"Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness toward anyone..."   Edith Cavell, awaiting execution by firing squad by the Germans.

Having been influenced by Post War propaganda, the Girl Guides ethos and the views of my parents regarding Patriotism, I used to be ardently patriotic, thinking Britain (or even just England) was the very best place on Earth and I was blessed to have been born there. This attitude continued until relatively recently in my life, when I slowly began to see the wider picture, and as BobL suggests, I began to 'evolve'.

I think having travelled widely among very different cultures to my own, and having acquired a non-British husband, plus having thought deeply for a change about my opinions and standpoints on various matters (I do feel many people don't actually think through their views) I have come to the conclusion that Patriotism is a very narrow and 'exclusive' way to think.

I do love my country in the sense that I love the climate, the seasons, the green fields and the wide variety of traditions, accents and customs etc. I love our long and varied history. But I've actually learned to try and love all peoples, and not to see any as superior/inferior or less or more worthy.

Patriotism is the same as (or very close to) Nationalism, Chauvinism and by definition Arrogance. It can engender despising, aggression, refusal to consider other points of view and (as Edith Cavell perceived) in the end give rise to hatred. All very dangerous.