Men in Gorilla Suits Ep. 89: Last Seen…Being Patriotic

Which one of these statements is patriotic to you:

• "Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists."
• "If you don't like it, go to Russia, commie!"
• "Immigrants are destroying our great country!"
• "None of the above are patriotic statements."

Patriotism, especially in America, has been framed to mean things it really isn't. Perhaps an unfair way to lead off an episode about patriotism -- especially when we both consider ourselves very patriotic. But is patriotism wrapping yourself in a leather American flag jacket you wear like a skin and singing a schmaltzy song, or is it something more? Obviously, we think it's something more, and that is what we are talking about on this week's episode.

We begin by talking about where we consider ourselves on the 1 - 100 Patriotism-O-Meter, and then we jump into the first time we remember being introduced to the idea of patriotism.

Next -- just to be clear -- we discuss the differences between patriotism and nationalism...and where we see most people actually falling.

Obviously, this episode is going to skew heavily toward America/'Murica, and we ask: "Is America more or less patriotic now than it's been in the past?"

Then we move on to bests and worsts: the worst example of "patriotism" used to push an agenda we've seen...and the best example of patriotism in action we've seen.

As "patriotic" as some think it is to only think about America, we look at the planet and ask: "Are Americans more patriotic than other countries...or less?" Also, find out what we think self-described patriots would describe as the American ideal. And what we believe is the American ideal.

We close out the episode with two questions:

• Is patriotism synonymous with a love of government?
• Is patriotism a thing that will always be around, or is it something that has a limited lifespan?

So put on your American flag pants (just don't burn them, because that's more offensive than sweaty butt stank on Old Glory fabric made in China), and let us know what you think about patriotism in the comments below.