national pride

Are you proud of where you come from? Should you be?

Recently I overheard a conversation between two Irish guys in the bar. The exact words are unimportant but rather, the subject of the conversation is what I am going to focus on. One man was as proud as punch to be Irish, he claimed his heritage was as important to him as the very blood that pumped through his beating veins. The second man on the other hand claimed that nationality was merely a minor part of his identity.

Both of the gentlemen, provided very valid points and I have been unable to side completely with either one.

Since I moved abroad I have met countless new people and have heard countless stories. You can be sure that when you meet a complete stranger one of the first questions that will arise is the question of your nationality. Although one could say that we are all equal, all citizens of this beautiful earth of ours, nationality is still an important aspect of who we are.

Different characters can arise from different places and in no way does where you are from determine who you can or will be. One must entertain the thought however that where we come from helps to shape and mould us as a person and influences who we come to be.

Is it wrong to be proud of where you are from? Is it a small irrelevant detail in the grand make up of who you are? Do the same people who claim that nationality is unimportant cheer the country on in such things as the World Cup?

Overall I think that it is important to respect and appreciate where you come from, to cherish the land that helped influence the person you are today, but to remember that it does not define you.

What are your opinions? Do you agree or disagree with some of the things I have said? I look forward to hearing your opinions in the comment section. Dan.