Arguably both things can be true at the same time. Whilst I enjoyed watching the launch, not only from a scientific and human endeavour, there was an advert about 20 mins before launch which was unnecessary propaganda talking about US exceptionalism, "best and longest democracy", manifest destiny themes and lots of other political bullshit that not only is untrue, was totally unnecessary for this next stage of space exploration - and unfortunately, was more similar to that of the 60s propaganda than anything we've had in a long time.

[–] PoopingCough@lemmy.world 1 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I don't disagree with the grossness of the American exceptionalism propaganda that they always include, but you have to remember they have to get all of their funding from congress and also to a certain extent have to keep the approval of the American people. So honestly a certain amount of patriotism circle jerk is unfortunately to be expected/necessary.

[–] Mantzy81@aussie.zone 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I dunno. Most countries have decent education systems to help prevent the need for self-glorification. Its just weird that your population needs to hear that about themselves. They shouldn't need to be told, as pride in your country is a feeling. It just shocks me that they still ignore the genocide of the native population, slavery and all the shitty things. It's a refusal to acknowledge their foundings and white-washing their history. The vision portrayed is a fiction.

If you look at your country and think "meh. It's okay, could be worse but could a whole heap better" and without resorting to bigoted reasons, you're doing okay. Anyone who requires blind praise about the country they were fated to be born into seems odd. Maybe it's just me. But this isn't really in keeping with the nature of this community so I'll stop now (though it is psychology so.....😃. No, I'll stop.}

[–] bobzer@lemmy.zip -3 points 5 days ago (1 children)

But this isn't really in keeping with the nature of this community

I just want to jump in here to say that you're clearly the one being aggressive and arguing in bad faith.

You've had your ramble about how disgusting US exceptionalism is. Congratulations, everybody in this thread has literally already said this. Nobody disagrees with you. We already know.

OP only made two points:

This flight isn't "been there done that" science, like quite a few ignorant posters above have already said
He explained why NASA, an organization that is made up mostly of people who are probably disgusted with the US administration, are required to say something patriotic on their broadcasts.

So ultimately the question is, who are you actually talking to?

[–] Mantzy81@aussie.zone 1 points 5 days ago

Hmm, didn't think I was being aggressive or arguing in bad faith as I wasn't arguing at all. I was agreeing, and just find it odd that there's a need for the propaganda and pandering. It's not something that should need to happen and doesn't happen elsewhere, and is ridiculed when it does. I find it somewhat fascinating that a country like the US has to spend time self-propagandising to its citizens rather than letting its actions do the talking for it.

Who am I talking to? Anyone who finds that juxtaposition interesting too.

Ultimately, this is a science community. I admitted that I pondering politics and psychology which wasn't the main topic of the thread so I said I was stopping. But if you decide to read it in another way, I won't stop you.