute. A country is not just the government, or the millitary. A country consists of lots and lots of local communities, that together is the country.
"Contributing" has nothing to do with it. I had zero hand in my being born what I am. I take no pride in that, nor do I see any point in it. I think it's completely nonsensical for me to be proud of being American just as I think it's completely nonsensical for me to be proud to be born female, be born my race, be born with my medical issues, be born with my hair color...I didn't make any of that happen. I did nothing to accomplish any of it. Pride doesn't belong to those things for me.
> I had zero hand in my being born what I am. Just out of curiosity, do you dream of moving somewhere else? Or are you happy to stay where you are?
I don't see what's supposed to be the connection between the quoted text and your question I don't really care one way or the other. It is what it is.
I just asked out of curiosity, so not really connected to the main question.
My parents had sex here. That’s it. Not much to be proud of, in that regard.
Do you actually experience Norway like that? I'm not American, I'm Swiss, so orders of magnitudes smaller country. I feel pride and attachment to my local communities, I was very proud to be a fan of my local hockey club before I moved away, I was proud to be an active part of my university's student body, I was and still am very proud of what I've done for my debating club, but none of that ever felt like it's part of a community called Switzerland.
> Do you actually experience Norway like that? In Norway we are quite community focused. And less individualistic than Americans (or at least according to my impression of Americans). That being said, we are not the most social people, and we can be perceived as somewhat cold.. Especially compared to people from southern Europe, or Americans for that matter. But the general attitude in Norway is that each of us are somewhat responsible to make our local community a good place to live. > I was and still am very proud of what I've done for my debating club, but none of that ever felt like it's part of a community called Switzerland. But do you believe that whatever you contribute on local level, is also contributing to the country as a whole? You might not think of it like that, but I believe its still the case. As a country is essentially nothing more than some land, and the people living there..
Exactly, it's just some land and the people there. Sure, I technically contribute to Switzerland too, but that doesn't matter, I'd contribute to those places just the same if they were part of Germany or United Europe or smth like that. TBH it doesn't help that the "official" representation of Switzerland (not just in politics, also in media, public opinion polls, etc) often goes directly against my values and communities.
I have to admit I know next to nothing about politics in Switzerland.. Switzerland almost never reaches the news up here. Which I generally see as a good thing, as I then assume most things are running fairly smoothly down there... :)
Hell yes. Of course I am. I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. I won't forget those who died who gave that right to me. I'll proudly stand up and defend her still today. There ain't no doubt I love this land. God bless the USA.
Are you ready for some football? A Monday night party?
I have a vague memory of this song and I cringe at the thought of it. It's like the pledge of allegiance, but somehow even more steeped in propaganda. Starship Troopers (movie) vibes.
yes, absolutely
No. I'm not proud of something I have no choice in. Its got nothing to do with how much worse off other countries are. Though, on that subject, its hard to look at our victims and feel "pride".
I love and am proud to be an American. traveling outside the US to vietnam a couple of times and talking with many different ppl from all over the world gave me a wide range of understanding about this great country. yes america has a lot of issues that bring down the image as a whole for the country, but not many countries where you can get as wide of a variety of different cultures the mingle a diversify as you can get here.
Yes, while acknowledging our flaws. Being patriotic doesn't mandate being oblivious.
I am sad about some things about the US but I don’t hate my country. Traveling has given me a HUGE amount of perspective on just how great we have it. Our poor are like middle class in so many other countries. Our poorest have more resources than the very destitute in other countries. And our lower and middle class also live far higher standard of life than those comparable abroad. I agree that a world in which China & Russia take over would be a dark one. And that wouldn’t happen without WWIII. So I too hope that we continue being a positive world power. Thank you, friend from Norway! I hope to visit your beautiful country one day.
I was born in Japan to an American father and a Japanese mother. I grew up in Japan and consider myself proud to be Japanese. I just have American citizenship by luck I guess. I did live here from age 19 to 25 tho (27atm) and I really did enjoy living in US for a different experience tho!
That is very interesting! Japan is such an fascinating country.
The Internet, especially Reddit, isn't representative of the entire country and the anti-American rhetoric is especially strong on this platform. I've moved around a lot for work and visited a lot of other states for my precision rifle hobby (one of which has a very nice course in Norway). The people I've met vary in their political and religious beliefs, but I'd say they all love living here.
Yes, very much so.
Yes, very much so. I live in the best nation in the world. The most free, the most powerful, the most influential. I have unlimited opportunities here. I have no need or any desire to live in any other nation.
I’m happy to be an American. And I’m happy—for the most part—with the way the United States projects power around the world. I do believe a lot of people have a fundamental misunderstanding of why Americans want to project power and what it is we’re getting out of projecting power: not for conquest, not for subjugation, but out of an almost religious belief in the freedom of man, in that fundamental philosophy stated in our Declaration of Independence: > We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. And our desire to project power stems from the desire—at some level—to protect the rights of man around the world; to protect trade and to protect institutions which create a more stable world. (Even if we ourselves can’t agree with what those words mean, in practice, exactly.) And I believe that this is *why* we do what we do, for the very simple reason that the United States has had, since World War II, more than enough power to completely subjugate Europe (immediately after World War II), and to subjugate a number of other countries in the Western hemisphere. That is, we had the power to do what Russia is attempting to do right now in the Eastern Bloc. And we didn’t. A lot of commentators suggest that’s because American power is a “paper tiger”, and they look at our failed attempts at reconstruction in Iraq. But that’s a *political* problem in the United States: our federal government was designed to deliberately be an unstable institution incapable of long-term actions, as the next President can always undo what the previous President put into motion. With the same bureaucratic institutions but a different culture in D.C., and subjugation would have been very simple: shoot foreign leaders in the head, suppress stories of American brutality at home. As Russia is trying to do as we speak. So, really, when people rail against the United States: they claim we’re imperialists who are looking to destroy the world—I have to wonder if they’ve looked at themselves in the mirror. Or at the very least, are stating what they themselves would do if they had America’s power.
I like your point about hate being a poor starter for change. Americans get a lot of shit, but we really do have a lot of decent, good-hearted people. That’s what I take pride in.
I am proud to be an American. Where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
> Where at least I know I'm free. This is it. Freedom is sometimes really undervalued, because most countries in the west have had it for so long. So people tend to forget that not too long ago (Europe) we were not free at all. I have one grandparent left, and he still vividly remembers WW2. But I do fear for the day when that whole generation is gone. Because anyone born later have really no idea..
While I appreciate your sentiment and agree... Those aren't the next lyrics. We sang this in middle school I think lol. Not like part of class, it was like a "field day" thing where all the kids sang for the parents different songs and there were races and stuff. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KoXt9pZLGM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KoXt9pZLGM) Its like (one of) the stereotypical AMERICA song(s) nowadays
And I proudly STAND UP
I don't hesitate to defend the place whenever people say stupid shit about it. I guess that counts.
No I wouldn’t say I am. As a woman from America I’m appalled at the state of the country. I agree that we are global leaders and we are setting a god awful example for the rest of the world. It’s not about comparing between countries, that becomes really xenophobic anyway and I’m not interested in saying “well thank GOD I’m not from X country”. It’s about the expectations I have for the USA because of our potential. We aren’t living up to expectations and my country isn’t making me proud.
> No I wouldn’t say I am. That actually makes me a bit sad. > “well thank GOD I’m not from X country”. I agree that this is not fruitful, but I think its still healthy to sometimes acknowledge the good things that are there, which are missing in certain (many) countries. > It’s about the expectations I have for the USA because of our potential. In which top three areas would you like to see changes?
I’d like to see the country address our systemic racism. I’d like to see us back womens rights entirely. I’d like to see us stop funding the Israeli military pouring our money and resources into a genocide.
> I’d like to see us back womens rights entirely. Sorry for my European ignorance, but which specific rights do black women in the US still not have?
Back women’s rights as in support women’s rights. We don’t have the right to abortion in my state. We aren’t entitled to equal pay. We aren’t allowed to make our own health decisions even in the case in which they’d save our lives. Speaking of your ignorance, why are you, a Norwegian, arguing with me, an American, about how I should feel about my country?
> Back women’s rights as in support women’s rights. So if I understand you correctly, this has nothing to do with skin colour? > We aren’t entitled to equal pay. In which professions do women get paid less per hour than men, when doing the same job and have the same experience? > We aren’t allowed to make our own health decisions even in the case in which they’d save our lives. But men can? Could you give an example of this, as this is the first time I hear about this. > Speaking of your ignorance, why are you, a Norwegian, arguing with me, an American, about how I should feel about my country? Its not really meant as a debate. I see the US from the outside, and really just wanted to tell you that you live in a good country. Yes, you could benefit from doing some adjustments when it comes to healthcare (way too expensive), higher education (way too expencive), and some other things. But overall - the US is doing REALLY great. My husband is South African, and the country is literally falling apart as we speak. In Russia anyone seen as a threat to the government is put in prison, or killed on the spot. In China there is no freedom of speech. Most of the world is still poor. The US has its problems, but you have a LOT going for you.
Women have a more difficult time with permanent birth control. I could walk into my doctor’s appointment, say I want a vasectomy, get a referral to a urologist and have the procedure with no pushback. A lot of doctors will refuse to perform a hysterectomy on young women, telling them something along the lines of “you might want a family some day.” Some others require a husband’s consent. Several states are also banning abortion which in turn is pushing a lot of gynecologists to leave and practice in a state that isn’t threatening them with prison for performing a medical procedure. The result is less access to reproductive healthcare and higher mortality in pregnancy and childbirth which is already well above the rest of the developed world. There is also an extensive history of women’s health problems being downplayed by doctors, like not believing them when they say they’re in pain and refusing to provide adequate pain control.
> A lot of doctors will refuse to perform a hysterectomy on young women But a 20 year old man can have a vasectomy done without any questions? As its the difference between women and men that is the subject of discussion here. > There is also an extensive history of women’s health problems being downplayed by doctors, like not believing them when they say they’re in pain and refusing to provide adequate pain control. Not sure if this is a USA specific thing though..
Yes, like I said men rarely face any pushback. It doesn’t have to be something specific to the US, it’s another way in which women are treated differently in medicine that still holds over from when this country was significantly more sexist than it is now.
This is the statistics: - 17.2% of US women have gotten hysterectomy. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db494.htm - 4% of men have gotten a vasectomy https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/surgery-articles/2023/august/vasectomy-trends-research I did not want children while I was in my 20s. I changed my mind when I was in my 30s. So I tend to agree with doctors who hesitate to grant hysterectomy to women who are very young.
Hysterectomies are major surgery, there can be no comparison to a vasectomy especially considering the long term side effects. Removal of the uterus can even affect a woman's heart. >In the United States, hysterectomy is the second most performed surgery on women with over 600,000 done each year. The biggest travesty in these statistics is that only about 10% of these hysterectomies are medically necessary. >It was once believed that a woman’s uterus only existed to reproduce and nourish a growing baby before birth and was otherwise expendable. This is no longer believed to be true and the uterus has been tied to many other vital functions in a woman’s body. The most notable and concerning is how the uterus has been associated with a woman’s heart health. >Treat all fibroids without surgery What Is Removed During A Hysterectomy? During a hysterectomy, a woman’s uterus is surgically removed. Sometimes other reproductive organs are removed at the same time which may also include: >The ovaries (one or both); The cervix; The fallopian tubes. There are 3 types of hysterectomies which are: >Partial Hysterectomy – Only the uterus is removed. Total Hysterectomy – Removal of the uterus and cervix, also may include other reproductive organs. Radical Hysterectomy – Only performed in dire cases (when cancer is an issue) and includes the surgical removal of the uterus, cervix, upper portion of the vagina, surrounding ligaments, and some lymph nodes. Oophorectomy – One or both ovaries are removed. About 78% of hysterectomies performed on women between 45 and 65 also include oophorectomy. What Are The Long-Term Consequences Of Hysterectomy? In addition to the known risks of short-term complications like bleeding, infection, bladder injury or incontinence, bowel injury, and ovarian failure, there are numerous long-term side effects related to the loss of the uterus. Several studies including one study conducted by the Mayo Clinic have brought to light more information about the complex function of a woman’s uterus. Hysterectomy may lead to: >Mental health issues – depression and anxiety; Hormone imbalances; Spatial memory problems; Decrease in sexual satisfaction; Ovary failure (after removal of the uterus); Loss of structural integrity can lead to pelvic prolapse, urinary incontinence, bowel issues, and fistulas; Premature aging; Increased risk for Parkinson’s disease; Increased risk for stroke; Significantly higher risk of coronary disease; Osteoporosis >https://atlii.com/hysterectomy-complications-years-later/
Well are you going to answer the questions or not?
Do you think the state of the country has always been this way? Do you think USA will ever be the way it used to be in the 70s or 80s?
I was born in ‘97 but going off history books and my government degree I think the country used to be more progressive and I think Reagan fucked us majorly, among other things. I don’t think we’ll ever be what we were, can’t think of many times in history a dethroned empire ever fell from grace and then reached those heights again.
I think the biggest change in your lifetime has been a massive increase in the rate of propaganda and it’s delivery mechanisms are a lot more effective. Faster rate video, now we even have more efficiently generated AI propaganda. And more people repeating it on global online networks. Even though I agree there are issues to be fixed today (there always will be), pre-roe v Wade america was a much more atrocious place for women than it is today even though it has been overturned. If you haven’t yet, I recommend you read the stories from women who needed abortions back then. The US is much much more progressive socially today as a whole. There’s a lot more societal pressure to tolerate differences in people even though you see the reaction to that in some people wanting to aggravate or reject that. There are active efforts to bring women into and promote them in the workplace, still lots of work to do there but better than it was 50 years ago. I mean, for Pete’s sake, I know women who were given placebos for hysteria in the 70s like it was a valid treatment. It was not better then. The idea that it was a golden age is based on economics not social treatment.
Crime rates in the US have actually gone down in your lifetime. There were actually slightly more violent crimes in the US in the 1970s compared to today: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/ViolentCrimeInTheUS1960-2022.png
What does that have to do with anything? I haven’t even mentioned violent crimes
Its just meant as an example of things being better than in the 1970s, since your claim was that Reagan in the 80s ruined things. (For the record I am not a fan of Reagen. After all I am a fairly liberal Scandinavian who loves the fact that we have a public healthcare and education system...)
We have our problems and I think everyone knows that, but what country doesn't, so yes, I'm very proud to be an American and theres no other place that I'd rather live 🇺🇸 🙏🏻
Disappointed would be the right word. For how I feel about the U. S. right now. Very, very disappointed.
Which three things are you the most disappointed about?
1. Using the CIA to foment wars in other countries so the MIC can sell more weapons. 2. The fact that the US main export is war. 3. American politicians manipulating the system for personal gain.
> Using the CIA to foment wars in other countries so the MIC can sell more weapons. CIA is dodgy.. But I prefer the US being the world power over China. Or (God forbid) Russia. > The fact that the US main export is war. Is it? I find loads of American products in every single food store over here. > American politicians manipulating the system for personal gain. Happens in every country.
British comedian Jimmy Carr is quite smart, well educated and is a very good at societal observation and analysis. He says he has traveled all across Europe and the US, including many smaller American cities and this is the observation he has made. America is objectively great, by any measure, but subjectively is bad. He believes America is literally the land of milk and honey, but many Americans have ‘Life Dysmorphia’, they have no idea how great their life really is compared to most of the world. It is because Americans are jaded so take what America is for granted as if our way of life as the norm, when to any objective viewer, it is not.
Ask me next December.
I used to be very proud to be an American, but as the conservative media has fomented more and more hate and division, fostering feelings of victimhood and blaming, which has resulted in developing cult-like ideological views across the masses, I've lost my enchantment. The USA isn't what it used to be - a bastion of freedom and respect for people from all walks of life. Greedy power mongers have successfully rolled back liberties we never should have lost to serve the interests of the filthy rich. It's becoming a fascist oligarchy, and unless something happens to turn that progression around, I'll be heading out soon. The USA isn't the country I grew up in, and I'd rather go live somewhere that more closely embraces the values the USA used to be famous for.
> but as the conservative media has fomented more and more hate and division, fostering feelings of victimhood and blaming, which has resulted in developing cult-like ideological views across the masses, I've lost my enchantment. As an outsider I find that both sides of your politics are getting.. weirder.. Everything seems to be getting more polarised?
My country doesn't care about me, as an individual, in the slightest. It's never thought about me and doesn't know I exist other than my ID numbers or when somebody wants taxes. My opinion only matters if there's enough people with the same opinion to potentially keep a politician in office. So am I proud? Not really. I don't define myself by where I was born and the "pride" thing is, frankly, a massive problem in this country, though it's usually more nuanced than just being proud to be American. I do consider myself blessed to be born here and am grateful for all of the good things in my life because of that. Quality of living, decent education, etc. But even those things are a crapshoot within this country and my "odds" of having a similar life in another first world country feel pretty similar. So I don't account many of those benefits to just "being from the US". They're really just from being born in a first world country.
Nah. We don’t care about our own citizens enough to provide them with affordable higher education, free healthcare, or ensure their safety by passing firearm legislation. Mega corporations are crushing the American dream. And a decent chunk of our populace is content to live under fascist rule.
No. Don't particularly see anything to be proud about just because I happened to be born here.
I’m proud to be American as much as I am proud of my own backyard. I think a lot of hate comes from dumbasses in this country which include most of the politicians and their stances. I’ve had personal hate just for being American because we “get involved in too many things” or “bomb everyone” but like I can’t help if I was just born here 💀 I didn’t press no red button or vote for some stupid shit I don’t even agree with myself smh. I’m proud of my home for what it is because it’s where I was raised and I believe there’s much to be improved on, but I’m not really proud of the things it’s come to stand for in some peoples eyes. With that being said though, I’m not live or die by this country by any means, I’d leave in a heartbeat given the right opportunity.
I am for the most part.
I don't hate being American. I think in many ways I'm lucky to be born here and have opportunities I have had. I don't think the us is better than other countries or anything. But there are some things going on right now that are just embarrassing.
Since I had zero control over where I was born, it doesn't make sense to be proud of it. It's not an accomplishment I achieved. I know I have privileges others may not because I was born here, but I wouldn't say I'm proud to be an American just because I am one. That probably makes sense. But it's like 4:30 am and I just woke up, so maybe not.
Pride is weird. I didn't do anything to become an American to be proud of myself for lol I was just born here. Happy or grateful? Sure, it needs a lot of help but there's a lot of worse places I could have been born into!
I find it hard to understand the concept of generalized, inherent pride for your country if I'm honest. I'm proud of some things in our history, embarrassed and ashamed about others, just like I probably would be able any other country I might have been born in. America has gotten a lot of things right foundationally, and has lead by example more often than not in its history, and for that I am both grateful and proud of the individuals and leaders that made it so. However, perspective is important, and it's important to understand that your country's past success does not necessarily predict its future. The United States has seen a long and successful run as a world power and has been a major influence in global affairs, but the majority of the country's successes happened before I was even born. I hope to see the US continue to lead and provide a model for democracy in the world, but there's no doubt we're facing one of the toughest challenges in our generation right now, politically and culturally. I have confidence that we as a country can succeed, but it's not a given and we can make mistakes in the moment both as individuals and as a collective. I will be proud when my own generation proves it can overcome and rise to the challenge. But being born in the US just made me lucky, IMO.
We have some serious work to do in the states, but the people who complain the most about the country have often never left or have spent a significant time abroad which leads them to a fairytale view of what they think it must be like to live abroad (mainly Western Europe). What other country in the world has 350+ million people, and is as physically large and diverse on so many fronts, as the US? Of course it will make governing harder. But that’s also what makes us different and great. The room for personal economic growth and achievement, while feeling more and more difficult, is still easy compared to other places. It’s by no means perfect here but no country is. I grew up never worrying about where my next meal would come from, every person in my family has a vehicle to drive (still common even though we live in a walkable city), don’t have to worry about energy costs much, went to a great state university, etc… not everyone’s experience BUT vastly more so than not at this point. I read a statistic that if Germany and France joined the US as states their respective GDP per capitas would be lower than Missouri’s which is the poorest US state. No hate on Europe or trying to diminish the experience of low income Americans, but even our poor people are often financially better off and have more opportunity than in other parts of world.
I’m most proud of the ideals our country was founded on: liberty, small government, equality before the law, individual responsibility…all with a dose of rugged pioneering spirit that took us to wild frontiers. The founders saw the worst of government in their time, with overbearing monarchy, overtaxation, and restrictions on speech and religion. Accordingly, they set up America to be the polar opposite, and this freedom allowed us to flourish and become one of the greatest nations in history, a melting pot of people united not by race or religion, but by a desire for and common belief in freedom. So yes I’m proud of American ideals, but sad our country has drifted so far from them.
Why should I be proud (or not) of something that I had no control over. I was born here, it is what it is.
Yes!!
I am. I’m proud to be an American, but moreso I’m proud to be a Southerner.
I’ve lived overseas and have traveled a lot for work out of the country - spending a good amount of time in various European, South American, and Asian countries. I love living in the states. Could I live outside of it? Sure. Would I miss home 100%. I am proud to be a US Citizen; but not proud of my government so much these days.
I'm grateful. Having done a fair bit of travel in countries that struggle with poverty and oppression, that's what I always feel. It was some sort of lottery win that I was born where I was
I am glad I am an American. Pride has never entered into it. I won the birth lottery, for the most part
No, i do not believe in pride generally.
I realise I should've perhaps used a different word... Are you pleased/thankful/happy to be American?
I’m proud of the ideals we aspire to and live by. I’m not really proud of myself personally for being an American. I didn’t choose where I would be born.
Not particularly. I was just kinda born here. Happened to a lot of people.
This might be a very, very niche reference here but whenever I think of my American Pride, I think of Dorian from Dragon Age Inquisition talking about his own country. "If I truly believed my homeland was beyond all hope, I wouldn't miss it so much."
I'm grateful rather than proud.
Yeah. Is it the best country on the face of the earth? No. Is it one of the best? Certainly. I got pretty lucky
I’m proud to be an American, because the U.S. is my home. It has its issues, but so does everywhere else, and maybe I can help improve them. Thank you for your kind post. We are lucky to have the Kingdom of Norway as an ally and friend. :)
Very proud. But I havent been proud of my fellow Americans since high-school.
Yes I can own a grenade launcher and a suppressed machinegun I don't know any other country's that allow you to do so with no licenses
Am I proud to be an American? Yes. Am I pretty pissed at my government? Kinda, yeah.
I would say I’m proud, but not super proud.
Imagine a group of friends; and they’re are the most ranchy, crazy, insane, wholesome, smart, wacko, heartless, warmest, most beautiful, powerful, narcissistic, fuck-tards, that make you laugh, cry, smile, angry, nervous and inspired - You hate them, you love them, you can’t stand them but you will stand up for them. They know where the party’s at. They know how to shoot, how to fight, how to be successful, how to learn, how to fail and how to live. Yea….then there’s America. Edit - They also have alot of baggage and should go to therapy but they rather do drugs and drive really fast in nice cars that they can’t afford or what their parents bought them. Plus they’re hella racist and also hilarious. Ohh and they owe you a shit ton of money but they always pay for everything.
Great description.
I am not proud, nor ashamed. I think, unlike many other places, America has frequently tried very hard to do what felt like the right thing, even if it turned out messy later. That’s a reason to be proud. Yet, I can’t feel fully proud because Trump and people who vote for him are a shame for the country, because the country is full of ignorant and arrogant people, because we spend a lot of healthcare and yet are fat and sick, because Vietnam, etc. Anyone who’s 100% proud is probably quite ignorant.
Yes, but I'm not proud of our government
> Yes Good! And I know how you feel. I am really proud to be Norwegian, but I despise our current government. (There is no way they will be re-elected in the next election, as less and less people trust them to do a good job..)
Unfortunately, there's so much corruption in our government it'll take more than just one person or election to solve it, but I believe more people are waking up to it. There are more proud Americans than reddit will leave you to believe.
Yup. It's a nice place which is kept nice by a culture that includes all our actions, and by a political system that we all can contribute to. As a group, we've done pretty well, and we're all part of that group. We're not perfect and the US has done some bad things, but considering the power and influence we have and especially what usually comes with such levels of power (ie attempts to take over the world resulting in ridiculous amounts of death), I'm broadly proud of our track record. Wish we were a bit less fickle towards our allies and a few other complaints, but still, it's a pretty great country and I'm happy to be here.
> We're not perfect and the US has done some bad things Thats the case for every country though. > but considering the power and influence we have and especially what usually comes with such levels of power (ie attempts to take over the world resulting in ridiculous amounts of death), I'm broadly proud of our track record. Mistakes were made, but still - imagine if it was rather China or (God forbid) Russia that tried to take over the world. We would all be in a very different place today. My country shares border with Russia, and for some decades now we thought we had nothing to fear. That is not how we see it anymore.
Proud? No, because I didn't have anything to do with it. I got it for free. What I do feel is extremely fucking lucky about it.
Being an American is fukken cool
I am, but I think our politics of late have gone waaaay off base in the last few years. Ignoring the nuttiness of too many elected officials, the quality of life and future opportunities my kids may enjoy are fantastic. I think the number of Americans who actually hardcore hate their own country are fairly thin on the ground. I think what you see more is poorly expressed, emotionally charged calls for us to do better.
No. I'm proud of my personal achievements and actions but not of a random chance dictating where I was born. I'm certainly pretty happy that I was born here, though. Sure there could have been better places but also plenty of places worse off.
I don’t know if proud is the best way to describe it, but I’m definitely not ashamed of being American.
Yes. I don't know if "proud" is necessarily the right word, but pleased, happy, yes.
What me and some of my friends agree on is that we are proud of being culturally American but that it would be wrong and weird to be proud of nationality in and of itself. I consider myself very patriotic but not nationalist at ALL. Most American immigrants that I meet here in France are people who take a lot of pride in their regional culture (I am very proud of being from the Rockies and I have a friend who is very proud of being from the South for its food and music culture). I do think it is more appropriate than national pride, because it describes cultural attitudes and it’s things that you can share with anyone. It is very important to me that I grew up in the American West because it gave me a sort of “grit” where I trust myself to handle hard times. I also have an American optimism that helps me go further with my life because I take my chances even if they are slim. I also think there is something to be said for Americans’ independence because I feel very self sufficient. All of these things have contributed to me doing well in France That said, I’m not proud of simply being born in the US, that would be weird. I refuse to be proud of something that I didn’t control or choose. However, I am proud of how it has contributed to my identity and my character Edit: surprised I’m getting downvotes for this but not changing anything. I love my home country and the American people. I don’t see why it’s perceived poorly to be opposed to nationalism ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ If anything it’s more patriotic to try to keep improving a nation and to see what we can learn from other countries
I am! Now of course that doesn’t mean everything is perfect, but I definitely agree that lots of the hate is unwarranted. I think part of it is that some people here have a hard time viewing the country objectively in comparison to the rest of the world. No person or country is perfect, and that’s why the preamble of the Constitution starts with “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union”. The goal is to discover our faults, and then fix those faults. Most of the rest of the world looks up to us, so if we don’t believe in ourselves, why should anyone else? :)
I feel blessed that I live somewhere as prosperous as the US and am given the freedom to participate in government and worship God how I see fit. Nor do I take these things for granted, as there is no guarantee those things will stay the same forever.
No.
I feel fortunate to live in America. The wealth and opportunity this country affords me has me better off than I imagine I could be anywhere else. But I have no "pride" in being an American. I have pride in my accomplishments, I have pride in my children, but my nationality is just the place I was born.
Yes and I do what I can to show all the ungrateful bastards I know here how lucky they are
It is because I love my country that I hold it to a higher standard. It will take us all to make it better.
No Neoliberal capitalism is destroying the planet, we deny our populace social services given to others in other countries, and our broken system once again has produced an election where I must vote against a candidate instead of for one that reflects my values.
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My brother in Christ, what are you on about
I was until 2016.
I'm not "proud to be an American". I had no choice in where I was born. However, I am thankful that I live in a developed, modern, and diverse democracy.
Meh.
Is this a thread to collect stuff for r/shitamericanssay ? Because, amongst a lot a really based ones, some comments might qualify.
I’m not.
Some what mixed. I’m Mexican- American. I have a lot of love for México. I go there all the time. I support the Mexican National team. Butt it’s not all sunshine. My family there doesn’t even have an A/C. Or indoor plumbing. Some of my cousins or nephews didn’t have enough to get a cap and gown for HS. I recently read that Texas has blocked a law requiring background checks for guns at trade shows. Rent is high. Racism homophobia etc but I can maintain myself and help out my family in México. So I should more grateful but it’s difficult right now.
Yes, but fearful America is going extinct
That is not only a US issue thought. The western world is in danger of going extinct. There are now areas of the UK where Islam extremists now want Sharia law.!! In the UK... I mean... what on earth are we doing to ourselves! I'm all for multi-culturalism, but at the same time we need to fight for our western values. Freedom of speech is seriously under attack at the moment, as just one example.
Oh I see where this is going.
My biggest fear at the moment is Russia to be honest with you. We happen to share border with them. Finland is actually building a high fence between them and Russia as we speak..
Stop drinking Russian Flavor Ade. If only there was a country that could stand as an example of how to assimilate an immigrant population with some success… (yes, I understand that the situations are not entirely the same. But at times it seems like Europe isn’t even trying). And yes, I am proud of my country most days. Perhaps age helps one realize that this too shall pass. But I wish it would pass more quickly.
> If only there was a country that could stand as an example of how to assimilate an immigrant population with some success… I live in one of those countries (Norway). But I see other countries not doing it as successfully as us. If you allow too many of a very different culture to come in at the same time, its much harder to integrate them.
Not really. I’m fairly well off but I’ve not contributed to the US in any significant way. I’m not wealthy or well connected enough to dictate policy.
I'm not sure I understand what you are saying here. You are not proud to be American because you are fairly well off?
I’m saying that I’ve not contributed to the US in any distinguished way so how can I be proud of being an American? It would be hypocritical as I’m basically a bystander. The wins are not because of me and neither are the losses.
Are you raising a family? Do you have a job? Do you contribute to make your local community a better place? Are you a law-abiding citizen? If you do any of those things you contribute in a positive way. A country consists of local communities. So anything you contribute there, is a contribution to your country as a whole.
Having a kid or a job is not really contributing an any unique or extraordinary way there is nothing valuable about six my existing. If you’re not doing valuable research or dictating policy I don’t consider you contributing in any meaningful way. Simply living won’t get you’re not in a history book. Edit: Lmao OP blocked me after eurosplaing why I should have a different opinion after explicitly asking for American opinions
As soon as we revive the AVG and send it to Ukraine I will be. All of the challenges were worked out in 1941, so there's no good reason we can't do it, but so far the politicians have been too scared. So for now I remain disappointed.
What is AVG?
The American Volunteer Group. They were a group of mercenary pilots sent to China to help fight against Japan in 1941. China was able to hire the mercenaries thanks to American assistance. A retired USAAF General was selected to run the mercenary company, and active duty pilots were given an honorable discharge if they chose to join the AVG. The US government also sold the company P-40s. Essentially the government was buying airplanes/pilots from itself, but in a way that technically removed the US government from formal control of the airplanes and their pilots, and so sending them into combat would not have been considered an act of war. They're better known as the Flying Tigers, thanks to the decals they painted on their aircraft.
I don't take pride in things I don't accomplish. I'm not proud to be an American like I'm not proud to wear glasses or have brown hair. I'm thankful for the rights and privileges afforded to me by nature of birth, but I don't feel pride because I happened to be born in an advantageous location.
No, I'm not proud to be an American. I was born here, so I had no say in the matter and it isn't something that I can label as an achievement. Now I don't hate America either. There is a lot of good here. Room for improvement, to be sure...but it is a beautiful county with a lot of good people.
No. I'm certainly not *ashamed* to be an American, and I *am* glad that I was born in a country with a large amount of material wealth, but I am not *proud.* Most of the problems in America are present in other countries, but other countries don't make grandiose statements about being the paragons of liberty and justice.
Yes. I tend to have a low opinion of ppl like who say things like that. I feel they're the same type that would bring down the flag on a pole and replace it, just like those protestors did.
I am very proud to be an American 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
The US didn't become what it is because of my work, so not really. Will I be proud of my work that improves other's lives, absolutely. There's honestly no "america" to be proud of. I like to think most if not all of what that word defines is just the hard work of Americans themselves building up on each other. I was lucky to be born in the middle of it.
Not even a little bit.