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I am an American. I used to be proud of my country. Now it feels like a turd circling the drain. Is there anything going on behind the scene that America is actually doing good in?
Submitted 7 hours ago by Patnou@lemmy.world to nostupidquestions@lemmy.world
Comments
jimmy90@lemmy.world 10 minutes ago
taiyang@lemmy.world 3 hours ago
Nationalism tells you your nation is what to be proud of, but that’s dangerous and manipulative.
Instead, focus on the people. You can be proud of the people who are protesting, people who are running secret grocery runs for people hiding from ICE, people promoting progressive or scientific thought in threatened educational spaces, and so on.
There are still plenty of us left in the US, some against our will, and you can still be proud of them for still trying when so many others have given up.
Tollana1234567@lemmy.today 1 hour ago
the drain has been clogged for decades, now its just BACKING up, which we are facing the consequences of clogging it in the first place. before we could use the plumber to unclog, but now its so big(trump) its just overflowing.
Sanctus@anarchist.nexus 7 hours ago
Let me tell you the good news: we’ve always been fascist, racist, bullies. This admin is just not covering it up at all. Glad you’re awake now my guy.
RustyShackleford@piefed.social 4 hours ago
Pretty much this, my friends and family thought I was being negative. But now, a few either, don’t like admitting it or they act like I’m a wizard.
WYLD_STALLYNS@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 hours ago
TeamAssimilation@infosec.pub 2 hours ago
Any nation that still ends official messages with “god bless America” and whose primary power projection has been weapons for centuries, is still a shithole. You’re not saying “allahu ackbar” because your religious extremists use a slightly different book.
Patnou@lemmy.world 7 hours ago
yea that was really good news. I ment so a small part of me can be proud again to be American?
djmikeale@feddit.dk 58 minutes ago
A trick is to acknowledge that there’s many alternatives. You can choose to be proud of your state, county, or simply just say “yeah my country is a cunt, so what?” And realize pride of your country doesn’t impact whether or not you’ve been a good, nice, or kind person.
BuboScandiacus@mander.xyz 6 hours ago
Despite having done things that seem dated in other countries, you guys did plenty of good
Just look at all the technological innovation coming from your country that saved a ton of lives (yes you have a spud healthcare system, but these innovations will help humanity for the rest of its existence, they cannot be taken away)
sneakypersimmon@lemmy.today 6 hours ago
bus_factor@lemmy.world 4 hours ago
If you’re a birthright citizen, why would you be proud over something you did nothing to achieve? It’s also not your fault, so there’s nothing to be ashamed of either.
It shakes out a little differently if you’re naturalized, but only marginally. That naturalization test isn’t much of a barrier.
FistingEnthusiast@lemmy.world 6 hours ago
Why would you be proud to be American?
It was founded on cruelty, and never improved.
The civilised world has always sneered at the US, and for good reason
OrteilGenou@lemmy.world 5 hours ago
Well, you freed the slaves that you had enslaved. I mean, their descendants anyway.
I guess the answer is yes. Some small part of you can be proud to be American again. All you have to do is not think about it too hard, and you could try yelling “Silver Bullet” and shotgunning a Coors Light every now and then. That could maybe act as a stand-in for pride, anyway. C’mon buddy, it’s
notthat bad…
FanciestPants@lemmy.world 3 hours ago
Hell yeah! America is now the number one exporter in highly qualified workers!
DarrinBrunner@lemmy.world 7 hours ago
There are several websites about current good news, some of which is happening in this country right now.
In October 2025, following pressure from United States Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered cities across the state to remove LGBTQ+ Pride crosswalks and other road markings that “advance political agendas” and “ideologies.”
Abbott cited safety concerns and violation of state and federal guidelines as reasons to invoke the measure, which required cities to comply within 30 days or risk losing transportation funding.
…
But, in the meantime, the new, colorful sidewalks do not violate any local regulations, and Kaur and McKee-Rodriguez hope they signal an ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ Pride in San Antonio.
backalleycoyote@lemmy.today 4 hours ago
When the Idaho legislature banned Pride flags on public property to punish the City of Boise for flying one at city hall, the mayor and city council adopted the Pride flag as the official city flag. Best part, city hall is two blocks away from the state capitol building, so the bigoted fucks get a nice view of it when they’re at work 😊
Lemminary@lemmy.world 2 hours ago
I was not expecting a literal rainbow road.
otacon239@lemmy.world 7 hours ago
This is actually one I didn’t know about. A small gesture, but a pleasant one. Of course the only story that made the front page was the one that sparked outrage when it was originally removed.
Lost_My_Mind@lemmy.world 4 hours ago
Hi. Random straight guy here.
looks at picture
…not sure why anyone would have an issue with this.
I’m more confused/concerned why there’s a series of traffic cones turning a 2 lane road into a 1 lane road without any obvious reason why.
Also, holy shit! That’s a lot of random solar panels! Someone call that phone number, and ask them what they power.
mech@feddit.org 1 hour ago
The reason for the cones is just out of frame at the top.
Landless2029@lemmy.world 2 hours ago
Cones might have something to do with those tents on the right. Might be an event at a venue.
stumu415@lemmy.zip 3 hours ago
There is this video about some American traveling and complaining that everywhere he goes people look at him with disgust and disdain. So there is that.
DeathByBigSad@sh.itjust.works 2 hours ago
Curious: As a Chinese American, is it technically possible for me to just… pretend to be a Chinese National (I’m talking about after getting through borders and putting away the US passport), and fake a Chinese accent when speaking English… and like “conceal” my American identity? (I can speak basic Mandarin btw)
Is it actually better? Since I heard that Chinese Tourists sometimes get hated on too…
Or since I speak Cantonese too, I could pretend to be a Hong Konger…
Or I could pretend to be from Taiwan… most people probably can’t tell anyways, its just the same Mandarin to them
hmmm 🤔
Holytimes@sh.itjust.works 1 hour ago
American and Chinese tourists are the two most hated tourists and it’s not even fucking close.
American because they are loud annoying impolite and destroy shit
Chinese because they are ignorant disgusting foul and destroy shit
Alcoholicorn@mander.xyz 2 hours ago
Depends where you are, but I’d advise against presenting as Chinese, chinese tourists have such a bad reputation sometimes you see signs like “no spitting in the dish sink” or “do not put toilet paper in dust bin” exclusively in chinese in hostels. Which indicates behavior expected of Chinese tourists
Across asia, I get curious looks rather than any hostility. I kinda winder what the american was doing that drew so much attention, if they weren’t making it up for content.
Witchfire@lemmy.world 2 hours ago
I always introduce myself using my native birth country, never as an American. If prompted I’ll say I’m a New Yorker. I refuse to represent that stain on the planet
K1nsey6@lemmy.world 7 hours ago
The only difference between now and what it used to be is that the mask has been taken off of US politics. Who you see in Trump and the entire Republican administration is who this country has always been. Regardless of whether it’s Democrat or Republicans, they’ve always been war hungry, serving only the CEOs bankers and Wall Street while tossing us occasional table scraps, so we didn’t get too loud in our grumbling.
The only effort that Democrats have put in is trying to put that mask back onto US politics and back to business as usual. Once the mass comes off it can’t be put back on
LeonineAlpha@sh.itjust.works 7 hours ago
“It was real. I’d seen it. I’d seen it in reality.” • The mask of humanity fall from capital. It has to take it off to kill everyone – everything you love; all the hope and tenderness in the world. It has to take it off, just for one second. To do the deed." And then you see it. As it strangles and beats your friends to death… the sweetest, most courageous people in the world." “You see the fear and power in its eyes. Then you know. That the bourgeois are not human.”
chunes@lemmy.world 3 hours ago
The US consistently ranks among the most charitable countries in the world, being #1 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2019.
Typhoon@lemmy.ca 7 hours ago
It’s promoting Europe and the rest of the world to come closer together with new treaties and trade. It’s a positive move in the next phase of global relations.
SomeAmateur@sh.itjust.works 6 hours ago
They better figure defense out too, China isn’t building a massive military for nothing
mech@feddit.org 1 hour ago
China spends 1.7% of their GDP on the military, half the percentage of the US and less than that of the EU.
DeathByBigSad@sh.itjust.works 6 hours ago
Government might be corrupt as hell but at least culture of Mental Health acceptance is much better than Chinese culture.
I’m originally from Guangzhou, China, am naturalized and I overall like the US… at least more than China…
I just hate the corrupt politicians.
Also, so much entertainment stuff… movies, tv, are made in the US. Chinese entertainment is boring as hell (IMO)
Also: Usually those in the Entertainment industry lean relatively more left.
I still think Americans are generally good, if they actually knew the truth and not just far-right propaganda. (I mean that’s just humans in general… people are easily manipulated by the evil few)
The problem is low voter turnout, first past the post, winner take all electoral college, gerrymandering, most important of all, the PROPAGANDA.
Americans in red jurisdictions… rural areas… those who never met a non-white person… have a problem with a distorted worldview…
Primary turnout is atrocious…
Right now my parents and their culture are smothering me to death… they hate the idea of medications and depression is not a serious problem in their eyes.
vaultdweller013@sh.itjust.works 2 hours ago
Nah it’s been a shit hole for centuries, both culturally and politically. Fun fact most of my ancestors were in North America before the United States existed, hasn’t stopped dipshits from trying to “Americanize” us.
disregardable@lemmy.zip 7 hours ago
now that the DOJ doesn’t prosecute for it anymore, we’re way better at corruption. the rich take so much more of our taxes.
Danarchy@lemmy.nz 4 hours ago
Many of my friends are organizing everything from mutual aid, protection of the targeted, and have expressed a willingness to die for the best values we were taught, if it comes to that. People like that are one good thing about America. Each of us can contribute in our own way, and many are quietly doing so. I don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future but good people fearlessly doing what is right feeds my soul.
anon6789@lemmy.world 6 hours ago
Is America fundamentally different today than in the past? Like others have pointed out, it’s not like we’ve got no skeletons in our collective past. Ask any indigenous person, a large percentage of black folk, or anyone who’s ever been considered “a foreigner.” The only major difference is that the same people who have always been assholes are feeling like they can operate out in the open.
But at the same time, the good that has always been true is still here. We’re a beautiful country, with so many ecosystems and climates, two beautiful oceans, amazing natural resources, and we’ve been pretty safe from wars due to our geography and having two pretty good neighbors.
Those being selfishly rich or power hungry have very loud voices these days instead of doing the same things while acting like so-called gentlemen, but they’re still a minority. Most people are just keeping their heads down and earning an honest living. Many are still doing great things like working on medicine, trying to repair our environment, raising and teaching our children, helping those in need, whatever you can name.
Maybe those that want to do evil in America want honest people to feel hopeless and to abandon holding on to what we have. That will leave it all to them after all. But I still love my home and my friends. I love our mountains, beaches, and wildlife. I love my America as much as ever, since I want this country to be the best it can be. But those who go around doing wrong in the name of this country, I want them to see justice more than ever too. We’ve survived the tyrants of America’s past for over 400 years, and one way or another, we can only move forward and hopefully learn from our mistakes.
We can be embarrassed or angry for how our country is being represented and managed, but barring a literal apocalypse, there’s still a ton of good left to find here between the land and the actual people who live here and cash this place home.
NocturnalMorning@lemmy.world 3 hours ago
The amount of venom in this thread is astounding. I’m close to leaving lemmy. The amount of hate people are spewing for shit that’s not our fault is starting to get old.
boywar3@lemmy.world 2 hours ago
We cannot hope to improve as a nation while sitting there huffing our own farts. I, for one, see a chance for this mess to be a catalyst for real change in this country.
daannii@lemmy.world 2 hours ago
Can’t fix things if we pretend they don’t exist.
bss03@infosec.pub 2 hours ago
The first step is admitting the country
hasis a problem.I know I don’t do enough. It’s not enough to vote for the “right” people about once a year and just keep your head down, with maybe some “digital activism”.
Chippys_mittens@lemmy.world 7 hours ago
The United States gives billions of dollars in foreign aid to developing nations every year. In total foreign aid is in the 60-70 billion dollar range but that includes Israel and Ukraine… Total strictly humanitarian aid is more like 20 billion-ish. So, thats nice.
darkdemize@sh.itjust.works 6 hours ago
Gave*
With the near-complete dissolution of USAID, expect that number to drop dramatically. Unless it’s for Israel.
K1nsey6@lemmy.world 6 hours ago
USAID was nothing but a tool of imperialism and regime change. The US creates the circumstances so that they would need aid. Aid that comes with strings attached.
Greg@lemmy.ca 6 hours ago
The US has some amazing musicians
Apepollo11@lemmy.world 6 hours ago
There are worse places to live.
Don’t get me wrong, there are loads of better places to live, but there are definitely worse places.
America makes great animated series. It makes great movies sometimes too. Admittedly most of both of these things are actually made overseas, but you guys write them.
You also have a nice flag. Although you do kind of ruin it by being super weird about them.
You have really cheap petrol / gas. That’s definitely something you beat most of the world at. I think that’s the winner.
ThanksObama@sh.itjust.works 6 hours ago
We only have cheap gas because we pay for it in federal taxes that are diverted to oil producers in the form of subsidies. It’s only cheap on the surface and most people have no clue.
spectrums_coherence@piefed.social 6 hours ago
I have options to go to another country, but I choose to stay in the U.S. It certainly is not an easy decision to make, admittedly, my wife is in the U.S. makes U.S. much more attractive.
Yet, here are some aspect I have considered: - EU have repeatedly trying to push chat control, and U.K. already have strict age verification law for porn (and possibly VPN). U.S. is heading there, but at least my state has not have any of these ridiculous moves. - US is a top funder of scientific research. Now even China is taking over EU and UK, but I am certainly not going to China any time soon. There is way too much politics in Chinese academia, as far as I know. - I think education is a human right, and U.S. education is way more expensive than it should be. I don’t want to defend it. But I believe U.S. has better educations thanks to the libral art system, where student have much more chance to interact and learn from professors compare to many top UK schools. - In general, even account for the out of pocket maximum for healthcare, many U.S. job still pays more than their U.K. counterpart. This means saving money in the U.S. and later move to a lower income country is easier than saving money in a lower income country and later move to the U.S. That is working in the U.S. now gives me more liberty to move later in my career, if U.S. eventually collapse.
callouscomic@lemmy.zip 4 hours ago
Being proud of countries or nationalities is 8nherently toxic and problematic. I never understood it.
Land of the free, fought against oppression, and force children to pledge allegiance.
Backwards ass shithole.
theuniqueone@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 hours ago
You should have never been proud of your country its just more blatant than usual.
LodeMike@lemmy.today 7 hours ago
The U.S. is a very nice place to live.
rockSlayer@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 hours ago
Instead of trying to feel good, make it good. Go forth and organize for the better future that you wish to see.
baltakatei@sopuli.xyz 3 hours ago
The advertising industry.
schwim@piefed.zip 7 hours ago
We’ve always excelled at terrorism.
CompactFlax@discuss.tchncs.de 5 hours ago
At the local level there are many people in many cities trying to make things better.
lemonhead2@lemmy.world 6 hours ago
lol. it’s not your country. it’s bezos trump musk thiel and co’s country. you can live here as long as you don’t inconvenience them too much
dumbass@piefed.social 5 hours ago
Your goverment is making me appreciate my goverment a bit more for just being useless and boring.
andrewrgross@slrpnk.net 7 minutes ago
I think it’s easier to find success stories if you ask this question about your town than your country.
A few weeks ago I took my kid to a parking lot by a park so he could practice biking, and when we got there there were nearly a dozen kids biking, and a band was playing etherial middle eastern music next to us to a crowd as the full moon hung over a lake draped in light of the setting sun.
It was gorgeous, and free, both financially and in spirit. It was a beautiful appreciation of people and art from across the world. I thought for a moment that it was a picture of what I’d like America to one day be, then realized that I was in America, and it was already a picture of what America IS. It’s unfortunate that America is also many terrible other things. But America is also this. And that spirit is what brought these musicians or their parents to America, and eventually to that parking lot by the lake under the full moon.