Why is it required that we need to display a country?

Not being a fan of nationalism, it is against my set of beliefs to use these silly little flags in association with my on-line persona.

It should optional.

Period.

Doesn't choosing "International" fix the problem?

Yup.

Unless he also objects to being labelled a resident of Earth.

C'mon Chess.com! where's the Martian flag?

No, because a choice is still required.

What is the purpose of forcing people to make any type of choice here?  That is the point.

I am very prejudiced against people from International.  

American. Just put down "American" and people around the world will understand why you're pissed about having a choice

I personally think it's interesting to see from where people come from. Also, it helps me not to get on my nerves with an English language abomination sometimes...

I am not American.

Who aren't you prejudiced against? maybe they'll have you.

1. I do not expect that most people are being fully honest.

2. It is used as a form of provincialism and to make judgments.

Do you know what jokes are?

I'm not looking to be a member of any group or to be associated with any particular sect of people.

All we need is to have an option to not have to fill out that part of the profile.

Let people that choose to use it do so.  Let asshats like me choose to not.

It's that simple.

You could be, since you're properly embarrassed by it

Why not go for:

~ Religion.

~ Sexual Picadilloes.

~ Blood type.

~ Favorite color.

eh?

I am not embarassed by anything.

I was not born on US soil and am not a citizen.  If I were, I would not be embarassed by it just like I am not embarassed by having been born on a Mediterranean Island (which is not represented here anyway).

And, even if it was a choice, I would choose to not make it.

It's a very American thing to be concerned with where people come from.  And why is this?  So people can make instant judgments.

Of course Atlantis is not represented. There is little evidence that it exists. Just put down American

Touche.  +1 for you.  

However the original question is/was: WHY IS IT REQUIRED?

WHY?

I understand the range of choices.  I am interested in why it is a required field.  I am sure you have incredible insight into this.  Please share.

Didn't you see the thread, "What's up with that?" I guess some people want to see where you live cause it gives them some context with which their imagination can run wild. I think they want to make playing a game of chess, like playing a game of "Dungeons and Dragons".

I did not see it.  I admit to not keeping up with every little thing that goes on here.

Would not the same effect be accorded by making it optional?  Especially if 'International' is a choice -- which serves to negate people seeing where one lives/is from?

Capice?

Plus, don't we all know that everyone else here live's in their parent's basement?

WTH!!!!!