Happy Thanksgiving | by Skye
Greg at The Talent Show posted a few days ago about how the words "extremely patriotic" for him had become code for self-righteous nationalism rather than sincere love of country. I got a little freaked out by the strength of my negative reaction just to the word "patriotic," let alone "extremely patriotic." I can't think of the last time I heard anyone I know and like use that word to describe themselves, and I felt...threatened. And slightly morally superior, believing that I must know more about what's really going on than someone who would use that word. Hello, have you checked the papers lately? Have you seen what this country's government is up to? How can you announce you're proud to be one of these people?
Am I just another one of those America-hating liberals?
I don't think so. Like Mike Doughty says, "I love my country so much, like an exasperating friend." We all have friends we love despite the fact that they spend a lot of time screwing up and making life hard for themselves and people around them. These friends have lots of great qualities, and they're full of potential, but every time you hear the phone ring you sigh because you know it's going to be another one of those calls. All you can do is support them and hope they keep growing because you know they have it in them.
We have come so far as a nation since this project began. We do a lot of bad things, but we have come so far. But I spend more time thinking about my exasperation with all the bad choices, self-destructive behaviors, and general stubbornness than I do about the progress. I'm so frustrated that my first reaction when I hear someone say they love America is to freak out, because I know we can do better and I JUST CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY WE DON'T GO AHEAD AND DO IT!
But there are some truly great things about the people in this country and how we've decided to organize things, and I'm going to try a little harder to remember that next time I hear someone use the word "patriotic."
For example:
- In America, people can throw a pre-election analysis party where guests present information for and against various candidates and propositions without fear of getting arrested.
- American activists in Michigan are getting together, continuing a proud tradition of making noise about injustice.
- Americans stop to help animals even when they're told not to.
- In America, people can go to church and women are allowed to drive. Even though I don't want to do either of those things, I think it would be pretty damn miserable to live somewhere that didn't allow people to make decisions for themselves.
As much as I need to recognize how much work there is left to do and get on with doing some of it, I need to remember how much work has already been done and not take it for granted. I do have something in common with folks who describe themselves as patriotic. I think this country is great for what it is and what it can and will be, and I want to do my part to take care of it.
So America, consider this a love letter. You're damn cool a lot of the time, and I'm lucky to be here. Thanks.