Understanding Mature Pride in Country: The Psychology of Blind Pride and Blind Criticism

TUnderstanding Mature Pride in Country: The Psychology of Blind Pride and Blind Criticism
Why do so many of us either blindly criticize or blindly glorify our country—with so little in between? In this video, I take an honest, self-deprecating look at the psychological defenses behind this polarization, diving into concepts like splitting, self-worth wounds, and authority issues to explore why truly mature pride is so rare.

I don’t have all the answers, but I do think that getting more conscious together—with curiosity, not defensiveness—might help us communicate better, collaborate more effectively, and move beyond reactivity. Drawing from therapy, psychoanalysis, and personal reflection, I discuss how integrating both the good and the bad of our culture is key to personal freedom, healthier relationships, and creative problem-solving for the greater good.

This conversation was sparked by an article I reference in the video, which you can find on my Substack, Relating Well (and Badly) by A Flawed Funny Therapist:
👉 Read it here
https://relatingwell.substack.com/p/i...

I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s talk about this together and see if we can make a little more space for complexity.

Timestamps:
🔹 00:00 - Introduction & Personal Reflection
🔹 00:44 - Cultural Differences & Empathy
🔹 01:45 - What Is Mature Pride in Country?
🔹 06:15 - Psychological Defenses: Blind Pride & Blind Criticism
🔹 07:56 - How Therapy Helps: Moving Beyond Defensiveness
🔹 20:03 - Impact on Relationships & Society
🔹 22:17 - Conclusion & Final Thoughts

👉 Watch now and join the conversation!