WAV, you seem to be incapable of answering a direct question.

I do not agree that "the details you asked for, in this case, are not necessary." You made an assertion. Now back it up.

And lest you think otherwise, I most definitely do not agree that "it's good for Americans to see themselves as Americans." Nationalistic claptrap of all flavors is one of the major causes of strife in this world, and the sooner we get rid of it, the better chance the people of this planet will have to survive into the 22nd century and possibly even beyond.

I echo the general sentiments expressed by stigweard just above.

I am a human, and an inhabitant of the Planet Earth. When and if other intelligences are found in the Cosmos, I shall broaden even that categorization. Nationalism, racism, and, for that matter, even speciesism can be carried much too far, with sometimes disastrous results—as we keep seeing!

Constantly saying "I'm proud to be an American" or "I'm proud to be English," or "I'm proud to be (whatever)," implies that you may not have much else to be proud of.

A rather pathetic state of affairs, really. Have your ever read The True Believer by Eric Hoffer?

Don Firth