: I am not proud of being an American because of several
: things.
: One, how does it matter?
Well, let’s define what it means to have pride. Pride in the strictest sense is a sin, a vice that brings a person to arrogance, intollerance, implacability, conceit, and self-righteousness. These are all bad things. However, besides unmitigated honesty in some areas (where modesty might be more agreeable), America as a whole does not carry all these awful traits.
But the meaning of pride has changed over time. The word now stands for a number of virtuous traits: fortitude of spirit, stalwart defense of one’s own beliefs and family, resolution and courage to stand up for what one cherishes and holds dear, confidence in self and others, willingness to help and support people, and valiance, whether in battle or in state of mind. This chivlaristic virtue is known simply better as this: valor, the most grounding aspect of a knight’s character. Indeed, it is virtuous then to have pride in one’s country, to uphold what is good and just about it.
However, when valor is corrupted, it becomes true and inacquiessent pride. This is certainly a vice. And many Americans might be considered guilty of this, though it’s usually not arrogance which avices people.
So, if being prideful is actually being valorous in the heart, courageous of spirit, it’s indeed a very important thing! And not having it would leave us weak and cowardly, as a country, as a people, and as a national community.
: Two, this country isn't exactly a model of democracy
: (It's good, but not numero uno or anything)
*laughs outloud* Of course the United States is no true democracy! It is a democratic system of government known as Republic. If the Founding Fathers had wanted a democracy, they would have done it! The fact of the matter is, they realized that most Colonials were not very bright, no more than back in England. Most people aren’t, quite frankly, which is a shame, but an honest reality. Look back to the beginning of democracy: 5th Century B.C. Athens. The Athenians were corrupt, stupid, and petty. The Founding Fathers of the United States did not want the same fate of an unjust government to come to America, as the most horrible things possibly imaginable happened because of “democracy” in Athens.
So! A Republic was instituted, where the people could have intelligent representatives do the politics for them. And what we have now is far better than either Rome or Greece, or even the synthesis of the two!
As for being “numero uno”, we certainly are, in many ways. We were the first to conceive of the notion that human morality and inalienable rights, that are endowed in all people, not just the powerful or the wealthy, rise above all else, even religion. Religion is still a very important part of our government; the Founding Fathers weren’t trying to get rid of it or keep it from spreading. All they said was this: you can believe whatever you want, say whatever you want, and worship whatever you want, as long as you don’t harm others. A guy can stand on a street corner and shout ‘til he’s horse all the things he wants to at the passers-by about his faith.
That’s not possible in Germany. Or France. They will readily silence those who may seem offensive, the French even making laws where people will be fined for using borrowed words from other languages in French slang! And Germans can’t sing their national anthem, or show the slightest iota of national pride, or be arrested, as if skin heads.
In retrospect, now see how the United States is not so authoritarian, not so ridgid or irrational, even compared to our seemingly kindred European allies like France and Germany (not that they care to like us terribly). And as far as government, I challenge you to find a more fair or more decent nation, my compatriot.
: Three, I don't have anything I preticularly support here
: that is uniquely American.
American freedom?
: Four, what does being American mean?
It means being a part of the most influential society in the world. It means being a part of the most incredible experiment in the world: a free country that is honorable and just. It means participating and helping to influence in the best way the government and the nation. It means the freedom to speak your mind, without the threat or danger of being harmed or incarserated.
: Now, if you guys will be kind enough to leave my name out
: of the subject area with this, we can all get on with
: our lives, and forget that I ever brought up this line
: of thought.
This is a good line of thought, an important debate. Don’t dismiss it.
: It hasn't really done any good, and has stired up
: unwanted and unjust division.
Not any more than arguing about GURPS. But that's what the Asylum is for, debating and posing arguments.
We all come from different points of view. The whole challenge and meaning of the Asylum is to put those points of view into logical arguments and to share our thoughts. This thread is nothing compared to what things I've seen just about GURPS (even from just my own shouting self!). It should continue.
