Just as I don’t need to wear a cross around my neck to symbolize my Christianity, I don’t need a flag pin on my chest to represent my patriotism. Just as my faith is demonstrated through my actions, so is my patriotism. I don’t slap a stars and stripes bumper sticker on my car or to copy and paste facebook status updates proving I bleed red, white, and blue. This is not the way I choose to demonstrate my devotion to country, yet I am deeply patriotic.
For me, patriotism is best shown through engagement – in the political process, in my community, in my family, and in the world. I demonstrate my patriotism each time I vote, write a letter to my editor, call my congressman to share my views, and show my support for an issue or candidate. My love for this country is evident when I serve others, participate in community organizations, attend local events, and support American businesses. I am patriotic when I teach my children critical thinking skills, invite them to discuss complex issues, and teach them to respect diversity.
A proud American respects and appreciates different countries, languages, and cultures. When I am a courteous traveler and demonstrate an interest in cultures other than my own, I represent my country well. As my children learn a second language and encourage immigrants in English language skills, they are making a stronger America. I can show deep patriotism by supporting the success of new immigrants.
I can even represent my patriotism by disagreeing with a war, supporting the return of troops, or expressing a dissenting opinion. To me, we demonstrate our patriotism best when we act with integrity, respect the political process, utilize constructive criticism, and work for change. A patriot shouldn’t simply complain and criticize, nor does patriotism require vilifying individuals with opposing views. A patriot should speak up, be law abiding, and encourage others to do the same, no matter their political affiliation.
Neither Fox News nor MSNBC have a monopoly on patriotism. Democrats and Republicans can be equally patriotic and hypocritical. Those who proudly place their hand on their hearts and say the Pledge of Allegiance with devotion, but passionately fight for another’s right to abstain from doing the same are patriotic. Our love of country is not represented by how much money we contribute to campaigns, causes, or community, but instead by the conviction we feel to act in a certain way based on that love.
In truth, I am a flawed patriotic, sometimes apathetic and lazy in my devotion to country, other times overly critical and combative. This weekend’s Independence Day celebration is an invitation for me to evaluate how I will demonstrate my patriotism and become a better citizen in the future. Flags and yellow ribbons are beautiful when displayed as outer representations of inner convictions, inspirational and moving. The real challenge of patriotism, however, is to do more than simply wave a flag, but to honor what it symbolizes through our actions.
LOVE THIS. At my old job, a gal I worked with (who was, and is, a kind of second mom to me) used to get enraged with me when we’d talk about the flag. She was VERY patriotic, flew the flag, wore the pins, everything. I don’t remember how it came up, but I made a comment that I didn’t see anything wrong with it touching the ground. That I thought reverence for a piece of cloth was silly. She lost her mind. It’s still a point of contention with us. I understand her point, but I don’t see how patriotism has to be linked to respect of a symbol. It’s much MUCH more than that. Often, I think displaying that symbol is a front, a way for people to “show off” patriotism, when maybe they don’t vote for write letters to the editor. (The journalist in me, by the way, swooned when you said you wrote them.) Wonderful post, Mindy. Thought provoking and timely. Bravo!
Very well said. I used to have a shirt in college that said “Your Vote is Your Voice. Make a Mighty Noise.” I think your post speaks well to this.
Thanks for the reminder.
Angie
Wow. That’s all I can say because you said it so well! Thanks for a thought inducing piece, Mindy.
I love this. Patriotism isn’t blind obedience, nor is it criticism for the sake of criticism. Considering the country was founded on a mixture of religious beliefs, shouldn’t tolerating different opinions and beliefs be continued today when we are far more diverse than we were 237 years ago?
Amen, Sista! I agree wholeheartedly!