I had an interesting conversation with a friend about how she felt that she wasn't allowed to be proud of being American when travelling overseas - because if she was, she felt that she would be labelled as just an arrogant, loud, American. I remember after Germany won the World Cup in 2006 that there were some comments on the apparent re-emergence of national pride in Germany as a result (and they were talking about post WWII - some 50 yrs). I wonder if at some stage in the distant future, Americans will be able to shake off that cultural cringe from being in the spotlight, and making some unpopular/retrospectively stupid decisions.
I think as an Australian, I have been shielded from this sort of issue - because Australia is too little/too neutral (?) to be particularly disliked anywhere (and I guess, while everyone is hating the Americans, they're not hating us...). But when you think again, a) a lot of good stuff has come out of America, including and not limited to Billy Graham, and b) perhaps it is not so cool to dismiss an entire nationality based on decisions that they might or might not have agreed with, and c) - whether or not you agree with the decisions America has made in the past (or their culture, or whatever), to a certain extent, you have to give them points for being out there and having an opinion, right? It certainly is more difficult to be involved in the playground, than to stand on the side and agree with everyone/do nothing?
Discuss.
Really interesting. When I was on a dig in israel with a lot of american students I heard one southern guy asked if he loved america. Word for word 'yes ma'am I do. I'd die for it today if I had to'. It was an eye opening awkward moment for me. Australians as a rule are not given to such of the cuff passionate statements of national pride and civic duty! I still don.t know how I feel about it...or if I am proud to be australian. It's matter of providence really. Also my true hope and pride and therefore sense of duty is to kingdom of God. ..much to ponder and what a cool conversation to be having. You're making friends!
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