Microsoft unleashes new Xbox in Japan to lukewarm reaction

Dylflon · 12-13-2005, 08:36 PM

I wanted to make a joke about an American accusing someone of being nationalistic but I think I'm too late.

It would have been all in good fun, I assure you.

Professor S · 12-13-2005, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylflon

I wanted to make a joke about an American accusing someone of being nationalistic but I think I'm too late.

It would have been all in good fun, I assure you.

I actually think you'd be confusing nationalism with patriotism. I really think that America is less nationalistic than Canada. Canadians are insanely proud of their nation and believe that they nation the better than most others... yet I still can't find one reason why they'd think that... wait, I remember... GREAT BEER (healthcare, shmealthcare... grab me an Molson Ex)

...

Dylflon · 12-13-2005, 09:03 PM

Canadians, are crazy nationalistic.

But you do see quite a bit of nationalism from America too. America is quite often referred to as "the greatest country in the world" by americans and in commercials and whatnot.

Professor S · 12-13-2005, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylflon

Canadians, are crazy nationalistic.

But you do see quite a bit of nationalism from America too. America is quite often referred to as "the greatest country in the world" by americans and in commercials and whatnot.

Yes, greatest country in the world. Thats patriotism. Nationalism is the belief that YOU are better than others because you are from your country. I think most Americans believe that their nation is the greatest in the world, but I don't think they transfer that pride to an individual level as much as other, older nations do. Afterall, America doesn't really have a culture to hang on to and hold over others, we have a meltingpot of cultures. We have a strong government, economy and one hell of a military, but that doesn't translate to the people. Culture translates.

Dylflon · 12-13-2005, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor S

Yes, greatest country in the world. Thats patriotism. Nationalism is the belief that YOU are better than others because you are from your country. I think most Americans believe that their nation is the greatest in the world, but I don't think they transfer that pride to an individual level as much as other, older nations do. Afterall, America doesn't really have a culture to hang on to and hold over others, we have a meltingpot of cultures. We have a strong government, economy and one hell of a military, but that doesn't translate to the people. Culture translates.

*strokes chin*

Easily confusable concepts.

GameMaster · 12-13-2005, 10:34 PM

Everything exists, nothing has value.

DarrenMcLeod · 12-13-2005, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor S

Yes, greatest country in the world. Thats patriotism. Nationalism is the belief that YOU are better than others because you are from your country. I think most Americans believe that their nation is the greatest in the world, but I don't think they transfer that pride to an individual level as much as other, older nations do. Afterall, America doesn't really have a culture to hang on to and hold over others, we have a meltingpot of cultures. We have a strong government, economy and one hell of a military, but that doesn't translate to the people. Culture translates.

Believing you are the greatest country in the world isn't patriotism. At least I don't see it is.

I see Americans and Canadians as equally patriotic/nationalistic. It's just expressed in different ways, IE we don't need to have a flag on our desks to realize we love our country.

The Germanator · 12-13-2005, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarrenMcLeod

I see Americans and Canadians as equally patriotic/nationalistic. It's just expressed in different ways, IE we don't need to have a flag on our desks to realize we love our country.

Reminds me of a story my film professor told me once.

He was apparently oustside of a local high school in town (rural Vermont) and he was accosted by a group of teenagers who asked him "why he don't you have a flag on your car?" He was absolutely bewildered as to why it would be necessary for him to have a flag on his car.

I think you're overstating it a bit. Yes, a lot of Americans have the flag everywhere they possibly can whether it be on their desk or car, but many of us are far more subtle about the whole flag thing.

Professor S · 12-13-2005, 11:23 PM

I for one am extremely patriotic, but I don't have a flag anywhere but at my home. I rarely see flags around where I live, except for car dealerships and public buildings.

BTW, if you don't think that your country is the greatest in the world, I think you have a problem. If you don't put that kind of value on your nation, why care about it or the people in it? Why try and fix any of its problems?
I'd expect all Canadians to think that their country is the best in the world. Its like thinking you have the world's #1 dad.

And Darren, your comments about Canadian and American patriotic differences are a perfect example of nationalism. Thanks for the demonstration.