American Patriotism

[Vek]

I seem to recall that the true story it's based upon was actually a joint British-American operation. Where are all the other nationalities?

And, of course, there's the classic American trumpets and the, quite frankly disgusting[footnote]In the literal sense of the word.[/footnote], waving American flag at the end.

You'll find, in the post you quoted yet snipped, a very clear and easy answer to the lack of non-American soldiers:

The fact that there are only Americans as the "good guy" characters in the movie? That's kinda the way the landings worked; British/Canadian forces landed at Gold, Sword, and Juno Beaches, American forces and Utah and Omaha. The forces didn't really meet up again until late in August during the final push past Caen and the Breakout began. Given that the movie takes place over the course of 3 or 4 days after D-Day, it's not really all that surprising that the squad is only encountering Americans, as Omaha and the airborne landings behind it were American-assigned sectors.

As to the American flag: sure, yeah, that's a bit of dick-waving, but then again, it's the Normandy American Cemetary. There's not going to be any other flags there.

As far as the "classic American trumpets," that's not Spielberg's decision. That was all John Williams, the composer on the movie, and is kind of a trademark to his music; the use of a comparatively heavy brass section in his scores.

 

[newfoundsky]

So..
Last night I watched Saving Private Ryan - and I thought it was absolutely fantastic.
The opening battle scene (the Normandy landing) was absolutely incredible and got my real hyped up for the rest of the film.
However, I found that it was so ridiculously "American" it almost put me off the movie.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-patriotism, nor am I anti-American, but I don't see why the Americans get so involved with films like these, where as other war films - IE: British films - are much less patriotic in a sense.
I come from New Zealand and I can relate with war tales, especially those where my own countrymen are concerned (I am often deeply moved by stories/ceremonies regarding the landing at ANZAC Cove in WWI etc.) but I don't see why the American versions always have that overlying American "air."

I was just wondering what all the Americans out there thought of this, and what your thoughts on patriotism are.

Something about American's is that we're extremely patriotic, but not Nationalistic (unless your in the Far Right). I love my country and would die for her and protect her freedoms. But only if necessary.

 

[unoleian]

snip

Interesting.

It's true of course but I think a little bit of patriotism is healthy really.
It's good to be proud in your country and your countrymen.

Certainly, but patriotism is defined by your opinion of yourself and your country being superiour.

Uhm, what, no. Superiority has nothing to do with it. A true patriot accepts his country's flaws and is actively involved in changing them. A feeling of blind superiority works counter to that and breeds a sense of stagnant nationalism.

I think American patriotism today is mostly bunch of conservative idiots waving their flags, saying that America is the greatest at everything despite tons of evidence otherwise. Most rational people who might be patriotic are ashamed at their patriotism because of these types of people. I apologize if I offended anyone, this is just what I feel.

Watch Apocalypse Now! or Full Metal Jacket if you want an American war film that isn't patriotic.

An unfortunate effect of the past decade at work. All it takes to be "patriotic" is a lapel pin and a healthy fear of everything Un-American. These types of people can believe whatever they want, but that doesn't make them any less of an ignorant jackass giving the rest of us a bad name...

 

[K1dDread]

It's a shame that to be a good patriot, one must become the ennemy of humanity.

After the mandatory smartass quote, I must say that I'm envious of american patriotism. I wish I lived in a country where people would say: Hey, our country is goddamn awesome!
I mean, sure, the american are really patriotic, a bit on the neurotic side, but it's something beautiful. It tells of a nation that managed to build itself around events and things.

By the way, the soviet union won the second world war, not the americans XD

Only that it's not beautiful. America is actually the home of lies and deception, and the American experience is only ment to be shared among rich white Americans or white suburbia. all other's are pretty much not accounted for or justly represented. Hence the reason for black history month (which should be changed to minority month i think), because we can't teach history correct any other time of the year. America is a real diverse place but you can hardly tell in the media because everything has a pretty clear whitewashing to it if you look close enough, mainly our movies and television and video games. As far as patriotism goes, the one's i see display this so called ''envious'' patriotism wear it like a coat and these are rednecks with too much nationalism and brainwashed rightists/supporters.(If you're an overly patriotic minority, you've been ookie doked) sorry :/