deepfriedbrain shout

I've always toiled with this question and I'm curious about what you guys think... is there a difference between pride in ones own culture and patriotism? and can patriotism be a positive thing while in a land as a foreigner, perhaps as a way to retain ones identity? pushing the identity thing further, what about those who are patriotic for displaced nations (such as palestinians, native americans, kurds, tibetans, etc.)? nationalism has been at the heart of every major revolution from the Cuba to Ireland to Angola, Vietnam, etc. even the EZLN, who have a syndicalist star in their flag, have undeniable pride in being Mexican. I agree that for the most part (especially when dealing with White wealthy residents of the richest nations) patriotism is stupid and ultimately self destructive. But I'm not so quick to disregard nationalism/patriotism's power and usefulness in attaining popular support for a revolution.

This post was left in the shoutbox last month, I think it might be better discussed in the forum.

I'll go first

"I've always toiled with this question and I'm curious about what you guys think... is there a difference between pride in ones own culture and patriotism?"

No. The culture of countries you were not born in have just as much merit as the culture of the one you were born in.

"and can patriotism be a positive thing while in a land as a foreigner, perhaps as a way to retain ones identity?"

Fuck borders, there are no foreigners.

"pushing the identity thing further, what about those who are patriotic for displaced nations (such as palestinians, native americans, kurds, tibetans, etc.)? nationalism has been at the heart of every major revolution from the Cuba to Ireland to Angola, Vietnam, etc. even the EZLN, who have a syndicalist star in their flag, have undeniable pride in being Mexican."

Yep, if it's not oil, it's religion and nationalism. What's your point? Wars are good?

"I agree that for the most part (especially when dealing with White wealthy residents of the richest nations) patriotism is stupid and ultimately self destructive."

Racist.

"But I'm not so quick to disregard nationalism/patriotism's power and usefulness in attaining popular support for a revolution."

Good for you, there's probably a group for communists, this isn't it. Take your bullshit revolution elsewhere.