Whether it's the sectarian divide of the high school campus ..
In the USA, or the use of pennant flags of St.George on the namessake's day on Hackney cabs in London being banned, it's not a parochial US problem.
Most of you know that I rarely get involved in discussions about American national pride unless specifically invited, usually by usta to do so. Historically, I've taken Pat's view as my own as his core values are usually mine too. However, as most of this discussion is on our two countries' common ground I'll make a rare exception.
By allowing protests of this type to succeed the core values of the indigenous population, as well as the laws, are challenged and belittled, raising hackles and generating extremism.
Recently the incumbent loons in charge of Britain.com have, belatedly, shown some backbone in quelling dissent arising from a fundamentalist section of the muslim community regarding the actions of this sect instigating Sharia law in areas such as Tower Hamlets in London. Beatings of womenfolk wearing make up, not wearing the burkha, defacement of public lingerie ads, etc. have occurred.
The irony is that such anti-establishment secularism hits at the basic rights of all Brits/Yanks, by destroying the very core life values that made the immigrant communities make the journey to our joint shores in the first place!
Strangely, it seems only those 3-4 generation youngsters feel this way. Their parents disavow their children's actions. In fact, their belief in the core social/political values of their adoptive counties remains amongst the highest in our societies, as they made the move from oppressive states.
Is more schooling in acceptance of other cultures a way through? Perhaps. But the reining in of libertarian multiculturalism is another step too. By accepting everybody's view then no one single binding national identity, or pride in one's either adoptive homeland or birthplace, can be possible. :hug: :grouphug:
It may be militarily simplistic to treat society as an extension of the Forces but, eventually, by manipulation, coersion or public consent, common sense will prevail.
This, I submit Pat, is not an inconsequential topic old mate.
