Patriotism

[letsjive]

Would you say you're patriotic?
I definitely am. My mum raised me that way where we used to go an visit the royal horses.

No hate. No right or wrong. Just curious about how you felt about the Royal family growing up.

This is a famous quotation from George Bernard Shaw - there will be many who disagree - his one view - but I am not sure patriotism necessarily includes the RF , although as we are somewhat unusual in our our RF I can see why you and many would think so . I think the late Queen in her latter days was thought of quite differently from some of the younger ones nowadays.

“Patriotism is, fundamentally, a conviction that a particular country is the best in the world because you were born in it....”

But 'patriotic' doesn't mean 'fond of the royal family'.

It derives from Latin (and earlier Greek), and roughly translates as affinity with and love for one's native country. I'm pretty sure many Ukrainians with their elected president feel quite patriotic right now.

The King definitely doesn’t make me feel as patriotic as the Queen did… but I feel more warmly towards KC since he became King, if that makes sense. So I guess it does mean something to me.

Nothing to do with the Royal Family. You can be a republican and very patriotic.

I’m not patriotic
l’m a Republican.

Probably more so as I’ve got older. I was brought up in a family that are.

No not patriotic at all and find the very idea that one family would be given a large amount of unearned wealth and influence and elevated above the rest of the country purely through an accident of birth quite frankly disgusting.

I am neither fond of the Royal family nor patriotic.

Yeah this.

Makes me feel 🤮

Another thing that fecks me off about the royal family topic is the misunderstanding of the word 'royalist' that oft appears. It doesn't mean what some posters think it means when they are scrabbling to articulate the term 'monarchist'.

And it's usually directed at people who, funnily enough, aren't living in the 17th century with strong views on parliamentarians, or who are even monarchists, so is triply pointless.

Not patriotic at all. The whole concept of being proud of where you were born makes no sense to me. It's just geography.

And I care as much about the RF as they do about me.

It's interesting, because you see a lot more patriotism and flag waving enthusiasm in other countries than you do here. I suppose the exception is sporting events, where people do fly the flag.

exactly as other have said - what I was trying to get across is feeling patriotic is quite different to how you feel about the RF. For those who like the monarchy some of the pomp and ceremony is something of a outlet for patriotism , but not necessary.

I agree, @BasiliskStare , I do think it's an outlet, but not necessary.

Patriotic is not the same as liking the Royal family.

My nan felt she needed to see the Queen every year - so I had a lot of childhood trips to stand in the crowd at events like Trooping the Colour. Which was great because I loved horses.

Both my parents thought this was nuts but humoured her.

Now I think the Royal Family should all be sacked for their own good as it clearly turns out mentally messed up and entitled people.

Fawing over royal family, disliking foreigners, voting for Brexit = nationalism

Actually doing something useful for your country (anything from entering parliament to litter picking ) = patriotism

I watched the Coronation of King Charles on telly.
On Mute.

It looked like a pantomime.

Ok, I stand corrected. Patriotism has nothing to do with the Monarchy.
I don't see it that way but I get other points of view.

@madamreign spot on.

Although I’m lukewarm to the RF, I generally think this is a good country with good people. It’s just become overwhelmed with the stench of nationalism these last few years, ironically by those that bleat on about patriotism…

@madamreign I love your definition!

I am patriotic in that I don't look at the country I was born in and think it the worst country on earth. Overall we are kind, polite, caring. We give more than many countries in humanitarian aid, we abolished slavery, we pay our courts to protect vulnerable people, we are generally very welcoming. Our police are generally good and not gun happy (more people are killed by the police in one month in America than in 2 decades here). Judicial system is second to none. Benefits system is generous in comparison to many. The NHS means you don't have to sell your house to pay medical bills. Plus lots of other positives.

Of course it isn't anywhere near perfect. Brexit was a mistake. The current government not fit for purpose, cost of living is difficult, but overall I'd rather live here than many other countries, not least because this is where my family are.

I support the royal family, love the pomp and ceremony, am proud of the fabulous history connected to the RF, and appreciate the high regard many other countries hold them in, despite the critics who will I've no doubt pile on this statement screaming to the contrary.

Only around 25% of the country are republican so despite the shouting and performance picketing, the RF with their perceived glamour, soft diplomacy, charitable work and high world profile are here to stay, despite the vitriolic jealousy often displayed in this section.

It's a common misconception that humanitarian aid is primarily designed to assist people in need. In reality, it can sometimes serve as a means for individuals from wealthier nations, notably the British, to gain access to what are often labeled as "impoverished" countries, with the ultimate goal of exploiting their abundant natural resources. It's disheartening that, even in today's world, some remain unaware of these dynamics.

While slavery may have been officially abolished, there are claims that a form of neo-colonialism persists. Britain continues to derive substantial financial benefits from its former colonies annually. Yet, paradoxically, many inhabitants of these nations continue to grapple with property and resource deprivation, while external interests exploit their resources. It's nothing to be proud of.

As said upthread you can be patriotic and a republican. In fact many republicans feel that it would be best for the country to get rid of the monarchy / royal family and become a republic.

It's intriguing that you are linking the two concepts OP. Do you think people who are critical of the monarchy or the Windsors also hate the UK? I think anti-monarchy feelings can arise from loving your country.

This confusion reminds me of the conflict in Northern Ireland and the convention to call one of the sides "republicans" and another "loyalists".

@colourwheelofortune - What a lovely post. Of course not a perfect country but in general we have a kind and accepting country I think , I don't count the RF in patriotism but I think by and large - not always but by and large - we are a kind country , but that is just my opinion.