It’s the fourth of July holiday today here in the USA. Taking a few minutes to reflect on what that means to me and to my country. It is supposed to be a day to celebrate patriotism and freedoms. I don’t like what I see, read, and experience in current media and communications.
America’s problem is that too many Americans — including its lawmakers — are failing to understand what patriotism requires.
The true meaning of patriotism is the opposite of the current exclusionary White Christian Nationalism that is showing up in all sorts of media and various ways. Democracy is being challenged and I am uncomfortable with things I see going on with our current situation. I don’t know what to do about my feelings and what will help to change the situation. I can only control myself and I don’t have much influence in the world to change others.
America’s moral mission has been toward greater inclusion — providing equal rights to women, Black people, immigrants, Native Americans, Latinx, LGBTQ+, Muslim, Jewish, atheist, and agnostic.
I know that there is a lot of work to do but I am unsure if I am able to take on this challenge out of fear and if I am strong enough to withstand the fight. More self-searching is needed.
0 comments