I never thought about nationalism. I don't think Americans do. I actually had to look up the word to know exactly what it is. I thought about how nationalism is played in our country. The definition spoke of country, state, race, ethics and politics. I was amazed how just one single word could bring two emotions to thought, Pride and Prejudice. So, in my own blonde way I am going to attempt to think this out.
Are we just so self involved in our own lives we don't take the time to think about this subject, because I could think I would write on this for days and days, I am just going to review the Pride to Prejudice portions?
I am proud of the way Americans stand together when the call comes to unite. So many other countries point fingers at us and call us murders, liars and thieves. These same countries whom Americans have fault for and defended, all in the name of Freedom. Freedom is America's nationalism. The right to live life the way you want to live life. It is this call for Freedom that will render every American from their lazy boy. England, France and Canada have all wave the flag in America's face when it is time to defend. After all is said and done, they turn and say it's those blood thirsty American's up to it again, it's their fault. American's forgive and forget so easily.
My father would get upset with me if I didn't buy American made products. I didn't understand why my father would care about whether I bought a GMC, Ford, Buick, Honda, Jeep or a Cadillac. What difference could I possibly make by buying a Ford then a Honda? If I like a particular car then I should buy it. He would tell me, because my grandfather died for this country. I should support him and what he gave for our country, our freedom for his life. I didn't understand still, how me buying a Ford would vindicate my grandfathers death. My father would say "You're supporting the same people who killed your Grandfather!" Again, I am baffled. How in the world, am I supporting the people who killed my grandfather? He would explain, by my purchasing a Honda I am taking work from the Americans. The money I spend in buying a Honda would go into the hands of the same country that killed my grandfather. I began to think, now my father is personally holding responsible the entire country and it's countrymen for the death of my grandfather. A clear example of the birth of prejudice.
The war has been over for years and my father is going to hate an entire nation cause they killed my grandfather. Now, please note my grandfather died on the U.S.S Morrison battleship when a kamikaze pilot flew his plane into the side of the ship as a last ditch effort to kill the blood thirsty Americans on board. Thus the person who killed my grandfather is now dead. Yes, my father knew the pilot who flew the plane into the side of the ship also died. Now, vindication may not be mine, but the end result was the same. My Father doesn’t seem to agree with my view points. Hate grows.
Author notes
I not sure if this comes through... it was a tough contest especially for me, I welcome your opinions... cause If I am wrong I want to know it. I really did give this much thought... and hope... You will consider there are many people who just don't take the time to think~ .... This contest makes me wish I had....
In a list
A contest entry
- Nationalism by unknownpleasure.
401 points, ended June 3, 2007, 8 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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First of all, and very simply, this isn't a poem, so it's not going to trophy.
While I'm all for stream of conciousness and internal monologue, this is a poetry site and I'd like to see these feelings expressed within the stated medium. Allphilosophy is linked at the bottom of the page, I believe...
All this isn't to detract from your entry, rather to explain why I'm not considering you in the finalists.
Your opening gambit is interesting. But I don't think anyone does, people who think about nationalism aren't nationalists. There is a reason why it is commonly known as the 'ideology of the weak'.
I guess a lot of this piece depends on the belief that patriotism and nationalism are one and the same thing. I'm not convinced either way.
Paragraph 3 - do you mean they call you murders or muderers? Next line - fought for. I think it's interesting you say - 'These same countries whom Americans have fault for and defended, all in the name of Freedom' but you don't state whose freedom or what.
As for your pride/prejudice deabte: I like it - but if you add those two words together what does the equation equal?
Answer: ignorance.
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Well thanks for the insight. I understand this is a poetry site. However you said you didn't want NO RHYMING! I don't know how to write a poem without rhyming... Heck I speak I rhyme! ... I did mean murderers... I attempted to write a piece that had made a statement but asked some questions... This is the most challenging contest I've entered simply cause I honestly came into it blindly...
Thanks for the comments its appreciated... I see your not on that much or I'd ask you to help me learn so I could be better... I really did love the challenge. Thanks for hosting.
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These days nationalism is confusing. I believe that it is summed up in one ness. No conditions. whether you are white, block, brown, pink with poka dots. If you were dorn here than you are one. If an enemy shoots my Mexican American neighbor down the road then that person is my enemy. Yes we have diffences. I call alot of poeple Ass Hole! But if you are an American than you are My Ass hole. I will die for you!
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It's always tough to speak the truth, But you did it!
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An interesting expression of your point of view, at
least Americans can be patriotic. In England we are
not allowed to fly the flag of St. George, because
it may affend other races. We cannot fly the Union
Flag because far right groups have taken it as their
own.
I though Americans and British thought the same way,
but I think we look outwards, and American`s look
in. But then we are tiny in comparison.
I enjoyed you piece, it made very interesting reading.
Dixie -
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Thanks so much~ I am sorry you can't do the things you want to do~ I am so lucky that I can fly whatever flag i want or even voice my opinion regarding my own country... There are many people who say great things about America~ and a lot that say bad things... What a terrific country can it be when you can do what you want without worry of being arrested or critized~ BTW~ my mom's name is dixie~
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Okay, sis...gotta hand it to you, honestly I've never thought about the true meaning either. And blonde as well,(hehehe), I'm going to have to look it up and think on it. However, I do understand what you're saying here and I applaud you for your honesty!
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hmmm
I agree with your father because if you had to fight, put yourself on the line, you would think of it as hate, hate is having a motherfucker crash a plane in the side of a battleship because their squadron does have enough skill to take them on and they are being beat, put ur self in his shoes. Ask your this, what is really hate, fighting to the bitter end, or killing your just to kill others,
just like those fuck ass Iraq, they strap bombs to their ass and blow them self up just kills some solders, that is hate
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