Are You Patriotic?

200px-patriotismusamagnet.png by answers.com 

In honor of America’s Independence, this week I’m going to post topics that relate to the American experience. Yesterday was my first post of this theme. I wrote about the issue of American Identity. Today, I will focus on American Patriotism.

So what does it mean to be patriotic?

Of course our definition of patriotism is as diverse as our population. If you have been following the presidential campaign you know that Senator Obama’s patriotism has been questioned because he doesn’t wear a flag pin on his suit like every politician does. Which leaves me to ponder. What can be more patriotic than running for the highest office on the land and allowing yourself to be sliced and diced by the media and by the American people?

Are the Mexican-Americans who display the Mexican flag on 5 de Mayo less patriotic than the Irish-Americans who proudly display their Irish heritage during St.Patrick’s day? Who is more patriotic, the citizen who disagrees with the war in Iraq and works tirelessly to protest against it or the soldier who bravely fights the Iraqi insurgents?

I could go on and on with examples but the point is that we all show our patriotism differently and no one has the right to question it. Patriotism is the love for country but it’s also a duty and a responsibility to make sure that our country does the right and honorable thing.

Patriotism is not merely displaying the flag on the 4th of July but it’s also upholding the ideals that the flag represent, which is freedom and opportunity for all, no matter the race, color, or creed.

Certainly, what patriotism is not is blindly supporting a leader because the country is at war. Patriotism is not ostracizing individuals because they disagree with you. And most definitely, patriotism is not a love it or leave it attitude but rather it is love it and improve it mind-set.

Like everything else in America, its notion of patriotism is also complex and evolving. And as America continues to re-invent itself, it will also keep redefining its patriotic ideals.  So before we question or define what it is to be patriotic, we must examine our selves and see if we are truly upholding the ideals of America “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Posted July 1, 2008 by Wat Da Daddy | Digg | Stumble | 26 Wat Da Comments

  1. kbreints Said,

    That is great– Love it and improve it. That is great!

    Henry’s Favorite song? God Bless America.

    We sing it every night on the way home.

    kbreintss last blog post..For your viewing pleasure, You!

  1. Marelisa Said,

    Hi Chris: What you say here is so true: you can show your patriotism in many different ways. I’ve always thought that the United States is a great country, even though many times I don’t agree with the decisions of its leaders. I think that part of what makes the US great is precisely its diversity. As long as a people agree on certain core issues, I think it’s OK if they have different viewpoints and a different heritage.

    Marelisas last blog post..How Gratitude Can Change Your Life

  1. Tim Brownson Said,

    When I saw the headline I expected to hate this post. I was wrong, I love your take and the view of BO running for office is very astute.

    Of course it’s only my opinion, but for me it was on the money!

  1. Robin Said,

    Hi Chris - in Australia, conservatives make a habit of saying anyone who doesn’t eat meat pies / go to horse races or football / support the war in Iraq / do what they want them to do… is UN-AUSTRALIAN.

    The patriotism debate goes on.

    Robins last blog post..How I Found Immortality

  1. RJ Said,

    I’m showing my Patriotism the best way I know how, by filling up at the gas station (talk about making sacrifices for one’s country ;)

  1. Wat Da Daddy Said,

    @Kbrients– A long time a go I learned how to sign God Bless America.

    @Marelisa– Sometimes people forget that America’s legacy is that its active citizenry.

    @Tim Brownson — Thanks…I consider anyone who runs for public office as being patriotic. I don’t think I can go through what they encounter day in and day out.

    @Robin–Hey, same goes here…

    @RJ — That’s what I call putting your money where your mouth is…

  1. Sara Said,

    Celebrating and using the freedoms espoused in the Bill of Rights can be a powerful act of patriotism. Listening to opposing viewpoints without trying to change them is patriotic. Agreeing to disagree is patriotic. Questioning leadership is patriotic.

    Of course, so is waving a flag and marching in a parade. Looking down on people who appreciate the pomp and pageantry of stereotypical patriotism is common in certain circles, and that’s just as bad as not reveling in our basic freedoms.

    The core of patriotism is appreciating our ability to define patriotism in whatever way you see fit. (Does that make sense?)

    Saras last blog post..What Elizabeth Taylor Can Teach Us About Simplicity

  1. Shilpan | successsoul.com Said,

    Chris -

    This is very thought provoking. As you’ve articulated well, patriotism is to think what benefits the entire nation and its population. It is to nurture values and ideals of the founding fathers and to protect our sovereign state in the event of attack.

    Sadly, politicians create wedge among the general population to benefit from this sacred virtue.

    Shilpan

  1. Kyddryn Said,

    I am a patriot - I love my country, if not always those who run her or share her with me. I believe in the founding principles of our nation.

    I’d go on, but come by my blog on Friday if you have a chance, instead. That way, I won’t take up acres of comment space. Cheers!

    Shade and Sweetwater,
    K, who may not always agree with what others think, do, or say, but will defend their right to annoy me anyway.

  1. Joanna [really] Said,

    Nice ending daddy. Applauses. =]

  1. vered Said,

    “I could go on and on with examples but the point is that we all show our patriotism differently and no one has the right to question it.”. I completely agree. To me, it’s about love for the core values of a country rather than blind loyalty to its leaders.

    vereds last blog post..Oops. I Accidentally Got Involved In a Blogging War

  1. Barbara Swafford Said,

    Hi Chris,

    What a great post for the week of Fourth of July. I’m proud to call myself an American. Sure there may be problems, but it’s a great country.

    I love how you ended this post. “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

    That was perfect!

    Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Decorating Our Home In Blogosphere

  1. Emily Said,

    Absolutely beautifully written.

  1. Kelly@SHE-POWER Said,

    Chris, this is a excellent post. Patriotism a a word and an emotion has always tended to make me nervous. I associate it with people blindly extolling the superiority of their country over others and so for many years I would have said, “No, I am not a patriotic Australian”.

    Now I have a few more years under my belt I’m a bit more open minded about it. While I think feverish patriotism can be a scary thing, I know it can sometimes come from a positive place and not turn into rampant nationalism.

    I am a proud Australian. I love my country and I support the rights and freedoms of ALL our citizens, whether I think they’re an idiot or not.

    That’s patriotic isn’t it?

    Kelly

  1. Wat Da Daddy Said,

    @Sara–My sentiments exactly.

    @Shilpan–Sadly others use patriotism as a guise for suppression and censorship and pass it on as the “benefit for the common good.”

    @Kyddryn–Of course I will be there Friday and I hope that everyone will do as well…

    @Joanna– I knew you would like the ending. It’s right up your ally… :)

    @Vered–Unfortunately people often mistake patriotism as following the popular sentiments and not following what is right…

    @Barbara–Thanks…America is a great country and I’m so fortunate to be a part of it.

    @Emily–Thanks Emily.

    @Kelly–Some would say that what you just express is very American. But of course America doesn’t have exlusive rights to these ideals, they are human ideals. I too have been squimish at times when people zealously expressing their patriotism. At the same time however, like you I would support their rights to be zealous idiots because it’s their right and it is my responsibility to make sure that they have those rights.

  1. Tara R. Said,

    “patriotism is not a love it or leave it attitude but rather it is love it and improve it mind-set” Nicely said!

    Tara R.s last blog post..Random Wednesday - love thine enemy

  1. Lance Said,

    Nice post, and you really summed it up well with the last paragraph. That says a lot - we are all created equal. Sometimes that’s hard to remember in a world of haves vs. have-nots, rich vs. poor (money or spirit). I like to think of myself as patriotic, but on the other hand, I’m sure I could do better at this. A lot to ponder as we go into the holiday weekend…

    Lances last blog post..Get Out and Play

  1. Urban Panther Said,

    I think I am patriotic in that I know what I don’t want. I don’t want to pay for my health care. I don’t want to carry a gun. I don’t want Quebec to separate from the rest of Canada. I don’t want to live with poisonous snakes and other creepy crawlies. I don’t want to pay outrageous sums of money to gas up my car (oh wait, I am starting to do that!). Interesting how I have a very clear list of what I don’t want, and do not have to worry about in Canada, but still don’t go all ra-ra about being Canadian. Do I take being Canadian for granted? Probably. I have been here all my life. And yet, when travelling in Europe I immediately get all huffy when someone says to me “Oh, you are from the States.” “Uh no! I’m from Canada!” No offense intended! Just stating my gut reaction. But do I need to go all ra-ra, or can I prove my patriotism by chosing to live out my life in my country, supporting its values, and protecting its environments–social, political and natural? As the beer commercial states “I AM CANADIAN!” and no matter where I travel or live, that is who I am.

    Urban Panthers last blog post..Fuzzy bears and ice picks

  1. Sandy (Momisodes) Said,

    A great post and topic. Regardless of the state of affairs here, I’m thankful to be an American.

    Sandy (Momisodes)s last blog post..The Puppets Must Have Called Out Sick

  1. Kelly@SHE-POWER Said,

    Chris

    As you say, freedom and equal rights for all is not just a foundation of American society. Australia may not have a declaration that everyone knows, but our country is built on the multiculturalism and the principles of a free, classless, equal society.

    Because we are so far away from everything and ours is a harsh land there has also been a historic emphasis on the value of “mateship” - having the back of the man/woman beside you. This goes back to the ANZACS (soldiers who went to Gallipolli) and WW1 and is considered a big part of Australian society. It also ties in with another ideal we hold dear, which is that everyone deserves a “fair go” - an opportunity to be who they want to be without judgment or intervention. Interestingly enough the “fair go” is also tied into a belief in second chances; the right to rectify your mistakes and prove your worth - this probably goes back to our convict ancestors.

    With so many shared values it makes sense that our countries have a long standing relationship with each other, though I do wish we’d stop following you into every bloody war you get involved in. Maybe we need some of that American political arrogance to rub off on us so we stop being so blindly cooperative all the time. Then again, maybe that’s one of the prices we pay for the notion of mateship. We won’t let you go in without sending in backup.

    Kelly

  1. Rebecca Said,

    You said: Certainly, what patriotism is not is blindly supporting a leader because the country is at war.

    I said: aMEN! i also don’t think it’s patriotic to say someone ISN’T patriotic because they don’t support the president when the country is at war (a la The Dixie Chicks).

    Rebeccas last blog post..Time…

  1. Wat Da Daddy Said,

    @Tara–Thanks!

    @Lance–We just gotta keep plugging away so that we can make this country better for everyone and not just for select few.

    @Urban Panther–My sentiments exactly.

    @Sandy–There are plenty of problems that are country is going through right now. We are definitely at a cross road in our history.

    @Kelly–We also have that “mateship” attitude here. We call it getting your back. I do wish sometimes that our leaders would practice humility once in a while…

    @Rebecca–I was actually thinking of the Dixie Chicks when I wrote that part.

  1. Grandy Said,

    I like this post, Wat Daddy. It’s a good reminder of what patriotism is NOT. I like to think that I am open to all ideas, and definitely patriotic. :)
    Grandys last blog post..We Made It… or did you remember?

  1. KJ Said,

    A flag is just a symbol, just like a cross or a ribbon. If you wear one on your lapel but don’t back it up with action it becomes a cheap, self serving advertisement that ultimately is devoid of meaning.

  1. Sunday Link Love | Remodeling This Life Said,

    [...] Are You Patriotic? [...]

  1. Izzy Said,

    The Bush administration kind of ruined patriotism for me so uh…no. I’m not particularly “patriotic” in it’s current incarnation.

    Izzys last blog post..Still Gimpish

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