Overall, 39% of U.S. adults say they are “extremely proud” to be American in the most recent poll.

Meanwhile, only 18% of those aged 18-34 said the same, compared to 40% of those aged 35-54 and 50% of those 55 and over.

18% is still too high. As Obama’s pastor said, God damn America! Americans have very little to be proud of at this point.

  • JadenSmith
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    1 year ago

    Having lived in America for a few years, and been going there to visit family often otherwise, I have a different perspective to offer than the other comments: I don’t have to be proud of the government to have deep respect and admiration for the people I’ve met.

    America is a big place. I’ve been to around 38 or 39 States, most passing through, though the one thing that stood out is the perseverance of the people.
    I think you all should be proud in your general strive for not accepting things that are obviously wrong to you. There are disagreements, but at least you guys legitimately make effort to make things right as you feel things should be.

    There’s uproar in the streets, yet it’s evidence that people do not want to just sit around and do nothing. I’ve witnessed sincerely compassionate acts of kindness, in ways I’ll never forget. I was homeless for a short while, in Arkansas, and there were people so fed up with the lack of government support, that they themselves just bought apartments, and converted them into soup kitchens where they could feed us. One man had a felony, he spent time in prison for being involved in someone else’s demise, yet he did this and spoke his story, not to boast in any way but to hopefully inspire many of us to turn our lives around.

    It’s a shame the government situation is a bit muddled, although it is also a bit of a mess in the UK, though I just think you guys should be proud to be American in some ways, even if your government is trying to convince you otherwise with their dishonest policies.

      • JadenSmith
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        1 year ago

        I understand this assumption, however I should mention I am brown. I was born into a Sikh family and there is no denying my ethnicity (I have no issues showing my face if needed).

        I suppose my experience would be different to someone else. If it’s any consolation, the areas I had apartments in over the years was Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Rogers/Little Flock.

        • dragonflyteaparty@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          They’re not evil, you’re right. But that’s a lot of casual racism where at I’m, especially after/during the Trump presidency.

          My mom was talking to me late at night after everyone went to sleep and cornered me until I cried about how my Pakistani friends are going to come kill me in my sleep. A few weeks after that she was going on about the “war on Christmas” and she’d love to be wished a happy holiday for one she didn’t celebrate and we shouldn’t say happy holidays anymore.

          My in-laws have also said more racist things since then, including my father-in-law “joking” about how he needed to hide the tools so Mexicans don’t steal them.

          Not evil by any means, but my mom’s thing was way messed up. There are a lot more examples, but people are definitely more overt now.

          • JadenSmith
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            1 year ago

            I can understand your concern, though my first wife was from Gentry, AR and I lived there as well (I often forget that as she is an ex wife). It is possible for people to have different experiences to the rhetoric.

      • aidan@lemmy.worldM
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        1 year ago

        but they choose not to be, in general, to the people they think are different.

        Don’t stereotype people you don’t know. Most people in all of the US(and the world) are accepting and compassionate.

          • aidan@lemmy.worldM
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            1 year ago

            Before 2016, at what time? I think the south has gotten much more accepting since the Bush years for sure. Homophobia was mainstream, in 2016 both leading presidential candidates supported gay marriage.

              • aidan@lemmy.worldM
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                1 year ago

                There are a lot of people who I don’t agree with, I don’t agree with most people. But it is very tribalist and imo honestly ridiculous to believe half of any country is genuinely evil.

                  • aidan@lemmy.worldM
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                    1 year ago

                    I’m not a fan of racists, homophobes, misogynists and haters, so yeah I think that’s kind of evil.

                    I don’t think 34% of the US is racist, homophobic, or misogynistic. And, honestly, I think someone can be very wrong- and have beliefs I think are vile. Without themselves inherently being an evil person. Everyone is at least somewhat misguided at points in their lives.

                    You’re a mod here then? Interesting. You shouldn’t use the mod tag when you’re conversing.

                    I don’t want to, but I don’t think there’s a way to turn it off? If you know how though I would appreciate it!

            • Ensign_Crab@lemmy.world
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              1 year ago

              I think the south has gotten much more accepting since the Bush years for sure.

              More accepting of people marching with nazi flags, perhaps.