Shadow Patriot

I often ask myself what I believe in regard to patriotism, which, after all, is just an idea, a social philosophy to which people may or may not buy into.

Patriotism doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone.  The flag doesn't represent the same thing to everyone. "My country right or wrong" is both current in American thought and antiquated at the same time.

To me nationalism is patriotism run amok. But they have been conflated in today's dialog. The "love it or leave it" mantra of the 60's lives on in the minds of those who believe blind loyalty to one's birth nation is somehow necessary to preserve "our way of life". As if there exists just one "right way" to live. It's as if there is a purity to Americanism that can't be granted to or earned by certain groups and interlopers.

Fear, ignorance and sloth continue to create an undercurrent of intolerance, bigotry and hatred for "the other". It is sold as patriotism but in reality is a vitriolic, reactionary posture against change, acceptance and understanding. And no, none of these is easy to achieve.

Freedom for all is a majestic concept. The path to which is unknown. We can argue the merits of various solutions and we can redefine our goals for justice, equality and fairness, but we must first agree and commit ourselves to that proposition for which this country was founded. 

That's what patriotism means to me.

It's not blind, unthinking allegiance; it's not hiding behind the Constitution and the laws of the land to lift some Americans above others; it's not shouting down or cancelling the opinions and arguments of perceived foes; it's  not making up a new and more divisive vocabulary for those with contrary ideas; and it's not singing the national anthem at ball games while hunger, poverty and strife go unattended. 

I don't recite the Pledge of Allegiance, I don't sing the Star Spangled Banner, I don't place my hand over my heart, and I don't promise fealty to any government or body politic. None of those things would make me a patriot.

So, maybe I'm a shadow patriot. Perhaps I'm a reflection of the promise and intent of those who were willing to place themselves at the forefront of ideas so revolutionary we still don't fully grasp their significance or how to successfully implement them. Nor did they.

National pride is something coveted by pretty much every country on the planet. But winning a bunch of gold medals or a World Cup trophy doesn't announce a country's greatness. That is found in its commitment to its people and their pursuit of happiness, justice and peace. 

We need constant rededication to the principles and beliefs that make patriots of all of us.