Why are americans obsessed with the west

assuming that whoever asked this question is the most biased liberal teacher on planet Earth, the answer can be applied to any country.

Nationalism-advocacy of or support for the political independence of a particular nation or people.

and

Patriotism-the quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.

the word that best matches the meaning of the expression "went to the big ocean" is died.

the goldfish died, which is why the father looks at the children mournfully. the "big ocean" is the father's way of saying fish heaven. he could have just said that the goldfish died, but this way, the children imagine the fish in a bigger, better place instead of just picturing a dead fish.

explanation: