The trouble with patriots....

At its heart, patriotism is little more than a disguised form of racism in a socially palatable form. It is politically incorrect to declare racial superiority, but the pride of Nationalism is perfectly acceptable. The former threatens the social order, the latter galvanizes it; it gives the whole society a focus for their hate, an emotion, which we are often told is wrong but only for those who are close at hand never at a distance. This contradiction seems never to be addressed. The idea that one is not allowed to despise one group of people of a certain genetic disposition but are given free reign to express their disgust with another group under a common banner should indicate like an alarm bell a societies failures by a reassignment of its blame.

Hate and pride go as well together as anything can.

oooops. forgot to say peace :d

Well I can see that it could apply to some, there are arseholes in every nook and cranny surely.
I'm extremely proud to be Irish, I love my country and love living here (cept for the shitty weather ofcourse :rolleyes: but hey, into every life a little rain must fall) But I don't look down on any one group of people or feel that I'm superior to any race. A few individuals really twist my melon but that's what they are *individuals* not whole cultures.
Hate can be dressed up in any form :(

Peace :)

Well put Deloused. Well put. I've always thought the same thing but never have I put it so eloquently.

Entirely wise words from you both :) (trying not to sound patronising here lol)

The basic rule of life, is that there must be an equal balance of 'good and 'evil'.
And we are ALL bound by this rule.

I am a person that will greet anyone on at a level, neither looking up, nor down at that individual. However, as with all things, there will come a time when I must realise that that particular person may not be worthy of my respect (according to my particular view of the world, etc), and conversly, there will come a time when I will meet someone who is worthy of greater respect.

I see people for who they are, not by their dress or appearence, and treat each individual with a mind that they are my equal until proven otherwise.

It is very easy for us to 'tar everyone with the same brush', as we live in a time where propoganda and subtefuge are rife. We can demonstrate our individual intelligence, by ignoring the prejudicies put forward by those who would seek to gain from such 'mind-manipulation', and make up our own damn mind.

We all gotta get through this thing called life...I would prefer my journey to be a spiritual one that I can enjoy with others - but alas, if we are to believe the rule of life (yin-yang, for instance), then we must accept that our journey will not always be a pleasant one.

Nice sentiment, Deloused.

Res...