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This feature is taken from E.A.9.11, Group 8.
See the entire discussion: Patriotism.
You and all citizens are hopefully considering the use of "PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN" ways. Patriotism is shown through a great deal of things. Fly a flag or help someone in need; go back to being the great person you are. Flying the flag shows the nation that with the help we can solve anything that is thrown at the U.S.
I think the outpouring of patriotism and support is wonderful. Clearly the best has come out in ordinary Americans in the past 7 months. However, the worst has also appeared.
Patriotism and unity are no excuse for blindly following everything the president says merely because he is the commander in chief. Nor should America-haters refuse to see any good in this nation. Both extremes are very wrong.
We must keep our individuality, and not let ourselves be swept up in the desire for revenge-- especially against people who had nothing to do with the attacks. Arabs, Muslims, and even Sikhs have been the victims of hate crimes; as many as ten thousand innocent people have been killed by US military action in Afghanistan.
I do not deny the reality of war. There has always been war and will always be. But we must not let realism stand in the way of working toward what's right. Morality should never fall by the way side. If we let that happen, we are just as bad as the terrorists themselves: in fact, we become their allies of a sort, by giving them exactly what they want, which is to destroy our integrity and values.
Standing up for our freedoms should not take the form of aggression. There is no justification for an attack like Sept. 11th, but there are legitimate reasons for people to be very angry at the United States, especially its foreign policies.
Americans, we have climbed too far on an unstable limb, and we are bringing the whole of the world down with us. Let's build a stronger, better and more peaceful tomorrow through justice, respect and true enduring freedom.
While this new patriotism is great, I can't help but wonder about this new trend. I have heard the term, 'false patriotism' alot. I think that this patriotism has just become en vogue since Sept. 11th. I'm not against it whatsoever, but I think its tacky to participate excessivly in it. Don't get me wrong, I am all for being proud to be American, I am myself. I do think however, that to flaunt it might be too much, isn't it obvious already? I mean, did you have a flag flying before 9/11? Did you support President Bush (especially if you don't consider yourself Republican)? Did you believe in war? Would you have put a "proud to be American" bumper sticker on your car?
Kalidah, your position, thoughts, and stance are exactly mind. Thank you so much for your input. It was clear and incisive. Myself, I would have put some weird rant. Your's is cohesive and sensible! Thank you so much.
Earache-- I'm so glad we agree. I know where you're coming from: I have a tendancy to rant sometimes, too, but I try not to because you get out what you put in, and respect is really important to me. Also, people tend to get very defensive when attacked-- just like nations, eh? Good luck and best wishes.
Lexy-- I think you're right that it's going a little overboard. We need to show our love for our country by doing positive things and working for change, not by just painting everything red white and blue! I don't own an American flag, and the only sticker on my car is one from the African Wildlife Foundation. I'm just not the real gungho patriotic type, too free-thinking.
I realize that without the patriotism that people have today, America would have no "backbone" to stand on. What really bugs me, though, is that it has to take a national disaster to create this patriotism. Before, people who were as patriotic as now were made fun of for being so, but now, it is just the opposite -- if you're not patriotic you're penalized. I have become patriotic to my country not because of what happened, but because we made it through. To me, all this "love for your country" seems fake and that yet again history will repeat itself and that love will fade away...
I think the reason for the lack of heartfelt patriotism prior to 9.11 was the increasing cynicism of Americans, especially those of the younger generations. We still see this to some extent; it faded for a few months as our hearts were laid bare by shock, and now the same suspicion of emotion is returning. The lack of patriotism coincides with the recent loss of spirituality, as well as the disregard for "old-fashioned" customs and values. To me, it's nice to know that people are questioning and rethinking instead of following blindly. However, we need to keep a place in our hearts for real love and trust. Individuality and progress are good and normal things, but it is not healthy to be too jaded and nihilistic.
Good point.
While it is true to say that patriotism and religion have become less common, I don't think they are connected in the way you seem to, Kalidah. Patriotism is a love of or pride in one's country, not always or even needed to be connected with religion or spirituality.
I don't mean to say that patriotism and spirituality are necessarily intertwined, but I think that the decline of both can be attributed to the same factors: growing mistrust, pessimism, realism. . . I could name a hundred more.
Some of the changes after 9.11 world puzzle me. Like people asking, "How can I raise my children in a post-9.11 world?" Well, what about, "How can I raise kids in a post-Hitler, post-Hiroshima world?" Or a post-napalm, post-killing field world? Or a post-OKC bombing world, or a post-Somalia world, or a post-Columbine world? 9.11 may have been a wakeup call, but it didn't make the world more dangerous; it only alerted us to the danger that was already there. If we live in a less safe place today, it is because of the American government's arrogance and hypocrisy, and the way we antagonize other people and countries. We can not hide behind flags anymore.
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