I'm hoping to have a small discussion about pride. Namely, whether it's ever justified; if so, when it's justified; additionally, what you folks think about phenomena like country pride, state (USA-style) pride, gay pride, sports-team pride, racial pride, etc. I know I'm not bringing a lot to talk about, so feel free to introduce your own related topics.

My own views on this aren't complete (hence me making this topic), but I'd describe them thusly: Pride can be justified by your own accomplishments, and by no one elses (it's a murky point in being proud in your children, but.. meh). This is my logical conclusion, which contrasts strongly with my existent pride in many things outside my control, such as race, country of origin, family, etc. Therefore, I also think that though not all (most, probably) pride can be justified, its existence isn't a bad thing in that it influences your self-esteem positively and can be used to bring people together.

The examples I've brought up are all, I believe, unjustified. I'm a country-pride and racial-pride person (a bit o' xenophobia is always healthy), but, thankfully, have no attachment to state, homosexuality or sports teams.

Pride is one of the 7 deadly sins

I don't care much for personal pride, gay pride, racial pride, or sports team pride.(only enough to occasionally turn on the bronco game) Seeing people display a lot of pride for their cause always tends to piss me off. Especially gay pride, having a bunch of your gay friends get naked, making out, and wearing feathers whilst marching down main street is not the way to get what you want. That said, fat guys wearing body paint for their favorite NFL team is almost as disturbing. That said again, I'm a bit of a hypocrite in that I love America. I could come up with an excuse as to why that's okay and other pride isn't, but it would still be just an excuse.

Post has been edited 1 time(s), last time on Mar 10 2010, 6:45 am by phlemhacker.

I don't care what other people are proud of...as long as it doesn't get in the way of my lifestyle.

My religion forbids me from having excessive pride, so I just avoid it completely.

I believe Americans should be proud to be Americans, so much so that they are willing to tax other countries for not being apart of the U.S.

Imperialism//Global Domination via our superior Americanness FTW

That's stupid. All the sensible Americans are going to move out and go to a better country like uh... Sweden.

Not if Sweden is having heavy taxes imposed upon them. Plus, we can just kill anyone in the U.S. that is crazy enough to disagree with this trend (which is inevitable, I mean, we Americans really are superior).

Superior in military power only.

Just ignore the fact that the average American is a complete moron.
Just ignore the fact that America's culture is non-existent when compared to just about any European country.
Just ignore the fact that our females are on average less attractive and fatter than their European counterparts.
Just ignore the fact that noobs like Cecil live here and ruin what little goodness is left in this country.

In addition: All good food that America has was jacked from a different country. Chinese food? Tacos? Pizza? French Toast? None of it is ours.

Oh, you forgot to mention how superior we are in pertaining to our Americanness. Maybe it's noobs like all you people and your "morality" that is limiting us from taking over the world, economically or militarily.

You should all be proud to be superior. If you aren't superior, you can join the U.S. and help us tax the rest of the world.

How can i be proud of a country that houses nerd gatherings at places like the horrible Digipen and similar structures?

Nerds like them make games like the one this fansite was made for. Plus, they are American nonetheless, which makes them superior to most of the world. You should be proud of all Americans, not just some, otherwise you will be considered a heretic.

This

Something is "justified" when it serves its purpose more than it detracts therefrom.
Pride has no purpose of its own, without more context, therefore its purpose, as is that of all good things, is to improve the quality of life within the system.
Thus, pride is justified when it brings more good than not.

Practically speaking, group pride has a tendency to result in irrational behaviour, which is generally not a good thing...

I always think of Americas "lack" of culture to actually be the culture. I mean America is at least half immigrant by now and was pretty much meant to be. That's like... the point to be multicultural right? So i don't know how anyone can compare America to other countries without at least considering that. I mean to be honest I don't really care and a lot of other things are true about America but it just feels like people don't consider certain and even key positive parts about countries while easily throwing negatives without regard.

:coolface:

everything else follows after that through coercion.

Easier to control. You get more done when your populous blindly follows all orders with glee. The elite aren't stupid, and they are the only ones we need to be smart.

Typically I find "We have more culture!" to translate to "We favor one way of life over another!"

Go to new york, then go to the London. Feel embarrassed.

You shut your damn mouth when it comes to patriots like cecil.

Most Chinese food is plagiarized as well, but go back to the first point - We will kick your ass and take your food.

Have you been to London? I have been to both New York and London, and noticed about the same ratio of attractive to non-attractive people. Same goes for any massive city. I'd argue that attractiveness is a function more of 'class' than 'race'.

You and Cecil are trolling in general in this thread right? Because surely the views you're expressing wouldn't be held by anyone but a moron.

Well nah, I'm not trolling. I generally feel that trolling has a malicious intent, that of which I don't harbour. Although, me trolling is besides the point; if I troll heretics and those inferior, isn't that considered justice? Hey, I feel the best in the world deserve the best.

You're such a lamer captain. Don't you have more important things to do like going to professional wrestling events and telling everyone it isn't real?

Well it isn't....