Why do some people see a conflict between loving your country, and loving other countries?
444288
Too much nationalistic pride. But it is not even about them really loving their country it is because they don't like other countries. But it isn't even about their hate of other countries. It is simply because they are angry. Angry about the way their life is, angry about their lack of success, and hard times. They blame this on everyone else instead of accepting responsibility for their own lives. Blame it on a race, other country, God, even society.
850025
Patriotism is proud of a country's virtues and eager to correct its deficiencies; it also acknowledges the legitimate patriotism of other countries, with their own specific virtues. The pride of nationalism, however, trumpets its country's virtues and denies its deficiencies, while it is contemptuous toward the virtues of other countries. It wants to be, and proclaims itself to be, "the greatest," but greatness is not required of a country; only goodness is.\n\nSidney J Harris
1158785
There's nothing particularly "bad" about either one, it's just that some individuals see things more in "black" or "white" than others, which would put them on one end of the spectrum or the other as far as politics.  The irony of the matter though is the answer to a lot of issues that "conservatives" and "liberals" often fight over is often in the middle of all this clamoring.  In the end, this is part of what makes America great...the fact that you CAN have any opinion you want about anything, regardless of which side of the political spectrum you are on.  There are many other nations around the world that having an opinion outside of the majority or what is in the government's interest isn't even a remote thought in the minds of the people.  I'm thankful to be here whether I agree with everyone about everything or not.
1076566
I would have to agree....I've read one or two articles about people getting beat up in this country just because they support a different country.
47462
It comes down to different perspectives. Each part of the world, each political affiliation, religion and individuals see things different. Now, is the object to get everyone to see from your perspective? Is it to cater to everone elses perspectives?  America, nor any other country for that matter can win hearts and minds of the world, let alone all the people within that country itself.
1022258
Interesting that most people have said Nationalism, thats probably true if you're an American since we think we are so great. However in a global scale I think religion is more dividing than nationalism.
449771
I wouldn't personally but there are many who have a closer connection with other countries.  No matter how wonderful you think the US is, there are many out there who feel the same way about other countries.
853476
We don't, live with it. Your arrogant western ideals and insistence on impossing them on other cultures are why they hate us so much. If the people in those countries are that unhappy they can have a civil war. If it isn't popular enough to succeed, too bad.
117558
First -Jealousy over what we have and what we don't have but is thought that we have. Example many foreigner come from overseas and are bowled over by the myriad taxes and realize our incomes aren't close to being what they seem. They call us greedy but come over here to share in the greed.   Secondly--, companies that can be ruthless have taken advantage of poorer nations and instill anger while we are used to that tactic here and are prepared for it. Thirdly--, US is powerful and is seen instead as a bully by some. Also our strenght is an embarrassment to others - example France has never been thrilled that US saved it from Nazi Germany.. Fourth--, Because of its strength US is asked to take sides in conflicts and if is damned if it does and damned if it doesn't. Fifth- because we look different and people don't like people who don't look like them. Just like US is afraid of Arabs at their ports, so others don't like white people in their own backyards either. ... there are a million more reason...
371170
National rivalry has always been a part of life. I've joked with the British about their "tea time", and they punch back about our "policing the world". I love it. Its almost like a world wide brotherhood. Now there people who take the whole thing too far making judge mental accusations. There is no reason for such actions. But to answer your question I have never met someone who never said anything bad (whether joking or not)about another country
825185
Because too many people sadly only love their version of what the country is or should be. They have no respect for differing opinions, so they deride and scoff at such opinions.\n\nListening to others takes time and effort, as does rationally thinking about issues rather than just reacting emotionally. Too many people don't want to put the time and effort into the process. \n\nRational discussion, respect for differences, ability to compromise -- these are all essential components of any functioning democracy. Sadly, we're rapidly falling into the dysfunctional category, because of partisan hatred.
786788
My USA citizen countrymen/women. The USA is a melting pot of many colors and nationalities. I hope all of us would defend each other against outside forces or entities. We should not allow other people to divide us by bringing up issues in the past that they use to stir up past ills. The past is and should remain there, in the past. Issues of today are issues of today. We all had our good and bad pasts, they are over with. Today we should look at each other as AMERICAN compatriots.
1141587
I believe you!  But then, I'm not very conservative :-P\n\nWhat many conservatives seem not to get (or do get but ignore) is that if you love your country, you want what's best for it.  And if that means some things have to change, then so be it.\n\nSupporting a war you feel is necessary or productive is patriotic, but so is opposing one you feel is fundimentally bad for our country.  Supporting a good president is patriotic, but so is opposing a bad one.  Patriotism isn't about unconditional support for everything our government does, it's about wanting, and fighting for what you believe is best for your country.
976633
No no no no no! Every country should be it's own, and be seperate. Countries shouldn't be mixed together. If they are, people lose their convictions that set them apart in the first place. (i.e. "nutrality". btw, nutrality is the first step towards humanism and a Godless nation)\nIf cultures are swirled together, it  leaves a mellow, confused country that is fighting itself because of citizen unrest.
1184362
I've never told anyone that, but I've heard people say it (in reference to the united states)\n\nAnyway, I think it's a stupid thing to say, especially to another citizen of the same country you are telling them to love or leave.  This is because they have just as much birthright to the land and can't reasonably be expected to "leave" the country, like it or not.\n\nFurthermore, it blurs the distinction between the 3 aspects of country... land, people, and government.  It's perfectly possible to hate one or even two of these and love the others.
1147853
There are different types of love.\n\nSome people love America like they love Mommy- Mommy is never wrong and anyone who puts down Mommy is evil.\n\nSome people have a more adult version of love for their country- a love that accepts all of its faults and tries to make them better.  My country right or wrong- when right to be kept right, when wrong to be made right.
903320
I'm glad you brought this subject up.\nYour message is the same message that I've been trying to get across to a certain guy. \nHate generally happens because of differences... & we do reap what we sow (sometimes, we even receive/reap what others are sowing... whether it's good or bad).\nMistreatment... just because of differences... is generally what causes hate-wars.\nWe can CHOOSE to LOVE... or we can CHOOSE to HATE.\nI want to love & be loved.