Why are people so nationalistic?

Question

I don't have anything against anyones country or anything, but some people are obssesed with their country. I know this one indian kid who will talk about india whenever we talk about something worldly, like the olympics, and i know this one british kid who talks about England whenever he hears the word Europe. I don't mind people talking about their country, but only when they are asked about it or once in a while, otherwise it gets really annoying.

Answer 1

well a lot of people, americans included, feel that their nation of origin is in part superior to others because of the way it functions/ performs. In the United States, many people are thankful to be protected by the Constitution, and have freedoms that other nations do not allow. This brings pride, and with pride comes obsession. Many also like a particular culture or society, because it gives them a sense of comfort.

Answer 2

Well, govts support extreme patriotism and nationalism because that means that the said citizen can be easily fooled by propaganda. They will be quick to accept the faults of the govt (and current social systems/institutions) and slow to view their govt/institutions in a negative light, regardless of what it (the govt) does, or how they (the country's institutions) affect people both inside and outside of the country. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the person supports both the govt AND the country's institutions, there can be many different combinations, but the effect is pretty much the same across the board.

"Patriotism is the willingness to kill or be killed for trivial reasons."

- I can't remember who said it

Answer 3

Cause they need a sense of belonging and a way to get attention.