Originally Posted by Plechazunga

Nationalists often talk about how we don't take enough pride in our history and values. But if you're going to have national pride, then surely you need to feel national shame too?

I can understand people not feeling either - it's a reasonable position not to feel pride in or remorse for something that you yourself haven't done.

But in my book if you're proud of, say, the Battle of Trafalgar, if you feel some of the glory rubs off on you, then you should feel shame for, say, the various massacres that took place in India under the British. If you're proud of Britain for being among the first to outlaw slavery, it makes no sense not to feel shame for her large part in developing and perpetuating slavery too.

Discuss it spasmos