| HN Mirror

> I guess the idea that the reason [...] hasn't crossed your mind?

Oh my god, I'd never considered that other people have experiences and they differ from mine! Sweet f-ing Jesus, it all depended on you assuming who I was and sarcastically mocking me! Hallelujah!

> Of course it hasn't. Those countries suck because they are not the USA. USA on top = the natural state of things. USA! USA! USA! Think critically about the actions of the country and the shadow which it casts to this day? Suck it up snowflake or get out!!

Do your parents cry when they hear you? I'm not American. I'm not justifying my tribe or anything.

> It's exactly your kind of bland patriotism, devoid of any appreciation as to why things are the way they are, that the person you where replying to was talking about. And it's part of the reason as to why things are the way they are.

Just a week ago I was re-reading a great account of the CIA in Guatemala. I'm quite familiar with the situation in general. I don't think you can even comprehend that someone can know the same facts as you but come to differing opinions.

But, about my patriotism. What do you think you know about it, and what about it is bland? How would we make it exciting? Do you actually have an idea or are you just slinging words around looking for a cheap shot?

> I think perhaps you view patriotism as a core part of why America is in the position it is today, but unfortunately to think that is to ignore history.

You're ignoring 90% of history by jumping up and down as if you're the only one who's ever heard of the CIA. It's pretty reductionist though, and frankly it feels a little racist and insulting to the South Americans, to think that the USA is responsible for the entire continent. I don't think you'd get broad support for your idea from the people of those countries. You're probably acting on some white-empowerment thing where you think you're so powerful you have some sort of skin-color based duty. A bunch of old Brits have a message for you...

Nobody is having the 'X country never did anything wrong' argument with you. For one, I don't think you could come up with a country that didn't (attempt) fuckery, but I don't think it's relevant to the attitudes and that's the core of the point about patriotism. You aren't celebrating some pure history, or your side being blameless, you're celebrating and supporting those around you, and those who will come join you.

And patriotism is even open to one such as yourself. You don't have to adopt anyone's jingoism. You don't need any "us over them". You simply need to find a core of what you want being American to mean, and embody that. If you think people aren't educated enough about history, then educate yourself and share the knowledge - like you do now, but without this "I'm the only educated person in the world" vibe.

If you can't, seriously consider finding an immigrant and adopting a bit of theirs. Support what they find meaningful until you can find it within yourself.

> I expect you'd be surprised the real damage Trump has done to the reputation of the USA abroad and how much it's tarnished the image you think you had.

Hahah, wow. You are not in for a good day. Sorry, but the world doesn't mind Trump one-hundredth as much as you do. I'm not in the USA and I think I have a vastly better idea of how the world views the USA pre/post trump than you do from inside your white-man's burden bubble.

There are hilarious videos of Americans not knowing which president did things, like build cages at the border. Foreign news almost always says "originally built by ..." and gives a fuller story than American news. (I picture you watching CNN, reading Snopes fact-checks, Tweeting your outrage.) Most everyone watching from outside knows that the stuff about walls and immigrants in cages being "Trump-Bad" was nonsense - they were things that every president did and would keep doing, and that the laws of the country and the people voting for those laws fully support. (Interestingly, most 1st gen immigrants in the USA support stricter immigration checks to stop illegal entry.)

I, and certainly my country, are no Trump fan - of the man personally. But his forceful actions on the world stage helped bring peace and are probably the best hope for Palestinian freedom ever but are also the only actions I've seen taken against China despite their posturing against Taiwan, who's our ally as well as yours. Simply calling Taiwan to thank them for congratulating him on his victory was monumental.

So even though he entered into some really annoying trade wars with us we don't have this hate that you do. We sort of grudgingly admit that he got what he wanted and because he was working for you, not us, that he did his job.

No, the rest of the world doesn't agree with you at all. And it's clear why, you're apparently stuck in a loop of yelling at your dad because he just doesn't understand you.

This is why you need some patriotism. You need to find something good and strive to improve and share it, your life is one of bitterness and internalized shame despite being in one of the best places with all the opportunity. And with a pretty good history actually, if you look at it as a unit and compare with the what other people have accomplished. Much to build on.

America is a great tool so grab the reins, wield her carefully, and do good for the world.