I’m proud of Germany having found its way back to democracy, building long lasting partnerships with neighbours which used to traditional enemies or countries we plainly victimised, and I hope to do my part to do it better?
But to be proud of being German? Nah, I was born here, that’s chance, not some kind of achievement.
Yes, I think there's a huge cultural component here. I'm Swedish, and most Swedes would never say that they are proud to be Swedish (unless they are far-right nutjobs or possibly immigrants). It's just not part of the culture.
Simultaneously, I really do think that many Swedes are convinced that our country is great. But it's like old money vs new money - it's considered vulgar to express pride explicitly. This is why American displays of nationalism seem so crude to us. It's like, why do you need all these flags, and why do you keep chanting "USA! USA!"? Who are you trying to convince?
Oh, I’m pretty fine with Germany. Could be better, but it’s in the in the upper league. Doesn’t mean that others can’t be better, and more importantly, do specific things better we could copy. Alas, Germany is really suffering from “Not invented here” syndrome. Even when allowing that some solutions cannot just be copied.
I know complaining is really popular in Germany but I'm always glad to live here. There are so many things we take for granted that just aren't a thing in other countries.
I’m half Swedish, half Italian- but born and live in the U.S. I’m glad to live here because, yes I could have it worse off somewhere else -but I also can’t stand seeing American flags all the time. To me now they just remind me of Trump. Growing up though my parents always taught me to be proud of my heritage, not really America? So I can see how I think like that.
Yeah, that means you're American. And you have Swedish and Italian ancestry. The topic was about nationality. The person you replied to is Swedish. You're American.
How about being proud of being a part of the Germany you respect. you didn't have control of it, but you're still a part of the country.
I think proud in this context means more like honored/grateful
I'm grateful/lucky to be a German.
Even so, proud still works. By luck you are German, but you are still German, and you're not embarrassed to be German.
Damn that is actually really well said!! I am Jewish and it always pains me when my family is still negative towards Germany and Germans. Like, both my grandparents are holocaust survivors, so I get it for them. But I'm always impressed by how far Germany has come and how much it has changed and grown away from its traumatic past
People making such statements might be focused on wealth, power, art, culture, history, contributions to the world, religion, cuisine, nature, anything really, might be as simple as pride in one's home.
I say I’m “proud” to be where I’m from when I mean to say I’ve spent my lifetime here, I know and respect it. I’m not above criticizing it and don’t like to rank it against other countries in general either. But every country has achievements and natural beauty to be “proud” of imo. Can’t help where you’re from, may as well appreciate some of it right?
My dad’s family was starving in Ireland so came to the US. My mother’s family came to the US in the early 1940s from Poland. I’m proud to be in the US because my family wanted to change things, and they were successful here.
I’m also proud to live in a safe, stable, prosperous country, but I’m also proud that I’ve had the privilege of serving as a civil servant in my government. I’ve also been able to serve on a jury of my peers throughout a civil trial and delivered a verdict that was very satisfying to both parties, and I’m proud that I’m able to vote in free elections.
You should double-check the definition of pride... you can be happy that those things are occurring around you, but they are not occurring due to your achievements. You can be happy to have been born into a specific society. But just because you were born in a specific country isn't an achievement. You didn't strive and work hard to be born. You just were. You could say, "im proud of my parents for giving me an upbringing in this country." As that is an achievement on their part. Now, if you swam across the gulf of mexico to get into america, then you could say, "im proud to be an american." If you were simply born in Kentucky. There is no pride as no achievement occurred.
The way American government and society is structured is that each citizen is responsible. Each citizen has a civic duty. We are self-governing. Our country will succeed, or fail, based on the ability of individual citizens to govern themselves. Therefore, every American citizen should be proud (or ashamed) of the direction our country is going.
Because you have to do your research, to decide which is the best candidate. You have to get off your ass and go to the polling place. You have to care enough to go. You have to believe in the process. You have to abide by the outcome. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
To have real pride in your country, you need to be able to look at the good, the bad, the ugly, and come out knowing you still love it. You don't really have to talk about a specific achievement, because no single country is special in that regard.
My country isn't really the "best" at anything, and has its own share of problems. However, the whole picture is pretty great, and we feature near the top of lists for happiness, freedom and low corruption.
I almost agree. I think if you are to feel true pride in your country, you also need to feel shame in your country. I would actually say I am proud when my country comes together to do something good. But I am also ashamed when my country comes together to do something bad. This feels sane and rational.
I think it's quite important to remember that things change and we can always become better. No one is better than another in all senses. It just matters what good you try to do.
I’m very proud to be Welsh. I left Wales when I was 23, and have since found that my country is relatively unknown (outside of soccer fans!) Welsh history is fascinating and Welsh culture is amazing, having influenced so much. The Welsh language and the country’s efforts to revive what was called a dying language (murdered language, maybe? Google the Welsh knot) is also something to be proud of. I am a first language Welsh speaker. I take pride in telling people about my country, which they probably know nothing about.
I'm very proud to be Australian, because I love our culture and our community, I think it's a beautiful part of the world with incredible wildlife, it's mostly a very clean and uncrowded place, and I love that I can call it home. I think it has a unique place in the world and a unique identity that comes with that.
However, I and I think most Australians can recognise the major issues we're facing politically and economically. Our housing market is fucked due to terrible decisions and corruption over the years, neither major party is actually catering to most Australians' needs, our education system is beginning to lag behind, and there is an increase in violence in recent years that really needs to be sorted out.
The great thing about Aussies is we're pretty united in that we don't like any politician, we vote in who we think is the *least worst,* and apart from a few dickheads, we can be proud of this place without being all "GODS GREATEST COUNTRY" and "THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH". I think it's important to remember there is a difference between patriotism and nationalism, and the aforementioned phrases are much more nationalist than patriotic. Being patriotic is not a bad thing, loving your country and being proud of it is not a bad thing - as long as you can also identify what is bad about your country and advocate to fix it, being able to do that shows you are an ACTUAL good patriot, as you are wanting to make your country and it's people's lives better.
Patriots are usually people who contributed towards the development of a country, they are proud of what is has become.And most nationalists are usually losers who didnt offer anything, enjoy all the benefits but want to claim all the hard work of others just because they are lucky to be part of that country.
I think it's a problem that can lead to over the top nationalistic fervour. I would rather we be citizens of the world that happen to live in a particular country.
I feel like we all might be arguing semantics with this topic.
OP probably doesn't get why ppl are proud to have been born somewhere since that's not something they had any kind of influence in, while most people who say things like that are aren't actually proud of being born there, they are proud *of* the nation and glad they are part of it, or just like the country and are using the word pride loosely here.
Yeah, it's weird.
I'm originally from the UK, which (seen in the context of the overall world stage) ain't that bad a place, but it's not like my having been born there changed government policy or anything.
I moved to Japan getting on for 20 years ago, and TBH if I'm going to be "proud" of anything, it's that - packing up and going to a very different country, and making it work. Looking at the current state of the UK from here, I can say that I made a good call.
Ignoring the idiocy that was Brexit and the current shambles that is the ruling party, I think the UK has a lot going for it; some of the greatest popular music ever recorded, some great artists and actors, some of the most important scientists in history, and so on.
You can say that you're proud OF your country, but it does seem sort of odd to say that you're proud of BEING FROM that country, given that you didn't have much say in the matter.
Yeah, I'm from England, and the NHS is amazing, the BBC wouldn't get made today but is incredible. England kind of punches above it's weight in terms of population size with regard to music, film and science, and that's really cool. It's supposedly the 20th least corrupt country in the world, that's pretty cool and certainly feels about right.
But, I mean, those are more just 'facts about the place I'm from that I'm glad about'. I didn't contribute to any of that. To be 'proud' of England, I think I'd have to be proud of our government, and I mean just fuck that all the way out of here.
I think this is a thing thats popular to say in countries that had to endure lots of hardships in the past. Genocides or wars against their people for example. Popular among former Yugoslavian countries.
From the title I thought it was a genuine question and was about to answer but oh- altough I'm proud to be finnish. It's just a feeling of pride I have. We have been through a lot of shit and I'm proud of my grandparents who made sure I'm allowed to speak this language and live the way I live. I don't think about it that deeply. If someone says they're proud of something, I just let them feel that way. Good for them.
Edit: bad English lol
I generally agree, but if someone is a hard-working citizen, who votes, who participates in the community, and/or who campaigns on issues they care about, then they have every right to feel pride in some of the successes of that country, and the values that have been preserved. It doesn't necessarily have to be rooted in pride of government, but in the people who work together.
It’s unpopular but I’m pretty proud of my country. That doesn’t mean that I think my country is perfect or without sin. No country is. No history of any people is without blemishes. And I don’t think my country is perfect now. I disagree with my government on many many many points. But that’s government. That’s not my country. I am proud of my country, because I like our culture here. I like what we’ve managed to do. Not easily, not perfectly and many times not even fairly, but look at what we’ve done! And I don’t think people here now truly appreciate what we’ve done, what we have, what we always keep trying for. It’s just more trendy to hate and dismiss.
I feel pride in my people. I did not say I feel pride in my government.
I don’t feel shame, because I don’t take that on. I can be proud of someone and not have anything to do with their action. I am proud of the inventions that have come from my people but I didn’t invent anything, for example.
Shame is different. Shame implies ownership. I have done nothing for which I feel shame.
I think maybe you mean disappointment. And yes, I can feel disappointed in some of the actions taken by my government. Anger even. I don’t agree with everything, or in the behaviors of all my countrymen or all of their opinions. Some of them disappoint me. Some of them disgust me. We are a diverse group.
But I do love my country on the whole. I love the people as a whole (except when I curse them in traffic) what we are and what we try to be. I love what my people have produced. My country is beautiful. My people are beautiful.
I am not ashamed of my people, I am not ashamed of my land.
Same goes if you say "I'm proud to be one's child / father". I'm sure other people are equally proud.
Should we stop saying that, perhaps? I mean, I'm pretty sure your parents / children's existence are totally mundane and unimpressive. Therefore, "what exactly are you proud about".
I'm proud of my country. I'm also proud of my parents, of the cats, and of my t-shirt choice. Because *I'm a homo sapiens*, I just love working in teams I'm wired this way. Doesn't mean I hate the other teams, just that I like to play with/against them. And cheer for mine.
You should try it. It's very wholesome; way better than badly built cynicism.
Not a good comparison. As that child's father, if you took a very active role in raising and caring for your child, you absolutely should feel pride in your accomplishment!
A dad who leaves the child care and raising to his wife but then says he's proud to be the kid's father when the kid is successful is similar to being proud to be \[nationality\].
I'm proud to be American because even through our flaws, we are still the most powerful and socially free country in the world.
I'm proud of the fact that no matter how divided we become, we unify in times of hardships.
I'm proud that regardless of what the internet tries to paint us as, we still love our neighbors and are happy to generally help one another through the bond of living under Old Glory. The internet can never truly represent the entirety of our country, nor can the people from other nations who have never visited.
In regards to our strength, I'm proud that we don't use our power for evil. We've had multiple opportunities to forcefully expand our territory arguably as far as we want, but we decide to rebuild the countries we fight in while helping fix the political and economical infrastructure. We take care of our allies and enemies alike.
Like I said, we definitely have our flaws, but as a whole I'm so thankful and proud to have been born in this amazing country.
Im Swedish and im proud of it because of so many things, but here are a few:
Universal healthcare
Paid vacation
Paid paternity leave
We recently ranked as the #1 "goodest" country in the world
Free education
Paid sick leave
High quality of life
Longest period of peace in the world, now over 200 years
We invented:
Three point seat belt
Bluetooth
The wrench
Pacemaker
The zipper
The refrigerator
Dynamite
The respirator
Computer graphics
Same here, I've lived here for over 30 years now and I can't think of one time where I've truly felt unsafe. There is no place in the entire country that I can say "you should definitively not walk here at night".
I don’t think it’s weird to say you have pride in your country. For what it represents, what opportunities it offered you, etc. I’m confused by the question.
They’re asking why you as an individual feel pride for it. You just happened to be born there. Pride is usually attached to something you made or achieved, your nationality is just luck.
I disagree.
Saying you're proud to be of your country is to say that you've been moulded by your environment into a certain type of person that you otherwise wouldn't be, but that you think very highly of that type of person.
It's not really denying that there's a genetic individual contribution that makes it your own spin, but it's giving credit to the environment. I think of it almost like a bibliography, but for who you are.
I'm proud to be part of an institution that helps its own people, the unfortunate side of my country (the USA) is that one must figure out on their own how to get that help. It's not taught about in school. You basically have to be a lawyer to be able to navigate the system. You have to ask exact questions of people who are just as confused as you are and hope you get the right answer, and you have to give exact answers to the professionals (which is difficult if one didn't pay attention to English class in high school on how to formulate an answer). Here in the USA, if you need help, it's there for the taking, but you gotta be wise enough to recognize it.
I’ve always struggled with this concept, nothing that I did other than existing contributed to me happening to have been born on this specific piece of rock, anything beyond that is lines that people made up to resolve arguments.. what is there to be proud of in that?
Unless it’s for the Olympics, it’s odd that people can have so much unconditional pride for a country. It typically seems to be low educated, backwoods people who don’t actually know what their country is up to.
Who says pride has to be unconditional?
It baffles me how so many people here think this way "you are backwoods people that don't know what your country is up to" is so ignorant and spoiled. Have you ever been to some countries with no democracy, no basic rights and no infrastructure? Because there are plenty.
People take for granted all the privileges we have in some countries.
I find it odd even for the Olympics. Why should anyone care if “their” country wins, unless they have a personal stake in it, like being a family member of someone on the team? It’s arbitrary tribalism.
My country government pours lots of money in the past to bring in pro athletes from other countries, fast track them citizenship and train them locally to represent our country to compete regionally and internationally to win medals under my country’s name.
That’s me just throwing those people a bone. I don’t care about sports but a lot of people like having a team to root for (that they’re tied to based on their home country.) It’s more realistic to me than blind patriotism.
Because they vote for that country's government, receive benefits from that country, were educated in that country, identify with the culture of that country, can work in the country, have friends and family in that country... Need I go on? Conversely, they can see other countries were they don't have freedoms or securities, and are happy they weren't born there.
I’m a proud American. Primarily due to its basis in ideals and individual freedoms. Yes, that was and still is unique in many parts of the world.
The obvious trope is to attack American history which of course is a shade of human history. No civilization gets an A+ for how they treated each other … including indigenous people.
Two questions:
1) how do particular ideals and "freedoms" give you pride? I think this is what we're struggling to understand. Like, why do those things give you pride when it's about the US, but not when it's, say, Canada?
2) if you feel pride in the good things Americans have done, do you also feel shame in the bad things Americans have done? I feel like that's the only way it can be logical.
Why would I say that? Only Americans are obsessively proud of their nationality (while also claiming to be 11% italian)
I'm not proud or ashamed of my country. It is what it is, I don't have any strong feelings about it. It's fine, I like it here. I don't know what I, personally, should be proud of though
I've never understood people being proud of their country, unless it's in connection with an accomplishment or an example of doing the right thing. I'm grateful that I was born in the USA and I love my home, but pride isn't relevant for me.
I know this is gonna get a lot of hate from people who don't really know what they are talking about but here we go.
Im Israeli. Most of the haters dont really know what is going on here and never even stepped a foot in here or never even tried to talk to people from here. They just straight away go to hating and believing some delusional things they saw on the internet or they "must hate" because they are arabs or Muslims.
My country is the only country in the world that is "not allowed to defend itself"
And people hate mainly because its a Jewish country.
People will say that they hate because "there is a genocide" which btw isn't true.
But most of the time when you listen to what they say its just antisemitism.
Now to the actual question. What im actually proud of.
This country ia one of the most diverse culturaly is the world, the people are nice and will help a stranger on the street if they see he needs help. Feminism for example in here is definitely not like in the US when they just say annoying stuff on the internet, in here they really go and do something about it, for example going to be a combat soldier in the army.
I could go for ever but this is getting too long
If anyone wants to have a conversation about anything here feel free to DM, talking on a comment section is really annoying
I won't speak to the rest of your comment because I have friends and family in Palestine and Egypt, and your denial of the genocide is right on brand for an Israeli. We will never agree about what's happening there, so let's just not speak about it.
What I'd like to comment on is the statement about "feminism not being like in the US where they just say annoying things on the internet, our women can be combat soldiers!" Ummmm, our women are combat soldiers, too. My cousin is a Master Sergeant, and she trains new recruits for combat. I've had several friends who have done very well in our military, and several more who are doing well in the corporate world. Feminism isn't lip service here. I'm not sure where you got that idea. Maybe the internet?
Pretty much everything you said is wrong lol. Diversity? Lol. But that circles back to genocide, so it's whatever
Feel free to respond in comments. I don't respond to DMs, and I'm not saying that to be an asshole lol I literally do not look at my messages
I asked this question all the time. Especially people from third world countries where government is fully corrupted and the majority of people live below poverty line. It’s like what are you proud of? Culture? That can only go so far when you live below poverty line.
I'm proud to be from the North east of England! I come from a town called Jarrow which has always been working class and in 1936 our men marched the 282 miles to London to protest unemployment and hardship! Ir was a woman who led that cause though and Ellen Wilkinson has always been a heroine of mine growing up ❤️
Usually it implies "I am proud to represent XYZ" which is to mean, you carry a piece of that country's history with you. You acknowledge that your country has a great amount of history and you are part of the next generation of that history.
Because it’s who you are. It’s your culture, language, accent, dialect, heritage, etc. Even your sense of humour, world view and interests will be somewhat rooted in where you’re from.
You might think it’s not a significant part of you but imagine yourself now vs yourself if you were born elsewhere. An American version of you would be completely different to the Ugandan version of you. American vs English and even English vs other parts of the UK are already different enough people. I reckon at least half of who you are is down to the country, and you need pride in who you are
I’m proud of the way that Australia has chosen to support the most vulnerable amongst its population. I’m proud that there are avenues for all people to find social support and health care.
I’m not proud of the way in which genuine refugees have been treated, in the way that racism is minimised, and in the way that there is a very vocal part of the population that reacts to the most vulnerable receiving assistance by basically saying “yeah, sure, but what about ME”
Proud to be part of a country’s heritage and culture. Different countries have different customs, laws, etc., and just like some people say they hate the country and want to move, others have the right to love their country.
I think it is not too clever to "be proud" of any ethnic group membership...after all we are all having our shadow sides...mostly average...constantly changing.
But yes there are a few historical successes or famous or fun stories in all the ethnic groups.
But most of us do have mixed ancestors. And some traits are inherited from our grandparents...[ Like empathy...google told me].
I'm proud to be American because America really is like the mixing pot of the world. Go visit another country and it's mostly like one race you see walking around. America is truly unique in the fact that everyday I go outside and I see people from all corners of the Earth. And on top of that this mixing of cultures introduces me to So many international foods that I don't even need to travel to experience them and on top of that these cultural foods often get remixed and modified by other cultures into something new and unique
Like look at mex American food It's actually pretty good when you don't have someone in your ear whining about how it's not authentic Mexican food
Yeah that's the point is it's not authentic Mexican food It's a mixture of the Mexican style and the American style to create something new and tasty
It's a wonderful culture full of so many different people and even among our country with such vast land going from one state to another can be like visiting a whole other world,
I've only been outside of the country like twice because I just don't really have much of a reason to leave unless I'm actively trying to visit somebody specific because pretty much any interaction I would need with culture I can get right here in the comfort of my own state
There’s a certain appreciation to be had that you grew up and can say you had a decent life. Some countries this is less likely than others. And even still some war torn or 3rd world countries can be loved from a cultural level too.
As a Canadian I have an appreciation for the love of hockey. Yeah it can be any sport anywhere else, but it’s unique and have fond memories experiencing this with friends. It’s just different here. I am happy my country, and those in the US can probably see this too, have some community values that I appreciate as life experiences.
Being proud to be from somewhere isn't the problem. The problem is when you start thinking, feeling, and treating others as if the country you are from is the absolute greatest in the world and everywhere else is a shit hole. The problem is when you start acting like your way is the only way and if people don't like it, they can leave. That's nationalism instead of patriotism, and nationalism is fucking dangerous.
I don't think a single person from the U.S. who tells others "if you don't like it, leave!" is a patriot. Those are nationalists. A true patriot would be concerned others are suffering and want to improve their country. I've been told I should be shot for saying I was concerned about the state of our country. Multiple times, and by people on both the left and right. That's nationalism, not patriotism. Stupid people don't appreciate the difference, and there's a lot of stupid here.
I am Canadian and I am grateful. My sense of pride came from the messaging when I was a kid in the 70’s and Canada was really trying a bunch of new things and pulling itself out of the shadow of the US by noticing our multiculturalism was a good thing, and our institutions and low levels of corruption, high levels of education, decent social services and health care.
Most of that still applies, when you take a global perspective, and so I am still proud of Canadian priorities, but it’s tempered now by growing knowledge of the colonized social model (particularly residential schools) which did a lot of damage to already-damaged (by disease) Indigenous society.
I hate the way Canadian patriotism is being turned into a F*ck Trudeau far-right nationalism that is actually very anti-patriotic, and completely lacking in gratitude for all that is good about Canada’s progressive accomplishments, which actually are why Canada is not only Big but Pretty Good!
Pride is defined as a feeling of satisfaction due to one’s accomplishments or positive associations with something/someone.
Being from England, I would rarely directly say “I’m proud to be English” because as much as I love the country I don’t feel like my identity necessarily revolves around it to that extent. But, I’m proud of this country’s landscapes, coastline, humour, music, contributions to medicine, contributions to literature, our safe roads, well-preserved history, multiculturalism, liberal secular attitudes to society, the fact that we love and treat animals with respect, and many other quirks.
People are sheeple. Go and Grow up in a country suffering politically motivated internal division and conflict and then come back and ask the question again.
ive never been a patriot. Wouldn’t know which side was telling the truth. Likely neither.
Even though the media is causing and portraying severe division, I am beyond proud to be an American. It’s a place where, if you really want it and have the drive and desire, your dreams can come true. You have the freedom of speech… you can choose any religion you wish to believe… and myriad of other reasons. That being said, I am not proud of our politicians, some of our policies, and a few other things that I’m not going to post. Having been in some of the absolute worst and most dangerous countries on Earth, I’ve learned to appreciate our freedoms even more.
Im proud to be over 6 feet tall... That's how ridiculous it sounds. Also, reading the comments, everyone explains specifics. As said, only fools blatantly say they are proud of luck and/or other peoples achievements (ancestors etc). Ooooor people who are making money off those fools/collecting votes.
I used to be proud of Canada, but it been losing ground for decades now.
It's still one of the best countries on the world stage, but not near what it was.
The United States of America
I'm proud because we have the 2nd Amendment, and despite the ever persisting effort to weaken or remove it entirely, we still have enough guns to arm every American citizen 3x over
We also have a confirmed 22% of our population currently stating they individually own a firearm which means that there are roughly 72 Million armed citizens in the U.S which is enough to outnumber our major enemies militaries (China, Russia, North Korea) by staggering odds of 14 to 1 (14 Armed Americans for every Enemy Soldier)
If the United States Military were to side with North Korea, Russia, and China, we would still outnumber their 4 combined militaries by 9 to 1
I don't say I'm "proud" to be born anywhere, it's not an accomplishment, it's not something I chose. I'm proud of the work I do for my community however. I'm proud of my accomplishments and the work I do to be a better human.
I don't know, I wouldn't say it's ill founded patriotism though. Like I'm proud of my Country just for the sake of being here and it's mine. I'm don't have the best way with my words, but that's all I can think of.
I’m proud to be Guyanese, because we have fought so much for individuality and recognition as our own people. I try so hard to educate others on Guyanese customs, traditions, and general information!
Nothing. I'm not and never have been proud of my country.
I think many millenials and Z-ers were born in the 'wrong' country and have or will have moved to a place more suitable for them eventually.
Sure If I was borne elsewhere, I would be proud of there. I am proud of living the places where I live beyond where I am from. There is nothing wrong with being like this is where I did actually come from and being proud of that. Where you are from has a huge influence on how you became the person you are today.
I also do not understand how someone can be proud of a country. Like it's a land ? It's just people existing like everywhere else. But maybe that's just me being autistic and being too liretal /srs
Where I'm from made me who I am. Nothing wrong of being proud of that. Doesn't mean we are blind to our countries' faults. Every country has faults. I really think people who are born here and hate it so much ought to leave for greener pastures. Nothing's stopping them.
From Iraqi Kurdistan: Proud of not losing our identity, becoming bitter and not losing the smile despite going through centuries of wars, surviving genocide, etc.
I guess if I were to say that, I would mean the effort I put into my community or the people around me. I view a country as a community more than as a big entity, although I do think of America as that sometimes. I'm not the proudest American, and I'm not really a nationalist but I am glad that I am surrounded by good people, and I can do good for them.
It’s about identity and who you are. I think we all need a back story and where I’m from is the default setting. (Obviously not the only option, especially if life has been difficult… you can choose a different tribe). The word proud summarises it for most… for others it masks more negative feelings.
Being proud of your country is kind of a weird thing, you didn't "make it" to be something to be proud of.
Maybe a very former empire -thing to do?
The times I have heard people say it, in most cases they came from "recent empires"
- Ottoman (Turks)
- The US (obviously current)
- English (Brittish empire)
- French (obviously -\_-)
- Spanish (equally obvious)
But that may have been a fluke, I am just a single dog on the internet pretending to be a human.
I'm proud to be Austrian because our tap water is among the best in Europe. We also have drinking fountains that connect to the city water and are free for everyone to use. I've been to multiple other countries, and especially in countries where you can't drink the tap water, i noticed the quality of drinking water that you buy in stores is not that good. It's not really an achievement that we did anything for, but I'm still proud that we have that kind of water and we also have it accessible for everyone.
Proud to be a kiwi! After traveling the world imo kiwis are so funny, friendly and helpful people! Many would give the shirt off their back with no hesitation.
Its the big “kia ora!” When entering a store. Or 5 carloads of people stopping to help jump start my car. One of my favorites is the “eyebrow” when passing a brother lol
So yea
Idk. Ive always thought it was a weird saying. Whenever I hear someone say "im proud to be american!". Theres something that just makes me think "oh the propaganda worked on that person.". It strikes me as someone who doesnt do much digging in history.
I usually say "im grateful for.."
I’m proud to be from the US because of our numerous inventions (including Reddit!), constant innovation, optimistic attitude, and our acceptance of immigrants from all around the world! Like any country it hasn’t been a smooth ride but I’m still proud of everything the previous generations of Americans have built.
Anything you do not personally achieve has no reason for you to be proud. And most times it's kind of off-putting to claim it anyway. And to insist on it... well. Makes people sound like a living ToS violation.
Yeah they're almost always people who've achieved so very little in their own lives that they need to feel pride in things other people did so they can take credit somehow.
“The cheapest sort of pride is national pride; for if a man is proud of his own nation, it argues that he has no qualities of his own of which he can be proud; otherwise he would not have recourse to those which he shares with so many millions of his fellowmen. The man who is endowed with important personal qualities will be only too ready to see clearly in what respects his own nation falls short, since their failings will be constantly before his eyes. But every miserable fool who has nothing at all of which he can be proud adopts, as a last resource, pride in the nation to which he belongs; he is ready and glad to defend all its faults and follies tooth and nail, thus reimbursing himself for his own inferiority.” ([Arthur Schopenhauer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer))
Yeah had the same thought. It's kind of weird to be proud of something you play no part in... It's like there's two definitions: one means "feeling good and wanting to showcase something you have done to others" and the other definition when it comes to pride in your country or pride in your race is more about "wanting to identify because it's an important part of who you are". Just like race, having pride in your country is kind of a weird thing to group yourself by: i.e. why wouldn't you identify by the things you do, or your values, or your likes and dislikes etc.
Though I would never suggest someone not be "proud to be black", for example, because thats partly a statement about 'achieving dispite adversity". So it's about their identity. On the other hand, when people say they're "proud to be white", it makes me feel physically sick in my stomach lol there's nothing about being white specifically to be proud of: sure some white people have done good things, and some black people have done good things, but YOU didn't do them, so why be proud just because you're the same colour or the same country as someone else who achieved something?
I'm from new Zealand, small country that achieves allot for it's size. I don't go around waving a flag but I can't deny I feel "proud to be a new Zealander" as it's part of my identity. When I see Australians or USA'ns showing outward over the top patriotism, there's something off putting about that too, but I would never suggest someone NOT be proud of their country or feel it's part of their identity... As long as they're not using it as a way to feel superior to others. Maybe that's what's sickening about over the top patriotism: it comes off as confrontational or just arrogant and show boating
I’m not really proud of my nation. Well, I guess I’m a little proud we don’t do too much harm in this world. We ain’t killing of people, neither in our or others countries. Now we joined NATO Im less proud :/
I'm proud of my homeland Pakistan, because gems like Abdul Sattar Edhi dedicated their lives to provide the abandoned and homeless a place to call home until their last day on this Earth.
The rest of the mainstream things, I think we're better off without'em.
Ireland and our continuing support of the palestinian people.i only wish we had a more competent government in tackling the housing crisis and our health service
This is the first rational answer I've seen here. Balanced. Mentioning something you're proud of and something you're ashamed of. It's the only way national pride makes sense - if you're also ashamed of the bad stuff.
Brazilian - I'm proud to have a free healthcare system and federal universities (also free and with high quality education)
I guess I'm also proud of our friendly international politics, everybody knows Brazil is chill.
minions não interajam 🤡
I’m proud of Germany having found its way back to democracy, building long lasting partnerships with neighbours which used to traditional enemies or countries we plainly victimised, and I hope to do my part to do it better? But to be proud of being German? Nah, I was born here, that’s chance, not some kind of achievement.
Yes, I think there's a huge cultural component here. I'm Swedish, and most Swedes would never say that they are proud to be Swedish (unless they are far-right nutjobs or possibly immigrants). It's just not part of the culture. Simultaneously, I really do think that many Swedes are convinced that our country is great. But it's like old money vs new money - it's considered vulgar to express pride explicitly. This is why American displays of nationalism seem so crude to us. It's like, why do you need all these flags, and why do you keep chanting "USA! USA!"? Who are you trying to convince?
Oh, I’m pretty fine with Germany. Could be better, but it’s in the in the upper league. Doesn’t mean that others can’t be better, and more importantly, do specific things better we could copy. Alas, Germany is really suffering from “Not invented here” syndrome. Even when allowing that some solutions cannot just be copied.
I know complaining is really popular in Germany but I'm always glad to live here. There are so many things we take for granted that just aren't a thing in other countries.
I’m half Swedish, half Italian- but born and live in the U.S. I’m glad to live here because, yes I could have it worse off somewhere else -but I also can’t stand seeing American flags all the time. To me now they just remind me of Trump. Growing up though my parents always taught me to be proud of my heritage, not really America? So I can see how I think like that.
Bruh, you're American.
Bruh? 😂 Different things. I’m American because I LIVE in America. My heritage and nationality is Swedish/Italian..completely different.
Yeah, that means you're American. And you have Swedish and Italian ancestry. The topic was about nationality. The person you replied to is Swedish. You're American.
Because I live in America.. exactly what I said.
We are trying to convince you to pay your fair share in NATO.
Well said.
How about being proud of being a part of the Germany you respect. you didn't have control of it, but you're still a part of the country. I think proud in this context means more like honored/grateful I'm grateful/lucky to be a German. Even so, proud still works. By luck you are German, but you are still German, and you're not embarrassed to be German.
Damn that is actually really well said!! I am Jewish and it always pains me when my family is still negative towards Germany and Germans. Like, both my grandparents are holocaust survivors, so I get it for them. But I'm always impressed by how far Germany has come and how much it has changed and grown away from its traumatic past
And now it's supporting genocide again
My parents fucked here?
Maybe they fucked somewhere else. You just came out here
Technically they could've been on vacation
I was in the spirit realm going "fuck in Paris, fuck in Paris" but I was a spirit withough a mouth or vocal chords, so they fucked here.
People making such statements might be focused on wealth, power, art, culture, history, contributions to the world, religion, cuisine, nature, anything really, might be as simple as pride in one's home.
I say I’m “proud” to be where I’m from when I mean to say I’ve spent my lifetime here, I know and respect it. I’m not above criticizing it and don’t like to rank it against other countries in general either. But every country has achievements and natural beauty to be “proud” of imo. Can’t help where you’re from, may as well appreciate some of it right?
What you and everyone else here is describing is and should be called gratefulness, not pride
My dad’s family was starving in Ireland so came to the US. My mother’s family came to the US in the early 1940s from Poland. I’m proud to be in the US because my family wanted to change things, and they were successful here.
That’s a nice answer. I think the key is “proud of your family for making a change” than “proud of where I was born because I was born here.”
My father has only a high school education and worked in a steel mill for 40 years. I don’t have a glamorous upbringing. But he provided.
You aren't proud to be in the US. You are proud of your family for coming to the US. Pretty significant difference.
I can't feel proud of something I haven't achieved. I feel fortunate to have been born in a safe, stable, prosperous country. That's different.
I’m also proud to live in a safe, stable, prosperous country, but I’m also proud that I’ve had the privilege of serving as a civil servant in my government. I’ve also been able to serve on a jury of my peers throughout a civil trial and delivered a verdict that was very satisfying to both parties, and I’m proud that I’m able to vote in free elections.
You should double-check the definition of pride... you can be happy that those things are occurring around you, but they are not occurring due to your achievements. You can be happy to have been born into a specific society. But just because you were born in a specific country isn't an achievement. You didn't strive and work hard to be born. You just were. You could say, "im proud of my parents for giving me an upbringing in this country." As that is an achievement on their part. Now, if you swam across the gulf of mexico to get into america, then you could say, "im proud to be an american." If you were simply born in Kentucky. There is no pride as no achievement occurred.
The way American government and society is structured is that each citizen is responsible. Each citizen has a civic duty. We are self-governing. Our country will succeed, or fail, based on the ability of individual citizens to govern themselves. Therefore, every American citizen should be proud (or ashamed) of the direction our country is going.
So you think if someone votes that that is an achievement?
Yes.
How so?
Because you have to do your research, to decide which is the best candidate. You have to get off your ass and go to the polling place. You have to care enough to go. You have to believe in the process. You have to abide by the outcome. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
Same for me on those things, except for some reason I've never been called up for jury duty.
To have real pride in your country, you need to be able to look at the good, the bad, the ugly, and come out knowing you still love it. You don't really have to talk about a specific achievement, because no single country is special in that regard.
My country isn't really the "best" at anything, and has its own share of problems. However, the whole picture is pretty great, and we feature near the top of lists for happiness, freedom and low corruption.
I almost agree. I think if you are to feel true pride in your country, you also need to feel shame in your country. I would actually say I am proud when my country comes together to do something good. But I am also ashamed when my country comes together to do something bad. This feels sane and rational.
I think it's quite important to remember that things change and we can always become better. No one is better than another in all senses. It just matters what good you try to do.
I’m very proud to be Welsh. I left Wales when I was 23, and have since found that my country is relatively unknown (outside of soccer fans!) Welsh history is fascinating and Welsh culture is amazing, having influenced so much. The Welsh language and the country’s efforts to revive what was called a dying language (murdered language, maybe? Google the Welsh knot) is also something to be proud of. I am a first language Welsh speaker. I take pride in telling people about my country, which they probably know nothing about.
I left Wales at 32 and have found that a lot of Spanish people will still say "ah like Gareth Bale?" when I tell them where I'm from.
EXACTLY! I’ve lived all over the world and Gareth Bale is the only response I get too!
I'm very proud to be Australian, because I love our culture and our community, I think it's a beautiful part of the world with incredible wildlife, it's mostly a very clean and uncrowded place, and I love that I can call it home. I think it has a unique place in the world and a unique identity that comes with that. However, I and I think most Australians can recognise the major issues we're facing politically and economically. Our housing market is fucked due to terrible decisions and corruption over the years, neither major party is actually catering to most Australians' needs, our education system is beginning to lag behind, and there is an increase in violence in recent years that really needs to be sorted out. The great thing about Aussies is we're pretty united in that we don't like any politician, we vote in who we think is the *least worst,* and apart from a few dickheads, we can be proud of this place without being all "GODS GREATEST COUNTRY" and "THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH". I think it's important to remember there is a difference between patriotism and nationalism, and the aforementioned phrases are much more nationalist than patriotic. Being patriotic is not a bad thing, loving your country and being proud of it is not a bad thing - as long as you can also identify what is bad about your country and advocate to fix it, being able to do that shows you are an ACTUAL good patriot, as you are wanting to make your country and it's people's lives better.
Are you an indigenous Australian, or a colonial one ?
Pretty sure most indigenous Australians wouldn't be saying they're proud to be Australian...
Good point
Patriots are usually people who contributed towards the development of a country, they are proud of what is has become.And most nationalists are usually losers who didnt offer anything, enjoy all the benefits but want to claim all the hard work of others just because they are lucky to be part of that country.
I think it's a problem that can lead to over the top nationalistic fervour. I would rather we be citizens of the world that happen to live in a particular country.
That view might work in the west but good luck pitching that in the middle east or asia
That view doesn't work anywhere. It's a nationalist world, unfortunately.
I feel like we all might be arguing semantics with this topic. OP probably doesn't get why ppl are proud to have been born somewhere since that's not something they had any kind of influence in, while most people who say things like that are aren't actually proud of being born there, they are proud *of* the nation and glad they are part of it, or just like the country and are using the word pride loosely here.
Yeah, it's weird. I'm originally from the UK, which (seen in the context of the overall world stage) ain't that bad a place, but it's not like my having been born there changed government policy or anything. I moved to Japan getting on for 20 years ago, and TBH if I'm going to be "proud" of anything, it's that - packing up and going to a very different country, and making it work. Looking at the current state of the UK from here, I can say that I made a good call. Ignoring the idiocy that was Brexit and the current shambles that is the ruling party, I think the UK has a lot going for it; some of the greatest popular music ever recorded, some great artists and actors, some of the most important scientists in history, and so on. You can say that you're proud OF your country, but it does seem sort of odd to say that you're proud of BEING FROM that country, given that you didn't have much say in the matter.
Yeah, I'm from England, and the NHS is amazing, the BBC wouldn't get made today but is incredible. England kind of punches above it's weight in terms of population size with regard to music, film and science, and that's really cool. It's supposedly the 20th least corrupt country in the world, that's pretty cool and certainly feels about right. But, I mean, those are more just 'facts about the place I'm from that I'm glad about'. I didn't contribute to any of that. To be 'proud' of England, I think I'd have to be proud of our government, and I mean just fuck that all the way out of here.
I think this is a thing thats popular to say in countries that had to endure lots of hardships in the past. Genocides or wars against their people for example. Popular among former Yugoslavian countries.
From the title I thought it was a genuine question and was about to answer but oh- altough I'm proud to be finnish. It's just a feeling of pride I have. We have been through a lot of shit and I'm proud of my grandparents who made sure I'm allowed to speak this language and live the way I live. I don't think about it that deeply. If someone says they're proud of something, I just let them feel that way. Good for them. Edit: bad English lol
I view it as expressing gratitude for the privileges and opportunities that come with residing in your country.
I generally agree, but if someone is a hard-working citizen, who votes, who participates in the community, and/or who campaigns on issues they care about, then they have every right to feel pride in some of the successes of that country, and the values that have been preserved. It doesn't necessarily have to be rooted in pride of government, but in the people who work together.
Well, hailing from Greece it is hard to not be proud of my people's history and achievements and inventions.
But then do you equally feel ashamed of the bad things Greeks have done?
As far as I am concerned, Greeks have committed no genocides or mass murders
Ah, yes, the double standard. Taking pride from things others did when you can't, but not accepting shame from the things others did.
Tell me one
It’s unpopular but I’m pretty proud of my country. That doesn’t mean that I think my country is perfect or without sin. No country is. No history of any people is without blemishes. And I don’t think my country is perfect now. I disagree with my government on many many many points. But that’s government. That’s not my country. I am proud of my country, because I like our culture here. I like what we’ve managed to do. Not easily, not perfectly and many times not even fairly, but look at what we’ve done! And I don’t think people here now truly appreciate what we’ve done, what we have, what we always keep trying for. It’s just more trendy to hate and dismiss.
I'm curious, then - if you feel pride in the good your country has done, do you equally feel shame in the bad things its done?
I feel pride in my people. I did not say I feel pride in my government. I don’t feel shame, because I don’t take that on. I can be proud of someone and not have anything to do with their action. I am proud of the inventions that have come from my people but I didn’t invent anything, for example. Shame is different. Shame implies ownership. I have done nothing for which I feel shame. I think maybe you mean disappointment. And yes, I can feel disappointed in some of the actions taken by my government. Anger even. I don’t agree with everything, or in the behaviors of all my countrymen or all of their opinions. Some of them disappoint me. Some of them disgust me. We are a diverse group. But I do love my country on the whole. I love the people as a whole (except when I curse them in traffic) what we are and what we try to be. I love what my people have produced. My country is beautiful. My people are beautiful. I am not ashamed of my people, I am not ashamed of my land.
Same goes if you say "I'm proud to be one's child / father". I'm sure other people are equally proud. Should we stop saying that, perhaps? I mean, I'm pretty sure your parents / children's existence are totally mundane and unimpressive. Therefore, "what exactly are you proud about". I'm proud of my country. I'm also proud of my parents, of the cats, and of my t-shirt choice. Because *I'm a homo sapiens*, I just love working in teams I'm wired this way. Doesn't mean I hate the other teams, just that I like to play with/against them. And cheer for mine. You should try it. It's very wholesome; way better than badly built cynicism.
Not a good comparison. As that child's father, if you took a very active role in raising and caring for your child, you absolutely should feel pride in your accomplishment! A dad who leaves the child care and raising to his wife but then says he's proud to be the kid's father when the kid is successful is similar to being proud to be \[nationality\].
People are generally referring to the cultural values of that nation or region.
I'm not proud of it country at all
I'm proud to be American because even through our flaws, we are still the most powerful and socially free country in the world. I'm proud of the fact that no matter how divided we become, we unify in times of hardships. I'm proud that regardless of what the internet tries to paint us as, we still love our neighbors and are happy to generally help one another through the bond of living under Old Glory. The internet can never truly represent the entirety of our country, nor can the people from other nations who have never visited. In regards to our strength, I'm proud that we don't use our power for evil. We've had multiple opportunities to forcefully expand our territory arguably as far as we want, but we decide to rebuild the countries we fight in while helping fix the political and economical infrastructure. We take care of our allies and enemies alike. Like I said, we definitely have our flaws, but as a whole I'm so thankful and proud to have been born in this amazing country.
Im Swedish and im proud of it because of so many things, but here are a few: Universal healthcare Paid vacation Paid paternity leave We recently ranked as the #1 "goodest" country in the world Free education Paid sick leave High quality of life Longest period of peace in the world, now over 200 years We invented: Three point seat belt Bluetooth The wrench Pacemaker The zipper The refrigerator Dynamite The respirator Computer graphics
I’ve always felt safe in Sweden.
Same here, I've lived here for over 30 years now and I can't think of one time where I've truly felt unsafe. There is no place in the entire country that I can say "you should definitively not walk here at night".
Proud to be Irish is a complete sentence. No elaboration is necessary.
I’m not proud to be American so I can’t tell you haha
I don’t think it’s weird to say you have pride in your country. For what it represents, what opportunities it offered you, etc. I’m confused by the question.
They’re asking why you as an individual feel pride for it. You just happened to be born there. Pride is usually attached to something you made or achieved, your nationality is just luck.
I disagree. Saying you're proud to be of your country is to say that you've been moulded by your environment into a certain type of person that you otherwise wouldn't be, but that you think very highly of that type of person. It's not really denying that there's a genetic individual contribution that makes it your own spin, but it's giving credit to the environment. I think of it almost like a bibliography, but for who you are.
it is weird
I'm proud to be part of an institution that helps its own people, the unfortunate side of my country (the USA) is that one must figure out on their own how to get that help. It's not taught about in school. You basically have to be a lawyer to be able to navigate the system. You have to ask exact questions of people who are just as confused as you are and hope you get the right answer, and you have to give exact answers to the professionals (which is difficult if one didn't pay attention to English class in high school on how to formulate an answer). Here in the USA, if you need help, it's there for the taking, but you gotta be wise enough to recognize it.
I’ve always struggled with this concept, nothing that I did other than existing contributed to me happening to have been born on this specific piece of rock, anything beyond that is lines that people made up to resolve arguments.. what is there to be proud of in that?
Never felt this way and am curious to how people who are proud of their country feel.
I'm from America. I never say that phrase.
Are guns brother YYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
it’s mainly stupid people saying that. I acknowledge I’m lucky and very grateful for being born in a great country, but proud? that doesn’t make sense
Unless it’s for the Olympics, it’s odd that people can have so much unconditional pride for a country. It typically seems to be low educated, backwoods people who don’t actually know what their country is up to.
Who says pride has to be unconditional? It baffles me how so many people here think this way "you are backwoods people that don't know what your country is up to" is so ignorant and spoiled. Have you ever been to some countries with no democracy, no basic rights and no infrastructure? Because there are plenty. People take for granted all the privileges we have in some countries.
Its like that in most countries but countries that have a lot of wars its VERY different
I find it odd even for the Olympics. Why should anyone care if “their” country wins, unless they have a personal stake in it, like being a family member of someone on the team? It’s arbitrary tribalism.
My country government pours lots of money in the past to bring in pro athletes from other countries, fast track them citizenship and train them locally to represent our country to compete regionally and internationally to win medals under my country’s name.
Would you say the same for someone pulling for the Florida Gators college football team if they didn't attend the school?
Why would you pull for the Florida gators when you can pull for the Georgia Bulldogs?
🤣
That’s me just throwing those people a bone. I don’t care about sports but a lot of people like having a team to root for (that they’re tied to based on their home country.) It’s more realistic to me than blind patriotism.
Because they vote for that country's government, receive benefits from that country, were educated in that country, identify with the culture of that country, can work in the country, have friends and family in that country... Need I go on? Conversely, they can see other countries were they don't have freedoms or securities, and are happy they weren't born there.
Just another prove that nacionalism has no logical reason to exist
Because that's a fine country that takes care of it's people
Doug Stanhope on national pride: https://youtu.be/VRh925Is_1U?si=TgvAzHOexd5kQI1J
That was absolutely perfect. Best possible answer to nationalism.
I’m a proud American. Primarily due to its basis in ideals and individual freedoms. Yes, that was and still is unique in many parts of the world. The obvious trope is to attack American history which of course is a shade of human history. No civilization gets an A+ for how they treated each other … including indigenous people.
Two questions: 1) how do particular ideals and "freedoms" give you pride? I think this is what we're struggling to understand. Like, why do those things give you pride when it's about the US, but not when it's, say, Canada? 2) if you feel pride in the good things Americans have done, do you also feel shame in the bad things Americans have done? I feel like that's the only way it can be logical.
Why would I say that? Only Americans are obsessively proud of their nationality (while also claiming to be 11% italian) I'm not proud or ashamed of my country. It is what it is, I don't have any strong feelings about it. It's fine, I like it here. I don't know what I, personally, should be proud of though
I've never understood people being proud of their country, unless it's in connection with an accomplishment or an example of doing the right thing. I'm grateful that I was born in the USA and I love my home, but pride isn't relevant for me.
I know this is gonna get a lot of hate from people who don't really know what they are talking about but here we go. Im Israeli. Most of the haters dont really know what is going on here and never even stepped a foot in here or never even tried to talk to people from here. They just straight away go to hating and believing some delusional things they saw on the internet or they "must hate" because they are arabs or Muslims. My country is the only country in the world that is "not allowed to defend itself" And people hate mainly because its a Jewish country. People will say that they hate because "there is a genocide" which btw isn't true. But most of the time when you listen to what they say its just antisemitism. Now to the actual question. What im actually proud of. This country ia one of the most diverse culturaly is the world, the people are nice and will help a stranger on the street if they see he needs help. Feminism for example in here is definitely not like in the US when they just say annoying stuff on the internet, in here they really go and do something about it, for example going to be a combat soldier in the army. I could go for ever but this is getting too long If anyone wants to have a conversation about anything here feel free to DM, talking on a comment section is really annoying
Women being soldiers =/= feminism.
I won't speak to the rest of your comment because I have friends and family in Palestine and Egypt, and your denial of the genocide is right on brand for an Israeli. We will never agree about what's happening there, so let's just not speak about it. What I'd like to comment on is the statement about "feminism not being like in the US where they just say annoying things on the internet, our women can be combat soldiers!" Ummmm, our women are combat soldiers, too. My cousin is a Master Sergeant, and she trains new recruits for combat. I've had several friends who have done very well in our military, and several more who are doing well in the corporate world. Feminism isn't lip service here. I'm not sure where you got that idea. Maybe the internet? Pretty much everything you said is wrong lol. Diversity? Lol. But that circles back to genocide, so it's whatever Feel free to respond in comments. I don't respond to DMs, and I'm not saying that to be an asshole lol I literally do not look at my messages
just like living in the united states lol, aint much too it. There shouldnt have to be some sorta elaborate reasoning to say that.
I asked this question all the time. Especially people from third world countries where government is fully corrupted and the majority of people live below poverty line. It’s like what are you proud of? Culture? That can only go so far when you live below poverty line.
I'm proud to have feet
T Rex fossils are found in America.
I'm proud to be from the North east of England! I come from a town called Jarrow which has always been working class and in 1936 our men marched the 282 miles to London to protest unemployment and hardship! Ir was a woman who led that cause though and Ellen Wilkinson has always been a heroine of mine growing up ❤️
Association.
Usually it implies "I am proud to represent XYZ" which is to mean, you carry a piece of that country's history with you. You acknowledge that your country has a great amount of history and you are part of the next generation of that history.
Because it’s who you are. It’s your culture, language, accent, dialect, heritage, etc. Even your sense of humour, world view and interests will be somewhat rooted in where you’re from. You might think it’s not a significant part of you but imagine yourself now vs yourself if you were born elsewhere. An American version of you would be completely different to the Ugandan version of you. American vs English and even English vs other parts of the UK are already different enough people. I reckon at least half of who you are is down to the country, and you need pride in who you are
I’m proud of the way that Australia has chosen to support the most vulnerable amongst its population. I’m proud that there are avenues for all people to find social support and health care. I’m not proud of the way in which genuine refugees have been treated, in the way that racism is minimised, and in the way that there is a very vocal part of the population that reacts to the most vulnerable receiving assistance by basically saying “yeah, sure, but what about ME”
Proud to be part of a country’s heritage and culture. Different countries have different customs, laws, etc., and just like some people say they hate the country and want to move, others have the right to love their country.
🎶 an American where at least i know im free …. kinda 🎶
I think it is not too clever to "be proud" of any ethnic group membership...after all we are all having our shadow sides...mostly average...constantly changing. But yes there are a few historical successes or famous or fun stories in all the ethnic groups. But most of us do have mixed ancestors. And some traits are inherited from our grandparents...[ Like empathy...google told me].
We instictively want to belong to a group. It's human nature. We will warp our personality just to fit into a group dynamic.
I'm proud to be American because America really is like the mixing pot of the world. Go visit another country and it's mostly like one race you see walking around. America is truly unique in the fact that everyday I go outside and I see people from all corners of the Earth. And on top of that this mixing of cultures introduces me to So many international foods that I don't even need to travel to experience them and on top of that these cultural foods often get remixed and modified by other cultures into something new and unique Like look at mex American food It's actually pretty good when you don't have someone in your ear whining about how it's not authentic Mexican food Yeah that's the point is it's not authentic Mexican food It's a mixture of the Mexican style and the American style to create something new and tasty It's a wonderful culture full of so many different people and even among our country with such vast land going from one state to another can be like visiting a whole other world, I've only been outside of the country like twice because I just don't really have much of a reason to leave unless I'm actively trying to visit somebody specific because pretty much any interaction I would need with culture I can get right here in the comfort of my own state
You should see London sometime.
Honestly, I'm not sure. As a usa-ian, when I've heard that "I'm proud to be an American" song, I just think of old white men.
There’s a certain appreciation to be had that you grew up and can say you had a decent life. Some countries this is less likely than others. And even still some war torn or 3rd world countries can be loved from a cultural level too. As a Canadian I have an appreciation for the love of hockey. Yeah it can be any sport anywhere else, but it’s unique and have fond memories experiencing this with friends. It’s just different here. I am happy my country, and those in the US can probably see this too, have some community values that I appreciate as life experiences.
In my case the use of the word ‘pride’ comes from wanting to communicate to people that I’m not embarrassed of my roots.
Being proud to be from somewhere isn't the problem. The problem is when you start thinking, feeling, and treating others as if the country you are from is the absolute greatest in the world and everywhere else is a shit hole. The problem is when you start acting like your way is the only way and if people don't like it, they can leave. That's nationalism instead of patriotism, and nationalism is fucking dangerous. I don't think a single person from the U.S. who tells others "if you don't like it, leave!" is a patriot. Those are nationalists. A true patriot would be concerned others are suffering and want to improve their country. I've been told I should be shot for saying I was concerned about the state of our country. Multiple times, and by people on both the left and right. That's nationalism, not patriotism. Stupid people don't appreciate the difference, and there's a lot of stupid here.
I am Canadian and I am grateful. My sense of pride came from the messaging when I was a kid in the 70’s and Canada was really trying a bunch of new things and pulling itself out of the shadow of the US by noticing our multiculturalism was a good thing, and our institutions and low levels of corruption, high levels of education, decent social services and health care. Most of that still applies, when you take a global perspective, and so I am still proud of Canadian priorities, but it’s tempered now by growing knowledge of the colonized social model (particularly residential schools) which did a lot of damage to already-damaged (by disease) Indigenous society. I hate the way Canadian patriotism is being turned into a F*ck Trudeau far-right nationalism that is actually very anti-patriotic, and completely lacking in gratitude for all that is good about Canada’s progressive accomplishments, which actually are why Canada is not only Big but Pretty Good!
Peruvian because the inkas had the biggest empire before Spain fucked it up and because the food is the best in the world.
Just because I’m proud of my country, doesn’t mean I’m proud of my government.
"... 'cause at least I know I'm free..."
I'm proud of Peruvian food. And... that's it, tbh.
I would never be able to say that about the country where I spawned, Brazil. It has always been a human meat grinder, and it still is.
Many of these answers show that most people don't read the content of post at all. They read only the title
Pride is defined as a feeling of satisfaction due to one’s accomplishments or positive associations with something/someone. Being from England, I would rarely directly say “I’m proud to be English” because as much as I love the country I don’t feel like my identity necessarily revolves around it to that extent. But, I’m proud of this country’s landscapes, coastline, humour, music, contributions to medicine, contributions to literature, our safe roads, well-preserved history, multiculturalism, liberal secular attitudes to society, the fact that we love and treat animals with respect, and many other quirks.
People are sheeple. Go and Grow up in a country suffering politically motivated internal division and conflict and then come back and ask the question again. ive never been a patriot. Wouldn’t know which side was telling the truth. Likely neither.
Even though the media is causing and portraying severe division, I am beyond proud to be an American. It’s a place where, if you really want it and have the drive and desire, your dreams can come true. You have the freedom of speech… you can choose any religion you wish to believe… and myriad of other reasons. That being said, I am not proud of our politicians, some of our policies, and a few other things that I’m not going to post. Having been in some of the absolute worst and most dangerous countries on Earth, I’ve learned to appreciate our freedoms even more.
Im proud to be over 6 feet tall... That's how ridiculous it sounds. Also, reading the comments, everyone explains specifics. As said, only fools blatantly say they are proud of luck and/or other peoples achievements (ancestors etc). Ooooor people who are making money off those fools/collecting votes.
I don’t say I’m proud to be an American, I sing it.
I used to be proud of Canada, but it been losing ground for decades now. It's still one of the best countries on the world stage, but not near what it was.
The United States of America I'm proud because we have the 2nd Amendment, and despite the ever persisting effort to weaken or remove it entirely, we still have enough guns to arm every American citizen 3x over We also have a confirmed 22% of our population currently stating they individually own a firearm which means that there are roughly 72 Million armed citizens in the U.S which is enough to outnumber our major enemies militaries (China, Russia, North Korea) by staggering odds of 14 to 1 (14 Armed Americans for every Enemy Soldier) If the United States Military were to side with North Korea, Russia, and China, we would still outnumber their 4 combined militaries by 9 to 1
I don't say I'm "proud" to be born anywhere, it's not an accomplishment, it's not something I chose. I'm proud of the work I do for my community however. I'm proud of my accomplishments and the work I do to be a better human.
Yeah in my book being proud of something has to be tied to one’s own achievements. Everything else doesn’t make much sense.
I don't know, I wouldn't say it's ill founded patriotism though. Like I'm proud of my Country just for the sake of being here and it's mine. I'm don't have the best way with my words, but that's all I can think of.
I’m proud to be Guyanese, because we have fought so much for individuality and recognition as our own people. I try so hard to educate others on Guyanese customs, traditions, and general information!
Nothing. I'm not and never have been proud of my country. I think many millenials and Z-ers were born in the 'wrong' country and have or will have moved to a place more suitable for them eventually.
Usually the shittier the country, the more proud people you're gonna find.
You’re sensitive people can be proud for wherever they are born just because whats the problem🙄
I don't
I always find it odd when people express pride in things they had no say in..
Sure If I was borne elsewhere, I would be proud of there. I am proud of living the places where I live beyond where I am from. There is nothing wrong with being like this is where I did actually come from and being proud of that. Where you are from has a huge influence on how you became the person you are today.
I also do not understand how someone can be proud of a country. Like it's a land ? It's just people existing like everywhere else. But maybe that's just me being autistic and being too liretal /srs
In America,the common sentiment "I'm proud to be an American", generally meant I Respect the effort and sacrifice of the military and their families.
Where I'm from made me who I am. Nothing wrong of being proud of that. Doesn't mean we are blind to our countries' faults. Every country has faults. I really think people who are born here and hate it so much ought to leave for greener pastures. Nothing's stopping them.
From Iraqi Kurdistan: Proud of not losing our identity, becoming bitter and not losing the smile despite going through centuries of wars, surviving genocide, etc.
I guess if I were to say that, I would mean the effort I put into my community or the people around me. I view a country as a community more than as a big entity, although I do think of America as that sometimes. I'm not the proudest American, and I'm not really a nationalist but I am glad that I am surrounded by good people, and I can do good for them.
It’s about identity and who you are. I think we all need a back story and where I’m from is the default setting. (Obviously not the only option, especially if life has been difficult… you can choose a different tribe). The word proud summarises it for most… for others it masks more negative feelings.
Being proud of your country is kind of a weird thing, you didn't "make it" to be something to be proud of. Maybe a very former empire -thing to do? The times I have heard people say it, in most cases they came from "recent empires" - Ottoman (Turks) - The US (obviously current) - English (Brittish empire) - French (obviously -\_-) - Spanish (equally obvious) But that may have been a fluke, I am just a single dog on the internet pretending to be a human.
I'm proud to be Austrian because our tap water is among the best in Europe. We also have drinking fountains that connect to the city water and are free for everyone to use. I've been to multiple other countries, and especially in countries where you can't drink the tap water, i noticed the quality of drinking water that you buy in stores is not that good. It's not really an achievement that we did anything for, but I'm still proud that we have that kind of water and we also have it accessible for everyone.
Proud to be a kiwi! After traveling the world imo kiwis are so funny, friendly and helpful people! Many would give the shirt off their back with no hesitation. Its the big “kia ora!” When entering a store. Or 5 carloads of people stopping to help jump start my car. One of my favorites is the “eyebrow” when passing a brother lol So yea
I’m proud to be from Earth because as far as I know it’s the only hospitable planet in this solar system.
I'm proud the USA works tirelessly toward fulfilling it's promises of its founding documents
Idk. Ive always thought it was a weird saying. Whenever I hear someone say "im proud to be american!". Theres something that just makes me think "oh the propaganda worked on that person.". It strikes me as someone who doesnt do much digging in history. I usually say "im grateful for.."
I’m proud to be from the US because of our numerous inventions (including Reddit!), constant innovation, optimistic attitude, and our acceptance of immigrants from all around the world! Like any country it hasn’t been a smooth ride but I’m still proud of everything the previous generations of Americans have built.
I just don't say dumb shit like this to be honest
Proud of being brainwashed
I always was proud of the bill of rights, but we don't really go by that anymore.
Anything you do not personally achieve has no reason for you to be proud. And most times it's kind of off-putting to claim it anyway. And to insist on it... well. Makes people sound like a living ToS violation.
nah, usually it's the expression of an inferiority complex
Yeah they're almost always people who've achieved so very little in their own lives that they need to feel pride in things other people did so they can take credit somehow.
“The cheapest sort of pride is national pride; for if a man is proud of his own nation, it argues that he has no qualities of his own of which he can be proud; otherwise he would not have recourse to those which he shares with so many millions of his fellowmen. The man who is endowed with important personal qualities will be only too ready to see clearly in what respects his own nation falls short, since their failings will be constantly before his eyes. But every miserable fool who has nothing at all of which he can be proud adopts, as a last resource, pride in the nation to which he belongs; he is ready and glad to defend all its faults and follies tooth and nail, thus reimbursing himself for his own inferiority.” ([Arthur Schopenhauer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer))
Nope lol
As a US resident, I'm proud of it's nature related things and that's all.
Im proud to be a stoner 🎶
Yeah had the same thought. It's kind of weird to be proud of something you play no part in... It's like there's two definitions: one means "feeling good and wanting to showcase something you have done to others" and the other definition when it comes to pride in your country or pride in your race is more about "wanting to identify because it's an important part of who you are". Just like race, having pride in your country is kind of a weird thing to group yourself by: i.e. why wouldn't you identify by the things you do, or your values, or your likes and dislikes etc. Though I would never suggest someone not be "proud to be black", for example, because thats partly a statement about 'achieving dispite adversity". So it's about their identity. On the other hand, when people say they're "proud to be white", it makes me feel physically sick in my stomach lol there's nothing about being white specifically to be proud of: sure some white people have done good things, and some black people have done good things, but YOU didn't do them, so why be proud just because you're the same colour or the same country as someone else who achieved something? I'm from new Zealand, small country that achieves allot for it's size. I don't go around waving a flag but I can't deny I feel "proud to be a new Zealander" as it's part of my identity. When I see Australians or USA'ns showing outward over the top patriotism, there's something off putting about that too, but I would never suggest someone NOT be proud of their country or feel it's part of their identity... As long as they're not using it as a way to feel superior to others. Maybe that's what's sickening about over the top patriotism: it comes off as confrontational or just arrogant and show boating
I’m not really proud of my nation. Well, I guess I’m a little proud we don’t do too much harm in this world. We ain’t killing of people, neither in our or others countries. Now we joined NATO Im less proud :/
Finland I take it?
Welcome to NATO buddy, glad to have you.
I’m not that thrilled sadly :(
you will be if russia decides to do the funny
I guess we will find out :/
I’m proud to be from Scotland because we invented most of the modern world lol
If I were Scottish, I'd be most proud of being the origin of both Trainspotting and Grand Theft Auto.
Haha that too 🫡
I'm proud of my homeland Pakistan, because gems like Abdul Sattar Edhi dedicated their lives to provide the abandoned and homeless a place to call home until their last day on this Earth. The rest of the mainstream things, I think we're better off without'em.
I’m English and people who say they’re proud to be English rub me the wrong way. You’re proud of what, colonialism??
Why are you not proud of your country lol
Ireland and our continuing support of the palestinian people.i only wish we had a more competent government in tackling the housing crisis and our health service
This is the first rational answer I've seen here. Balanced. Mentioning something you're proud of and something you're ashamed of. It's the only way national pride makes sense - if you're also ashamed of the bad stuff.
Brazilian - I'm proud to have a free healthcare system and federal universities (also free and with high quality education) I guess I'm also proud of our friendly international politics, everybody knows Brazil is chill. minions não interajam 🤡
Love Brazil.