Patriotism: It's not all Waving Flags and Parading

     Patriotism is supposedly the devotion or deep love a person holds for their country. It is sort of the glue that holds communities or the nation together during hardships. During tragedies or victories in the United States, people celebrate to show the greatness of America and that we’re all there for each other. Why does this feel different for me?


    Ever since I was little I knew I wasn’t the dictionary definition of a patriot. I viewed them as flag-waving, facepaint-covered, and nationalistic (most of them). So many of the tragedies or victories that Americans and the government honor like 9/11, Vietnam, and Pearl Harbor, are events that show bravery but are also very upsetting as we lost those brave people. However, does the government ever acknowledge how they ruined the lives of many minorities through their foreign interference?

    Whether people like it or not, patriotism is now a political statement. Someone is always going to link to a political party or an ideal. The ideals many of those people associate it with don’t match mine. While people like to focus on solely the American part of these events, which makes sense, they don’t acknowledge the harm the USA also caused. The US is perceived as some utopia that can do no wrong for some reason. However, we have so many wrongdoings that need to be corrected!

    This country has shown on numerous occasions, or the government, that its personal interests will always rise above the innocent lives lost because of their actions. Patriotism is a complex relationship between an individual and their country, which I understand. However, I can’t wrap my head around it.

    Patriotism always excluded people of color as many of the things deemed important by it were white victories or tragedies. It never addressed its problematic history and has shown from time to time it won’t. Like some Americans, I can’t wrap my head around that and give myself the title of Patriot.

    When the American government starts to pay reparations and acknowledge that they can do better, maybe then I can develop a deep connection in my support for America.  Until then please do some self-reflection on why some people don’t want to celebrate America and guilt them about it. 

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