Is patriotism a good or bad thing..

True. What makes the people of one country more special or deserving than any other? Pride in some ego-centric ideal isn't worth it. Perhaps if patriotism wasn't so often shoved down our throats in our own countries there wouldn't be so much intolerance and racism in the world.

I'm glad so many people see what is wrong with it.

 

I think that real patriotism is a good thing when it's all about love for your country, but when you start to hate someone else than it's a bad thing. If you hate someone because of his heritage than you aren't patriot but just a stupid chauvinist.

Patriotism and love -GOOD
Chauvinism and hate -BAD

 

Patriotism in itself isn't wrong, but blind patriotism is. There's nothing wrong with loving your country, but that doesn't mean you should turn a blind eye to things that are wrong with the government and the way it is treating people. I love America, but I think it's going to shit.

 

Just as long as you're skeptical and can formulate you're own political opinions, and dont agree with everything you're country advocates, then I'd say it's OK to be patriotic.

 

In the United States those on the right seem to think that patriotism is consistent with hating the government and hating taxes as long as one also hates those who criticize capitalism and the War in Iraq. These people measure their patriotism by the intensity of their hate.