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During the Independence Day celebration, I listened to a discussion of pride and patriotism. While the former may change with circumstance, the later should be intransigent. The question of American patriotism has become entangled with misinformation, fear and distrust. It is easier to denigrate an adversary when they are reduced to caricatures of evil instead of fellow citizens with a different opinion of past and current events. Rather than consider disagreements within a framework of facts, so-called “alternative facts” are bolstered by exaggerated claims and false narratives, constantly recycled within echo chambers of like-minded people.
Love of country should be able to withstand critique and, in some instances, a lack of pride in the process or outcome. Our country has a unique, glorious, yet flawed past. Those factors can exist simultaneously without weakening patriotism. If anything, this awareness can serve as encouragement to learn more about our history from a variety of sources, discover which actions deserve praise and those to be avoided in the future. Some facets of our society can instill pride and reveal the innovative and ingenious American spirit, while others not so much. To accept the country as a product of human beings with a unique and strong belief in individual freedom and the rule of law that seeks equality for all, is a noble undertaking. We can be proud of that. To accomplish this goal, however, is not an easy task. Examination of flaws, even if painful, that led to our present is as important. Simply concentrating on a mythical past bereft of problems is counterproductive and leads to acceptance of prior flaws and inequities. In this atmosphere, it is difficult, if not impossible, to untangle fact from fiction even when claims are exaggerated to the point of absurdity.
Tribalism and blind allegiance to authoritarian leaders give the appearance of personal freedom and choice but actually represent the opposite. Pride in a slogan or leaders who claim to represent the people in a nihilistic campaign against other economic, social classes and institutions do not represent true patriotism, rather division and fragmentation. Use of trigger words or misconceptions of political philosophies is a common ploy of such movements. Misfortune, fear and attendant hatred can easily be directed to a target group and may shift to other adversaries over time to maintain intensity. Problems are thought to be caused by others” since otherwise may force uncomfortable, self-examination. It is easier and less painful to place blame on external. conspiratorial forces. This can lead to dark and dangerous thoughts and actions, including violence. There is a difference between revelations of wrongdoing – by individuals and/or groups – and wholesale condemnation of a particular group or system.
Instead of reliance on a single source, unless proven to be reliable, I prefer to use my training and experience to approach issues with an open mind. I try not to reach conclusions until confident of who and what is providing evidence to support an argument. Along with pride in my community and beyond, there is room for criticism and disappointment. However, I also understand that the world is filled with gray areas of rather than simple black and white answers.
In short, I consider myself a patriot of my home country with immense pride in its accomplishments, awareness of its faults and disappointment in the actions of those who attempt to alienate me from my fellow Americans. I reserve my personal pride for when it is appropriate and for those who deserve it.
“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”
―Mark Twain
“I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
― James Baldwin
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