Why are the downtrodden often the most patriotic?

Kermit.de.frog

It's curious. You would think that the richer and more successful in society would have more reason to love the country than most.

So why is it that displays of loyalty to the country (flags, emblems, IRA membership etc) are much more commonly found among the low paid working and dole collecting classes? Surely these people have far less reason to be patriotic??

AtomicHorror

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

It's curious. You would think that the richer and more successful in society would have more reason to love the country than most.

So why is it that displays of loyalty to the country (flags, emblems, IRA membership etc) are much more commonly found among the low paid working and dole collecting classes? Surely these people have far less reason to be patriotic??

Patriotism isn't necessarily about loving what your country is, it is more usually about what you want it to become, preferably improving your own situation in the process. The underdog always has a stronger motive to change the status quo, because it doesn't favour him. Strong group ties are needed to effect change and nationalism is a good tool for that.

Iwasfrozen

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

It's curious. You would think that the richer and more successful in society would have more reason to love the country than most.

So why is it that displays of loyalty to the country (flags, emblems, IRA membership etc) are much more commonly found among the low paid working and dole collecting classes? Surely these people have far less reason to be patriotic??

They tend to be the least educated, most angry at their situation and more easily fall pray to nationalist rethoric. They also tend to support more extreme politics as they have less to lose and more to gain than the middle classes.

Samaris

I...would be inclined to debate this from observation of other nations that did more downtreading, but I read "low-paid working and dole-collecting classes" and decided that life is too short to debate snobbish pomposity.

You really wonder why the people who pay the most taxes are less loyal to state than the people who suck at the teat and get all for free?

Richard Hillman

They also tend to be the most religious and are more likely to have Far-Left/Right political beliefs.

Sweetemotion

This has to be a new low, even for after hours.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

It's curious. You would think that the richer and more successful in society would have more reason to love the country than most.

So why is it that displays of loyalty to the country (flags, emblems, IRA membership etc) are much more commonly found among the low paid working and dole collecting classes? Surely these people have far less reason to be patriotic??

I'm not sure if you are being, or could ever be considered, serious with that premise.

Emblems and IRA membership are not indications of patriotism and the lack of such is not any indication that someone does not love their country.

The more I think about it, you are just baiting.

PowerToWait

It's all about affiliation. In a nutshell.

Saw a documentary about the very poorest in the US, living in tents, almost every tent had the US flag hoisted on top and they were extremely loyal and proud to be Americans despite the country giving them noting in return.

Phoebas

Jazmin Millions Saga wrote: »

I'm not sure if you are being, or could ever be considered, serious with that premise.

Emblems and IRA membership are not indications of patriotism and the lack of such is not any indication that someone does not love their country.

The more I think about it, you are just baiting.

IRA members wouldn't see it that way. They think that they are patriotic.

Mr. CooL ICE

Mod:

Poor attempt. Locked.