Originally Posted by Warwick

Over the past 5 or so tears I have noticed a lot more Aussie flags flying in front yards.
Unusual for us, as like Kiwis we tend to bare our patriotism opposite to how yanks do.
But then on the sporting field............................

Hehe one of the more amusing things I have noticed with Kiwi's is that we are most noticably "patriotic" while out of New Zealand. I think I carried more flags, patches and memorabilia on my packs etc. while living in the USA and the UK than I would ever own in a lifetime in New Zealand.

But I think you are right sports would be one of the few areas where nationalism/patriotism is vigorously expressed.

China is by far the most rabidly patriotic lot of louts I have ever encountered but hardly anyone owns a Chinese flag. Just say something anti-chinese and you can see them actually physically start to come apart. I find it extremely irritating in any culture because for some reason we have come to equate blind loyalty and not actual patriotism for love of country.

Originally Posted by C/2nd Lt Robot

It's a symbol of what you and your fellow countrymen believe in. Blood, sweat, and tears went into the forging of the flag and what it stands for. However, to each his own.

I guess thats what is different, for me its a symbol of the word "Sweden" not the history, the history of Sweden is alot older then the flag.

There used to be hardly any flags here in Germany. I've actually never seen anyone with flagpole in front of his house. Some people had one at their allotment garden. However with the world cup at home, its german flags everywhere at the moment. Me too, I have one right here next to my desk.

I have to admit that i'm proud to be scottish but you wouldn't catch too many waving flags about hereunless scotland are playing football.

I'm definitely not a patriot though, the word scares me because its too close to being a fanatic. I do find it very unnerving when people start waving flags about, i don't see the point.

I find that politicians that are failing usually use patriotism as a tool and tend to wrap themselves up in the flag as a last resort. I'm a human first and foremost and i value the lives of all citizens as equal.

Its good to have a wee bit of pride for your country but just don't become blinded by it, be rational first.

Americans get Patriotism in bursts. We get our pride in short little spurts when something bad happens to our country. For example, when the 9/11 attacks occurred, there were thousands of little children in the streets waving the tiny American flags. That number has practically dissappeared. There were flags up on every house on my street. That number is gone save one, mine. Musicians were creating songs about that "fateful September day." Now they are writing about the same ole song and dance.After Hurricane Katrina, millions of dollars went to the Red Cross and once again, the flags came out from under the beds collecting dust. Everyone had great pride in the fact that we were able to send so much aid, the effects are still there, but the number of people and the ammount of money has trickled down.

The flags and stuff never really disapeerd after 9/11 here.

You have to admit, the Americans fierce Patriotism is at its highest right after something has happened to our country. Then we settle down. Back into our ruts.Dont think so? Check out Bush's approval ratings right after we went to war, then now when we cleared our heads.

I had my Flag out before 9/11, patriotism is nothing but a fad to some. But not to me. I have fought, bleed, sweat, and shed tears for the USA. And I will continue to do so if needed.

Patriotism isn't just waving a flag. It's a belief.

I awake every morning and look out my window and say thanks to the good lord that I live in the United States of America. I am proud of my nation and it's history. I am proud of it's culture and it's people of all walks of life. I would fight and die to protect the beliefs of the United States of America. The freedoms and rights that it represents. That is true patriotism in my opinion.

Hoo-rah. I have the same opinion. I haven't yet served my country in the military yet, but believe you me, when my time comes...I will gladly give my life in defence of the red,white,and blue.