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I think before the Civil War most every American put State, Region, Country in that order. I didn't realize it was still mostly that way? Guess I'm educating myself.
You are absolutely right, Waterboy. This was the thinking of much of the nation before the Civil War and it is still the thinking of many, many Southerners 140 years later.
I think that some regional differences in allegiance can be attributed to immigration or lack thereof. I'd venture to say that the majority of northerners are from "new" immigrant families (since the turn of the century) and thus have an allegiance to the US and not a particular state or region. Many, if not most, people in the South are from older immigrant families (pre Civil War) though this is changing.
Can you be a true believer in the United States of America and still show animosity towards people from other US states? Could the resentment towards the newcomers be considered unpatriotic?
I don't know how you can equate fellings towards "newcomers" as being patriotic. Are you looking for prejudice perhaps?
Guess I look at patriotism a little different.
I have a brother in law who lives in PA and I have a LOT OF ANIMOSITY towards him. I have a lot of animosity towards the two goofs from Texas who moved down the street.
My wife has a LOT of animosity towards me for what I did a couple weeks ago.
I just don't think that hatred or dislike for a particular person or group of people makes anyone less patriotic.
I think the people in NC are no different than those in Montana or Maine. They aren't too happy with folks who act like ......... well ............ I can't think of a word that really fits or I can put on this forum.
Dennis/Woodlynne NJ
From the outside this nation looks like the United States; but from the inside it can seem like the Divided States.
I had the perception that the vast majority of Americans would place nation first, region second and state third. It is interesting to discover that the loyalties lie in the reverse order for some, maybe many, citizens.
Prior to living in the US I had heard jokes about California, Texas and Florida breaking off from the union... Now I am wondering if the citizens of each state dream of independence from each other.
From the outside this nation looks like the United States; but from the inside it can seem like the Divided States.
I had the perception that the vast majority of Americans would place nation first, region second and state third. It is interesting to discover that the loyalties lie in the reverse order for some, maybe many, citizens.
Prior to living in the US I had heard jokes about California, Texas and Florida breaking off from the union... Now I am wondering if the citizens of each state dream of independence from each other.
Snow
Having served in the military and being stationed and traveled in the south I found that the most courteous and patriotic folks were and are southerners.
The was during the Viet Nam war.
Everybody has a soft spot and thinks their area or state is the best. That is natural.
When it comes the United States, I think the American people be they southern, northern, eastern and western proved their patriotism when the World was at war. Their dedication and sacrifice for their country and their warriors is without question. Male and female young and old.
Guess it is sort of like the saying...........I can say anything about...my brother but don't anybody say anything bad about him.
I take it you are not born here from your statement. You have a lot to learn about America and Americans.
Thank you very much.
Hoorah
Prior to living in the US I had heard jokes about California, Texas and Florida breaking off from the union... Now I am wondering if the citizens of each state dream of independence from each other.
Puh-leeze....South Carolina and Alabama would secede before California or Florida.
From the outside this nation looks like the United States; but from the inside it can seem like the Divided States.
I had the perception that the vast majority of Americans would place nation first, region second and state third. It is interesting to discover that the loyalties lie in the reverse order for some, maybe many, citizens.
Prior to living in the US I had heard jokes about California, Texas and Florida breaking off from the union... Now I am wondering if the citizens of each state dream of independence from each other.
Snowpea, I can see how you might think that. I do not know if I necessarily want independence from other states. I just do not want NC to become little New York/Jersey. If you do not mind me asking, where are you from originally?
You are absolutely right, Waterboy. This was the thinking of much of the nation before the Civil War and it is still the thinking of many, many Southerners 140 years later.
The north may have won the war. IMHO, it never really won the peace.
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