I’ve learned to be highly skeptical of patriotism in general, because it’s a fertile breeding ground for racism and fascism.
My reasoning being that, except in very few cases, those flying the flag had no hand in them being whatever nationality they are flying the flag of. They were simply born there. Thus any pride they take in the accomplishments of that nation is completely unearned, again with very few exceptions.
This unearned pride often leads to them taking personal offence at critique of “their” nation, even if it’s warranted.
Additionally their perception of what that nation is and represents is often anchored in the past, in the best case, or in euphemised half-truths and outright fabrications, in the worst case. This results in them acting as either a conservative force, in that best case, or start slipping into fascism. Because that’s what happens when you believe your country is perfect, can do no wrong and everything would be much better if everyone were just like you.
Weren’t they? If I see someone flying a German or Bavarian flag I automatically assume they’re
racistsat least right leaning.A present day german flag isn’t racist. The Bavarian flag doesn’t appear to be racist either. Why do you assume they are racist?
I’ve learned to be highly skeptical of patriotism in general, because it’s a fertile breeding ground for racism and fascism.
My reasoning being that, except in very few cases, those flying the flag had no hand in them being whatever nationality they are flying the flag of. They were simply born there. Thus any pride they take in the accomplishments of that nation is completely unearned, again with very few exceptions.
This unearned pride often leads to them taking personal offence at critique of “their” nation, even if it’s warranted.
Additionally their perception of what that nation is and represents is often anchored in the past, in the best case, or in euphemised half-truths and outright fabrications, in the worst case. This results in them acting as either a conservative force, in that best case, or start slipping into fascism. Because that’s what happens when you believe your country is perfect, can do no wrong and everything would be much better if everyone were just like you.
A lot of people are patriotic and not racist. I’d say it’s most likely most people are patriotic and not racist.