Canadians

[Miss Malevolent]

Originally posted by malina
being born and raised in germany, there is absolutely NOTHING to be proud of ( in terms of heritage ). this is probably the very reason why patriotism is such a touchy topic with me. i was just reading allegro's post in the other thread ( re hitler ) and i agree 100%. it doesn't start with a madman shouting insane speeches and killing millions! it starts in very subtle ways. this pride in heritage, race and nationality is exactly what hitler used to bait people when he had the opportunity and there was nothing else to believe in.

First, Germany produced greater things than Hitler.

German engineering (unfortunately exploited by Hitler) for one. The rich cultural history, lederhosen (heh)...

I lived in Germany...there is more to that country's history than Hitler.

Much like there is more to the United States history than slavery or the subjugation of the native american.

Doesn't mean because of the bad you over look the good.

I feel that's the flip side of the coin for people who ONLY want to look at the good and not focus on the bad.

I enjoy the history of this country. I'm proud to be American, have African heritage, I'm a proud Detroiter, I love the city of my childhood.

i spent many many years of my life being utterly ashamed to be german. i will never be a canadian - just because i'm not. it's not a judgment but a fact. i'm neither proud nor ashamed to be german, i just am. that's a fact too. it has no importance in my life.[/b]

I really disagree with people being ashamed of who they are.

I'm glad you worked through that. Cause I think it's a waste of time for people to beat themselves up over what they have no control over.

As to your last point of saying, "*shrug* I couldn't care less either way", well then all of this just comes down to a difference of opinion.

It's something that in your life carries little weight.

I just gave you a different prespective on why someone would think it was important.