Patriotism - what do you think about it ?

Depends on the interpretation of what is patriotism and that is not the same everywhere.

As you mentioned Hong Kong, I wouldnt like the Chinese version of it. Face recognition cameras, public shaming, fines etc.

Namsnanny I thought patriotism is when you feel proud of your country and it isn’t compulsory.
What you mention about the Chinese version is scary and not patriotism.

Loathsome. Borders are arbitrary, cultures shift. Patriotism is an easy slide into xenophobia, racism and fascism.

Patriotism easily becomes discrimination and can blind you to the faults in your nation.

Patriotism is morally necessary, but is not sufficient.

Caleo I don't understand your post.

Why is patriotism morally necessary and what is it not sufficient for?

I have missed something but I can not think of any situation where patriotism is morally necessary

I envy people who live in countries they are proud of eg the US, the Netherlands.
All we Brits do is run our country down.

I can take pride in what I achieve - in what my children and g.children achieve. Never really understood how anyone can just feel proud of an accident of birth..

When I was very involved in sport, I would support and be proud of achievements by clubs, etc in which I had involvement. Loved 2012 Olympics and was justifyably proud of how GB had risen to the challenge of staging these games so very successfully in every aspect/

Flags and patriosm seems just to be excuse for hatred.

The patriotism in Australia is a joy to see, even their anthem, Advance Australia Fair, is belted out with pride. I love it.

I consider patriotism to be a love and pride for our country. I would like to see children sing our National Anthem each day in school. I wonder how many of them even know the words? I would like to see the Union Jack and the 4 nations flags flown more often. Instead we seem to be a country who almost apologises for who we are. Frightened to use the word Christmas because it might offend other religions, kow-towing to the woke brigade on our history and culture. I am British and proud of it.

I agree Sarnia and I'd like to see a big deal made of St George's Day with events and festivals. Instead we hear more about St Patrick's Day!

I agree Sarnia and Chestnut.

We don’t have a problem with flying our flag in Wales

What Sarnia said.

Sarnia

I consider patriotism to be a love and pride for our country. I would like to see children sing our National Anthem each day in school. I wonder how many of them even know the words? I would like to see the Union Jack and the 4 nations flags flown more often. Instead we seem to be a country who almost apologises for who we are. Frightened to use the word Christmas because it might offend other religions, kow-towing to the woke brigade on our history and culture. I am British and proud of it.

What nonsense. Your post is exactly what is wrong with patriotism

In England at least, patriotism seems to me to have become a tool of those who seek to form a gang in order to exclude others.

St George's/union flag t-shirt with 'Fit in or F* off' emblazoned underneath have tainted the whole thing for me. The idea that children could be called to the flag to sing the national anthem each day sickens me a bit for these reasons amongst others.

Waking up to the history of Britain and its relationship to the rest of the world doesn't seem to me to be kow-towing to anyone, just pulling our heads out of the sand about the good and the spectacularly appalling things we have done in the past.

Patriotism does not necessarily mean Nationalism.

I am proud and patriotic.
I am proud of the country I now live in. and I am proud of the country of my birth.

I am always perplexed as to why a person who has such a dim view of a country, chooses to stay/live there. Why not reallocate to a country that shares the ethos and values as yourself ?

As for our history
'He who is without sin .....'

Nothing wrong in taking pride about the good things about our country, however fast they're vanishing.

Pride in. Not about.

I feel very proud of both Ireland and England although I feel far more Irish than English.

My heart almost skips a beat when I drive into Wensleydale and see the beautiful landscape, I feel the same wandering around the colleges of Oxford and the parks of London.
I am immensely patriotic, I have huge admiration for our Queen and her loyalty to her country.

Ireland is just so full of warmth and generosity, my heart feels so full when I am there.

My ancestors have had to struggle and fight so hard, It is almost too much sometimes to contemplate what they have gone through to make Ireland the wonderful country it is today.

We will be burning some Irish peat in North Yorkshire on Christmas Day so I can close my eyes breathe in the wonderful smell and feel connected to a country I love so much.

I dislike the way England is always criticised by the English. The Scots and the the Welsh are proud of themselves and their countries. The Irish are proud of their country and of being Irish. Why are the English so critical of their county?

Cherrytree59

Patriotism does not necessarily mean Nationalism.

I am proud and patriotic.
I am proud of the country I now live in. and I am proud of the country of my birth.

I am always perplexed as to why a person who has such a dim view of a country, chooses to stay/live there. Why not reallocate to a country that shares the ethos and values as yourself ?

As for our history
'He who is without sin .....'

If that question was directed at me Cherrytree59 I would answer that I don't have a dim view of our country. I love Britain and live in a part of it which I am very proud of. My family are here and this is where I come from. Many people share the same ethos and values as myself and others that don't are as free as me to have their own views - why should I leave? There are aspects of our country's behaviour now and in the past which are excellent and some not good and accepting both seems balanced to me.

I can't think of any country that is without sin, but that doesn't stop us admitting to ours and trying to do better in future does it?