Patriotism

[Erki]

I have wanted to start this thread for as long as these forums have existed, but never managed to get many words together. Now at least I have another forum member to quote, I hope you don't mind, Liara.

Originally Posted by Liara Covert

It intrigues me when participants discuss the idea of "home." Over the years, people have often asked me, "where is home?" I've confused a lot of them by replying: "for me, home isn't a place, its a feeling I get when I'm surrounded by people who appreciate me and mean a lot to me." The fact I don't ground myself in geography has, at times, caused me to feel alienated from others who feel strongly connected to nations, affiliations, ect. I went through a period where I just assumed I was from another planet. Wherever I am, my spirit is happy to feel most 'at home' within myself.

I'm pretty much the same, especially the alienation part. I see often someone to say "my country" and I think, how is any country mine? I don't own any country, I just live here and I'm not attached to it. Should I feel guilty or ashamed that I'm not very patriotic? Am I being disrespectful to my ancestors?

[John Wesley]

I'm with you and Liara. I don't really go in for patriotism. I love my country and my people, but I don't see why I should feel superior just for being born in a particular geographic location.

[persephonevii]

I see patriotism as another barrier to unifying the Self. You live in Asia, I live in America. Regardless of where you live and how much you love it, you all come from the same place and you will all end up in the same place.

Home is what you make, is what you feel is truly home. I know the house I have grown up in, is not my true home. It's where I live, yes, where I avoid the elements and get some rest and food. But I definitely wouldn't label it my home.