| Wednesday, July 05, 2006 |
| JULY FOURTH. AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE: STUDY FINDS AMERICANS THE MOST PATRIOTIC |
USA! USA! When it comes to national pride, Americans are No. 1 in the world, according to a survey of 34 countries released Tuesday.
Venezuela came in a close second for having the most patriotism, according to the report from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. People rated how proud they were of their countries in areas such as political influence, economic success, sports and history.
"The two things we (Americans) rank high on are what we think of as the political or power dimension," said Tom W. Smith, who wrote the report and directs the General Social Survey at the univesity's research center, "Given that we're the one world superpower, it's not that surprising."
Patriotism is mostly a "New World" concept, the survey said. Ex-colonies and newer nations were more likely to rank high on the list, while Western European, East Asian and former Socialist countries usually ranked near themiddel of the bottom.
The report was based on a survey in 34 countries conducted by the International Social Survey Program. People rated how proud they were of their countries in 10 areas: political influence, social security, the way their democracy works, economic success, science and technology, sports, arts and literature, military, history and fair treatment of all groups in society.
The U.S. ranked highest overall and in five categories: pride in its democracy, political influence, economy, sicence and ,military. Venezuela came in the second ranking highest in sports, arts and literature, history and fair treatment of all groups in society.
Eric Wingerter, a Washington D.C. based spokesman for the Venezuelan government, said the country previously imported much of its television programming, movies and pop music from the U.S., but that has changed President High Chavez's leadership.
"There's been a real emphasies on rediscovering what it means to be a Venezuelan". he said.
The debate in Venezuela over Chavez, who makes headlines for nationalistic, anti-U.S. rhetoric, might account for the country's No. 2 ranking. Smith said.
Ireland came in at No. 3 followed by South Africa and Australia.
Cultural difference might lower rankings for the three Asian countries on the list -- Japan (18th), Taiwan (29th) and Korea (31) Smith said.
MOST PATRIOTIC
Overall rank of countries in patriotism survey.
1. United States
2. Venezuela
3. Ireland
4. South Africa
5. Australia
6. Canada
7. Philippines
8. Austria
9. New Zealand
10.Chile
11.Great Britain
12.Israel
13.Uruguay
14.Finland
15.Spain
16.Denmark
17.Switzerland
18.Japan
19.France
20.Portugal
21.Hungary
22.Bulgaria
23.Norway
24.Russia
25.Sweden
26.Slovenia
27.Germany (West)
28.Czech Republic
29.Taiwan
30.Latvia
31.Korea
32.Slovakia
33.Poland
34.Germany (East)
(Source: The National Opinion Research Center and Associated Press/Links dailyherlad.com/ez) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 12:21 AM |
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Name: infraternam meam
Home: Chicago, United States
About Me: I am now at the prime of my life
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