To all of the Americans on the board

[Mazzy]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HCkYfYa8ePI

http://www.sharinglungs.com/index.php?topic=11278.0



and all my responses are in there to that fucking video. And like I said,I'd LOVE for an American to come over there and ask random people on the street's questions and see how fucking stupid they look too.

come on, everyone says that people take this board too seriously and here's a prime example.

Still, fucking dumbasses lol.

i know. i didn't think they'd take it so seriously. hell, i didn't even know anybody in the states had heard of chaser's war on everything that's why i didn't know that video was already posted. they do a segment on these so called stupid american's every two weeks or so. there's been funnier segments than that video. they did one that just depressed the shit out of me and it was about 9/11. i don't know if anyone has seen it.

i know a lot of crap about america that americans don't know themselves [not bragging or anything] and i have seen that first hand in the past few weeks because i have met so many people. the sad thing is that americans have a reputation for being 'stupid' regardless of whether that is true or not. i guess people, especially american tourists IN australia, just like to take the piss out of that. i'm not stating that as my opinion, i'm just saying the overall response i get from people.

[Variable]

You can't judge a country based on freaking YouTube video. I'm an American and have lived in Great Britan and France, people were nice as hell to me when they thought I was British. As soon as they find out you're American, they're assholes. And it's all because the actions of a few moron's here in American ruin it for the majority of the good people. As well as the actions of governments affect other nation's citizens opinions of the people governed under that government. For example, I don't think all Canadian's are cowards because their country doesn't supply many soldier's in time of war, on the contrary, a large portion of French Foreign Legion are Canadian and they will kick near anyone's ass.

People are not just the country they are from. FFS.

Sure, USA is great, but I really enjoyed being in Great Britan, France, and Okinawa. Everywhere has it's own charms and problems, like rxqueen said.

where did you live in Okinawa?  I guess that is my current home.  I am stationed there.  but I have been away for a few months

[Variable]

If I'd talk like that about my country people would call me nazi. And not because I'm german, no, because it's totally exaggerated . I don't know any other nation that is so proud of its country. I'm sure every country has beautiful sides and cool places and characteristics, no need to put 'my' country above others. Cause that's what parts patriotism from national socialism, thinking the own country is sooo much better than any others.

If anyone says that A person who is proud of being German is a Nazi then they have no idea what they are talking about and you and I both know that is a fact.  That is just like someone calling me racist because I am proud to be white.  Being proud of your heritage simply means that you are proud of who you are.  There is nothing wrong with that at all.  And being patriotic is not necessarily saying that your country is better than anyone else.  It is just being proud of your homeland.  And in some ways being thankful for what your country has given you.  And believe me emma.  Germany has given you A LOT, as the US has given me A LOT.  Im fucking proud just to have German heritage.  Most of my family come to the states from Germany and a small bit from Britain.  And yes, I am proud of that.  Is there something wrong with that?

[rxqueen]

Why are you proud of that? I could understand if you said you're thankful or glad or happy or whatever. But proud? I'm only proud of what I've achieved by myself. Not what's there anyways and like I said it's a coincidence that I live where I live. No, I really can't say I'm 'proud'.

[Variable]

you do realize that I am in the military right?

[rxqueen]

I thought marines. But what are you trying to tell me?

[Variable]

My entire job is to fight for my country and its way of life.  Can you not see why I would have a bit of pride in it? 

[rxqueen]

Of course you can be proud of your job, if you do it well. I'm proud of how I do my work, too. But that has nothing to do with where I was born into.

Don't get me wrong Trey. I love my homeland Poland (told you I'm going for one week soon, can't wait, it smells so different there..) but I wouldn't call myself proud. Glad strikes it better.

[Variable]

ok so I have written this huge ass long explanation of my thoughts twice now.  and twice my Internet has frozen on me and i had to start again.  So I am really frustrated right now and would really like to get all of my thoughts out at once so maybe you could see how I feel when it is whole.  Its just taking a really long time.  So yeah I gota chill for a few min and then i will try again.

but to that last comment.  My job and country are extremely closely related.  And I fight for my COUNTRY, not my job.  Get it?

[rxqueen]

Yeh, but you're proud because you do your JOB very well. I mean.. would you still be proud if you wouldn't give all you can. Know what I mean?

I tell you what, I work at a shitty department store. We're huge, we have tons of branches in germany. But there's A LOT of shit going wrong. And I'm still hella proud of what I do. Because I know I give my best and my customers are damn satisfied. At a sidenote: One woman once was very happy with how I treated her, she wrote a letter to our company management cause I was so nice and patient. She said it reminded her of how you get treated in the states when you buy something.
So yeh, hope you get what my point is. Your just a piece of a puzzle. And you can be brilliant, although the puzzle in his whole isn't.

[Variable]

I know what you mean.  I have had a few really shitty jobs that I was very proud of.  I do everything to the best of my abilities and take pride in that.

[Variable]

This was not as good and passionate as the original.  But fuck it, it gets the point across

ok so I don't fell that I have really contributed anything too intelligent or constructive to this conversation yet.  except of course my drunken rants with Tarkil.  So let me try to explain my thoughts on Patriotism.

After 911 something happened in the US.  We were attacked and we felt vulnerable.  But the people of America did something.  Blood banks were full, charity donations were at an all time high, the military had no recruiting problems, and the American flag was being flown on ever car Antenna, every school age kids backpack,  and every Harley jacket in the country.  And for once fire fighters, police (yes even police) and the military was getting the respect they deserve.  People were standing together.  We had a common enemy.  Any single one of those terrorist would have gladly killed any single one of us given the opportunity.  We felt vulnerable and scared.  But people stood together.  We let each other know that we were not alone and that we would stand tall and with a stiff upper lip with each other.  We would fight for our way of life and for each other.  And that was a beautiful thing.  We gave each other comfort and strength when we needed that.  And there is not a god dam thing wrong with that.  And if none of you have experience something like that then I am sorry.  But once again, refer to my quote.

So yes I am proud of my country and its history and heritage.  I love American history.  I love the way our country was founded and how influential it has been over the years.  I love the people, ideas, inventions and innovations America has provided to the world.  And I am proud that I share the same heritage and ideals with these people.  I am proud to be able to carry the same name as these people and carry on the heritage.  I am so proud of American history the same as I am fascinated with Alexander the Great, or ancient Rome, or the British empire, Or France (god help me) Around Louis the 14th and Napoleon, Ancient China, The Soviet Union, The Samurai, Mujahideen, Sparta, The Vikings....ect ect.  I am Fascinated with these historic times and people.  But they are not my own.  So i do not take pride in them like I do my own countries heritage.  And I would not call any of you stupid for being proud of anything your country has accomplished.  because in some way or another it has influenced where you are today.

I for one and grateful for everything the US has given me.  I will never bitch that I am not getting something I deserve.  Unless of course some sort of civil liberty of mine is seriously being violated.  But I don't see that happening.  But pretty much I was born into a world of wealth and opportunity.  As were most of you who were born into the 1st world.  Compared to some African, South American, Middle eastern, or Asian countries ( note that I said SOME, I know they are not all bad off)  I have it really good.  And I did nothing to earn this.  Nothing at all, it was just given to me.  Built by the sweat and blood of men and women who came before me to build this country.  And I am proud of them and their accomplishments and the fact they called themselves Americans, the same as me.  So yes, I am grateful because I realize that I am privileged and that I did nothing to deserve it and that it could be so so much worse.  So call me stupid or old fashioned for being proud of my nation and what it provides for me.  But I call you ungrateful, short sighted , and forgetful.

One of the most fucked up things about all of this is that I could get into a sports conversation on here maybe about soccer or something.  and you would all come out of your shells like crazy showing pride for your teams and talking shit and being passionate about the sport.  And doubt too many people would say anything negative about it.  But then its considered foolish and obsolete to be proud of your nation?  wow.  The day that I take pride in a stupid pointless game that I am not even partaking in over a country who provides for me and will influence history.....well, that day will just never come.  I really think some of you should re evaluate your priorities and morals in life.  And get off of the "too cool for government and conservatism" band wagon.  Its really idiotic.

[rxqueen]

I've experienced this 'fighting for each other' thing a few years ago. I was in Poland when the great flood came across the country. It was just.. scary and huuuuuge. We were directly in it. My grandparents were lucky, our village lays a little bit higher, so we just had our basement full of water. But some friends of us have a huge farm, we had to evacuate all the animals with such a boat (it was called amphibian, it could drive and swim). When I see the videos nowadays I'm just glad everyone of us survived.

And I'm not ungrateful or something Trey. I just see the two sides of the coin. Of course there are things I'm thankful for, I'm just not proud about them because I did nothing to effect them. Like you said.. they're given to me. And speaking of the past of my country.. if it was about that I'd have to hang my head in shame. But I wasn't even involved so I just do my best. I'll act the way I think is right so that at the end of the day I can  look into the mirror with a good conscience.

[Variable]

I've experienced this 'fighting for each other' thing a few years ago. I was in Poland when the great flood came across the country. It was just.. scary and huuuuuge. We were directly in it. My grandparents were lucky, our village lays a little bit higher, so we just had our basement full of water. But some friends of us have a huge farm, we had to evacuate all the animals with such a boat (it was called amphibian, it could drive and swim). When I see the videos nowadays I'm just glad everyone of us survived.

And I'm not ungrateful or something Trey. I just see the two sides of the coin. Of course there are things I'm thankful for, I'm just not proud about them because I did nothing to effect them. Like you said.. they're given to me. And speaking of the past of my country.. if it was about that I'd have to hang my head in shame. But I wasn't even involved so I just do my best. I'll act the way I think is right so that at the end of the day I can  look into the mirror with a good conscience.

Hitler is not the only history of Germany.  And even then, it was amazing what he was able to accomplish with what little he had.  I would be proud to live in Germany.  And I guess one of my points of why I am proud is that I will, very soon, be a part of effecting my country and its history.  And hopefully Afghanistans for the better.  But I also think pride comes from the fact that your blood took part in these acts.  It was all of our familys who made this history after all.

what was the other side to the coin on the patriotism thing again?

[rxqueen]

You're not serious about the Hilter comment aren't you? He wasn't even german, there you go.

And I'm not talking about the other side of coin of patriotism, I'm talking about what goes wrong in this country.

[Variable]

I know all about Hitler my dear.  But I am serious.  he was amazing.  I mean im not advocating what he did.  But it is amazing what he was able to accomplish.

But you said you saw the other side of patriotism.  and i was just curious as to what that is because I dont think I quite understand that side of the spectrum yet. 

and what country is "this"  Germany or the US?

[rxqueen]

I obviously mean the country I live in.

And I can't believe you just said Hitler was amazing. ... These mindless sheep let him get so far. It wasn't his actions, he was just a sick bastard with cruel inhuman intents.

Oh and the other side of patriotism is that some people obviously can't differ it from national socialism. Or they just can't put borders. My country has seen what happens if you don't question authority.

[Variable]

No you really have to take what im saying in proper context.  I mean yes genocide is horrible and world domination is primitive and the massive amount of pointless lives lost was horrible.  But think about what he did

after WW1 Germany was broke.  They had to pay retributions for the war they lost and their military was disarmed.  I mean I wont get too far into how crippled Germany was because im sure you know and those are the high points.  But then he was able to take that and start all over and create a fighting force that too all of the western world (and then some) to defeat.  Outnumbered and under supplied.  He did amazing things from a political and military stand point.  I mean you call them mindless sheep but they were in no way that.  He was just extremely elegant and articulate in his speech.  It might have been politics and government at its worst.  But he pulled it off.  Its amazing.  I mean I don't think I could ever do that.  and I don't know of too many other historical figures that could.  That's what makes it so amazing.  he did something HUGE that very few people who have ever lived could ever dream to do.  He will forever been one of the most influential figures in history.  I say its pretty amazing.

[devilinside]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HCkYfYa8ePI

http://www.sharinglungs.com/index.php?topic=11278.0



and all my responses are in there to that fucking video. And like I said,I'd LOVE for an American to come over there and ask random people on the street's questions and see how fucking stupid they look too.

come on, everyone says that people take this board too seriously and here's a prime example.

Still, fucking dumbasses lol.

And you wonder why....

[Variable]

when someone seriously thinks thats how your country is.......yeah, you just might seriously tell them its not really like that