australian parents …. restart australia , page-55

Flyboy,

Firstly, I never said our culture, which is essentially western civilization with a few idiosyncrasies thrown in, was inferior. That simply is not the case

Secondly, you list many things that you are proud of and rightly so. I agree. But then you go on to say that all these these things define you as an 'Australian'. How so? How do they define you as an 'Australian' as opposed to defining you the good and decent man/father/citizen that you obviously appear to be? They do not. The nationality is irrelevant in defining your character.

When I say that I have no sense of nationalist pride/patriotism I am referring to extreme, jingoistic, chest-thumping, flag saluting, conceited, arrogant posturing that entices fools to wear the flag as a cape and get a Southern Cross tattoo. I suppose the correct term for this is chauvinism; an exaggerated patriotism and a belligerent belief in national superiority and glory. But then again patriotism in my mind still carries negative connotations due to certain aspects of social conditioning required to achieve an appropriate measure conformity. Go back throughout 20th century history and look at all the old war posters that attempted to convince brave young men to lay down their lives to further the agenda of the powers-that-be.... But I digress. I hope this paragraph clearly defines what I am trying to say.

nickyjames,

The statement to the effect that young men died one hundred years ago on some far-flung beach in order that I could have my life is arrant nonsense. I suppose the next thing your going to tell me is that they died fighting for democracy. They died as unwitting pawns to further the interests of a foreign power. That is the sad, sad truth of the matter.

jessie1,

Let me tell you what is moronic. Statements like 'do you stand up in the middle of a mate's party and proclaim that it is boring and that those enjoying themselves are morons'.