Its a collective/cult response, is why it makes me uncomfortable. "Everyone else is doing it, so should I", and while its occurring, no other rational thought is occurring. It is a known thought-stopping technique in cults.
I also despise it when it happens at sports events. Its just demeaning to whoever doesn't fall in line and start the goose-step.
First "and while its occurring, no other rational thought is occurring". I'm not really sure how to respond to that. Of course no rational thought is taking place. It's a celebration. They aren't trying to have a rational discussion.
Second "Its just demeaning to whoever doesn't fall in line and start the goose-step". I have never seen anyone that is somewhere people are chanting it and be ridiculed for not joining along. It is completely up to anyone whether they want to participate.
I think space exploration/achievement is a very big point of pride for Americans. Ever since the moon landing, everyone has fell in love with the space program. Chanting USA! doesn't mean give up all rational thought and blindly follow the countries leaders. It means a bunch of Americans just did something amazing. I'm glad to be a part of this country that is doing great things. It also doesn't mean go USA fuck Europe. Sure there is a little bit of a competitive undertone, but so what. If SpaceX says look what we did, I dare you guys to do better well then good. Competition is the reason why space programs are where they are. Sorry you don't like how one country likes to celebrate. Luckily everyone is free to do whatever they want.
I also despise it when it happens at sports events. Its just demeaning to whoever doesn't fall in line and start the goose-step.