Proud to be an American?
July 4th causes me a good deal of inner turmoil I’m never sure what to do with. It’s a day of celebration, family get-togethers, thanksgiving, and relaxation. Our country and our flag are highlighted to remind us of the freedoms we are privileged to possess. Many will gather together tonight to watch fire works like “bombs bursting in air.” They remind us of the many hard fought battles and sacrificed lives it has taken to keep our flag flying and our freedoms intact.
Today, I will wear my t-shirt with the American flag on it because I’m thankful for the freedoms we have–the freedom to worship as we wish, the freedom to speak out when we see an injustice, the freedom to have a voice in government. I am aware that many other countries do not share these freedoms and live in fear. Many people are not free to worship as they wish. Many others would be imprisoned or executed if they dared speak publicly against their government.
Unfortunately, these freedoms have come at a cost to us all. Yes, I include here the cost of lives sacrificed on the battle field. But I also mean here the cost of selfish wealth and social privilege that have bred into us a damning arrogance. I have to stop and ask myself why so many in our world hate the United States. I’ve heard people say, “Oh they’re jealous of what we have,” or “They are ingrates. Look at all we’ve done for them. Perhaps they feel anger because they’ve had to ask for help.”
It’s that perception of benevolent king that troubles me. Yes, there are times I’m proud of my country for stepping up and giving aid freely. I’m proud of small groups of people who pool their money and travel to troubled spots to lend a hand out of true generosity and love. However, there are many more times I am saddened by the action of my country that condemns others without thinking of the consequences, that tells lies to cover unruly and damaging behavior, that believes others should all agree with us, that refuses to help if the help is not in some way to our benefit. These actions are neither kingly or benevolent.
I understand that world politics is quite complex. But I also understand that arrogance and bullying rarely bring lasting solutions. I am very thankful to be an American. It’s just that sometimes I’m not so proud.
