O Pinions!

Not every country is a cult

Not every country is a cult
12.july.2019

Yes, there were red flags galore in İstanbul. The face of Erdoğan was everywhere. He had been mayor of the city before becoming president. Many were concerned about his autocratic tendencies. But I didn't wake up to the national anthem every morning. And, this year the opposition party won the recent mayoral election.

Yes, there are flags all over Norway. They are proud to be Norwegians and not a mere province of Denmark, Germany or Sweden. And yes, I know the anthem, but people don't go around acting like they are better than everyone else. It wouldn't be Norwegian.

I understand a certain amount of patriotism on national days. I've been in Portugal, Sweden and Costa Rica on national holidays.

But every day?

I wonder how many other countries recite a pledge to their flag in schools, in meetings, at sports events. How many sing national anthems at every local sports event?

The USA is a cult. One definition: "a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing."

May explain why Americans cannot tolerate anyone who doesn't say the pledge, sing along, wave the flag.

It's part of cult-like identity that suffers no mental or emotional opposition.

Personally, I don't join cults.

In response to this article:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/the-pledge-of-allegiance-is-not-normal/ar...

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