If you asked me like 4-8 years ago, I felt kind of neutral about things. Now I don’t feel an ounce bit patriotic or proud enough to even state that I’m an American.
Now, when I see an American flag around, I see it as a symbol of fascism, anti-intelluctialism, neo-nazism, and late-stage capitalism amongst other things. If there’s an American flag flying on a car, I can totally see that person possessing at least one of those qualities.
I suppose it’s good to be self aware and not blindly feel patriotic and ignoring that your country needs improvement.
I don’t know what I’m expecting in the comments here but just thought I would get this off my chest.
I’m with you. I’m on vacation in a foreign country. There was a performance and part of it was asking the crowd where they were from. I felt no enthusiasm when the performer asked the crowd to cheer if they were from the USA. It felt shameful.
As a fellow ashamed american, I feel you. I’d keep my mouth shut if anyone asked, if not out of shame, then out of (admittedly paranoid) self-preservation.
I hope the rest of your vacation has been/is great!
Thank god one other country with an almost indistinguishable accent exists.
“Boy, those Americans sure are hosers, eh??”