[pilsetnieks]

If they chanted "SpaceX," or "Falcon 9," or "JCSAT-14" it would signify pride in their work. The "USA" chant glorifies the state/government above all else.

It's the same reason why foreigners are baffled by, for example, the Pledge of Allegiance.

[mikeash]

The person I'm replying to used "circle jerk" to describe things "before they started chanting."

[pilsetnieks]

Well yeah, that was a dick statement on their part. If I was at SpaceX, I would be proud of my work and the company as well.

[Inconel]

I wouldn't say it glorifies the state above all else but I would point out that even in a private company such as SpaceX the employees tend to be aware of the role government plays within the realm of space exploration.

I choose to view the chants as a showing of pride in the acceptance that despite the hard work being done by the employees at SpaceX, none of this would be possible without the pioneering work of NASA and other governmental research organizations, as well as the myriad of universities that educate our workforce, largely supported by the American taxpayer.

[simonh]

I'm sure the organs of government and its bureaucratic institutions are at the front of their minds and centre of their hearts as they are chanting.

[Inconel]

I won't propose to speak on behalf of others but in my case whenever I feel a sense of pride or accomplishment for something I have done, whether that be here at work or in my personal life, I certainly try and take a moment to acknowledge in my mind the many people, some of whom I have no direct connection with, who have played a role in my success.

As the child of immigrants who sacrificed a great deal for the opportunity to come to the US and as someone who grew up poor, not particularly bright, and with no formal education beyond that of high school, but who now has the opportunity to work on hardware that is launched into space, I always try and maintain a sense of appreciation for the country, and its people, that I now call home.