So, are the British flying Union Jacks all over the place, putting

[Kerrytravelers]

Union Jack stickers on their cars, adding as many ribbon magnets as possible? Will they constantly cry "Remember the Underground" anytime someone disagrees with the invasion they are also involved in?

Just wondering...

[Don Claybrook]

1. Sorry, but we're in a post-July 7th world now

Everything changed on the 7th. I won't forget the lessons of July 7th--that we need to go get them over there before they come here. I'm still working on where "there" is, however.

[knowbody0]

2. so do we shock and awe London now?

[mr blur]

11. No, just stay away, I'm afraid:

" US troops ordered to avoid London"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4673987.stm

[Kerrytravelers]

3. The nationalism that overwhelmed the US after 9/11 makes me

look back and feel embaressed (I had a flag flying from my car, too.) I had no idea our national tragedy would be exploited by * and the merry band of murderers at the WH.

I have noticed, so far, the Bristish have not fallen into the same behaviors displayed by Americans. Thank God. They won't lose sight of reality by extreme patriotism and the insanity of our conservatives.

[MarianJack]

6. I'm Not Embarassed By My Patriotism,...

...but the nationalism DID nausiate me.

ChicaAzul and I resolved NOT to buy any product that used patriotism as a reason to sell!

It made me remember the stories my parents told me about 12/8/41. Different time, different world and DECIDEDLY different President!

[rocktivity]

4. Here's the Daily Show's take on the subject

Featuring "London/Falkland Islands correspondent" Rob Corddry.

:headbang:
rockantion

[applegrove]

5. They are not so "into" their own creation myth like americans. Brits

know they are not perfect.

[Arugula Latte]

7. As the Brits say, it "just wouldn't do."

nt

[baby_mouse]

8. Scritch scritchy head

No. What would it accomplish?

[Puzzler]

9. No...

... and that's not just because of this particular event. The British (and in fact many nations, other than the US) find overt signs of patriotism to be in bad taste... unless it's "Last Night at the Proms" or something tongue-in-cheek.


-P

[Prism]

10. Different Cultures

I think it's important to remember that Britain (and European countries in general) have other outlets for expressing nationalism.

Mainly, soccer.

You spend too much time in British soccer culture, especially during events like the EuroCup and the WorldCup, and you'll see a nationalistic fervor as frightening as any. (They actually issue travel bans and the like, because they can't guarantee the fans from different nations won't start shooting each other).

We really don't have that in America. What do we have, as a culture as a whole, where we can pour our chest-beating instincts?

The military, pretty much. "Our military could kick your military's ass!"

It isn't the healthiest thing, really.

(I had no problem with all the flags, etc. after Sept. 11th. Nothin wrong with expressing a lil solidarity and saying "We are one People, one nation." Sometimes, it's appropriate, IMO).