It's so different from country to country. You may be viewed with suspicion if you don't wear your patriotism on your sleeve around here. Portugal has a much longer history and older culture, something to be proud of.
@Bob: Of course I see your point, but let's face facts: In the 20th century we lived for 48 years under a dictatorship. In 1974 a revolution took place here and, consequently, democracy arrived to Portugal. Then, a bunch of incompetents and corrupts - and this is very important! - elected and many of them reelected by the people, have literally ruined this country, especially over the last two decades. And look at us now: "bailout dependents", which actually means - let's be clear - loss of soverany. Where are the reasons to be proud of now??? Who would say there was a Portuguese Empire some centuries ago? And yes, I am angry, VERY angry.
JM, I think people have reason to be disillusioned almost every place. Certainly in the USA, where I live, I have never been more alienated from government, and I started my career as someone who worked in the US Congress, wanted to make government my career and had idealistic views about what government could do to help people.
Costa Rica has been rated as the happiest country on earth, yet there is government corruption and incompetence there as well, despite noble goals.
Your comment touches upon how a country views itself when it had a more prominent position in the world in past centuries. That is an interesting cultural phenomena that I have wondered about. Growing up in post World War II USA, part of our culture is to think of ourselves as the leader of the free world.
I think part of the frustration with the US political season is that we feel we are transitioning from the 20th century being the "American Century" to the 21st century being the Chinese Century, and we are not comfortable with that, nor do we know if it is inevitable.
A lovely yet provocative shot. It's a shame that real patriotism is disregarded for jingoism. There's nothing wrong with either of our "homelands." They're not "better" than others, but they're ours. And it is right to appreciate them for what they've brought us. The problem is with the greedy, corrupt and conscience-less people who have co-opted power in them for their own benefit. And strangely these people pose as patriots even as they destroy the homeland with their evil machinations!
The combination of peacefulness and edginess in this photo reflects the beauty and tensions of your country. I am learning so much - especially after reading the comments. I tend to be insulated in my own life, and it's eye-opening to see the struggles of others. Thank you.
I do so understand your anger, JM, because I most definitely feel the same about the US and how far we have fallen from the country we once were. There are and will always be problems, but the way they are dealt with frequently these day has only made them worse!
But this is still a terrific capture, love the blue water and the boat.
I can understand why you feel so frustrated. Frankly, I think the whole world should feel frustrated by the worldwide greed and incompetence that has put so many nations in severe jeopardy.
We choose our governments and we construct our lives. Stupidity, laziness and indifference will move us Russians into tyranny, after the remains of the democracy are destroyed. The scenario well known in the history. Do not be angry, please.
25 comments:
I love the sailboat in the background!
Did not know. Learning. Have a great weekend
Nicely composed, I like the sailboat in the background. The graffiti gives some 'edginess'.
It's so different from country to country. You may be viewed with suspicion if you don't wear your patriotism on your sleeve around here. Portugal has a much longer history and older culture, something to be proud of.
What a wonderful picture, it's lovely
Have a fantastic weekend!
An interesting find in a beautiful setting.
@Bob: Of course I see your point, but let's face facts:
In the 20th century we lived for 48 years under a dictatorship. In 1974 a revolution took place here and, consequently, democracy arrived to Portugal. Then, a bunch of incompetents and corrupts - and this is very important! - elected and many of them reelected by the people, have literally ruined this country, especially over the last two decades. And look at us now: "bailout dependents", which actually means - let's be clear - loss of soverany. Where are the reasons to be proud of now??? Who would say there was a Portuguese Empire some centuries ago? And yes, I am angry, VERY angry.
JM, I think people have reason to be disillusioned almost every place. Certainly in the USA, where I live, I have never been more alienated from government, and I started my career as someone who worked in the US Congress, wanted to make government my career and had idealistic views about what government could do to help people.
Costa Rica has been rated as the happiest country on earth, yet there is government corruption and incompetence there as well, despite noble goals.
Your comment touches upon how a country views itself when it had a more prominent position in the world in past centuries. That is an interesting cultural phenomena that I have wondered about. Growing up in post World War II USA, part of our culture is to think of ourselves as the leader of the free world.
I think part of the frustration with the US political season is that we feel we are transitioning from the 20th century being the "American Century" to the 21st century being the Chinese Century, and we are not comfortable with that, nor do we know if it is inevitable.
Love the framing and colours in this.
A lovely yet provocative shot. It's a shame that real patriotism is disregarded for jingoism. There's nothing wrong with either of our "homelands." They're not "better" than others, but they're ours. And it is right to appreciate them for what they've brought us. The problem is with the greedy, corrupt and conscience-less people who have co-opted power in them for their own benefit. And strangely these people pose as patriots even as they destroy the homeland with their evil machinations!
Even though it makes for an appealing photo, all of the graffiti still makes me crazy.
Beautifully composed picture JM and yes, I can fully understand why you are angry.
The combination of peacefulness and edginess in this photo reflects the beauty and tensions of your country. I am learning so much - especially after reading the comments. I tend to be insulated in my own life, and it's eye-opening to see the struggles of others. Thank you.
I do so understand your anger, JM, because I most definitely feel the same about the US and how far we have fallen from the country we once were. There are and will always be problems, but the way they are dealt with frequently these day has only made them worse!
But this is still a terrific capture, love the blue water and the boat.
Sylvia
You don't see this very often here either...
Me fez lembrar o hino brasileiro... Mas eu preferiria não vê-lo no poste grafitado assim... :)
God bless you!
Cezar
We are very quiet about our patriotism in Canada too!
A lovely image Jose... I have just read your last comment.. I feel your anger..
Take care.
Sem dúvida que é raro. Um abraço
Nice composition, and a beautiful blue sea!
The blue of the sea is beautiful, JM.
I can understand why you feel so frustrated. Frankly, I think the whole world should feel frustrated by the worldwide greed and incompetence that has put so many nations in severe jeopardy.
I do understand your anger too and like Jack graffiti makes me nuts too. People just have no pride. Hope you enjoy your Sunday.
If enough citizens get as angry as you are, maybe you all will bring the change and improvement.
The whole world is lacking true leaders.
I can see why Portugal would be beloved. It's such a beautiful place - through your shots at least. :)
We choose our governments and we construct our lives. Stupidity, laziness and indifference will move us Russians into tyranny, after the remains of the democracy are destroyed. The scenario well known in the history. Do not be angry, please.
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