As for the concept of sovereignty and national pride, I have no idea what they really mean. What exactly am I supposed to be proud of? Why should I share a sense of pride in the accomplishments of an individual or group simply because they happened to be born on this island as opposed to a hundred miles East? It make’s no sense to me at all. I think it’s mostly a tool used by the power hungry to divide and rule. But that’s no real criticism aimed at those that feel it, I’m just as susceptible to other forms of manipulation as those are to this form.
I mostly agree with these thoughts on nationalism.

When I read comments on the internet which decry America as some stereotype, I don't care in the slightest, because I know the truth of living in America is not that 1-dimensional stereotype. However, when I read comments on the internet by a foreigner who says positive things about America, I feel some warm tinglies inside.

Moreso for St Louis. If I watch some travel vlog about my city, and they rag on it, I don't care. But if they point out some of the positive things I relate to, then I'm actually pretty stoked to hear it. There's a psychological power there that is undeniable.

So on a deeper level, I don't understand the false camaraderie of nationalism, but on the other, I'm a stupid human who wants other people to say things I already think.


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I mean... sovereignty is among the most important things for people to feel. Feeling in control of your own choices and not a victim to outside human coercion is such an incredibly big deal.
America may not live up to its ideals of freedom, but having that ideal and sharing it as a cultural lie has probably contributed to the culture of innovation we have here.