Should I be proud to be an American? I have heard from people how proud they are to be born American; I have seen bumper stickers that proclaim their pride. America is the country of freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I have heard that we have it so good here compared to other less developed countries. But should I be proud?
In the 1800's we had slaves for the first fifty years, and second class citizens for the second half. Whites treated them like dirt, caring more about their financial and personal gain than for the lives of other individuals. When African Americans tried to change the status quo, the majority stood against it, and set dogs and fire hoses on them. Instead of demanding freedom for all, whites locked up demonstrators and marchers. We did this here in America.
Besides picking on African Americans, we also had it in for Native Americans. We tricked them out of their land, and forced them onto the worst land we could find. When they tried to escape, we massacred the lot of them. We took some of their children and educated them to be white. We wanted them to forget their savage heritage.
Skip about one hundred years. The American government decides to break up the tumultous government of Iran. The leader of Iran, Mossaddeq, has decided to kick out British Petroleum. The Brits are not happy, and tell us he's Communists. Well, we can't have that, says U.S. We send some CIA over there, and down goes Mossaddeq. The next few decades are ruled by a shah. Should I be proud?
Fast forward some more, until you reach 2003. We attack Iraq because they obviously have WMD's and plan on attacking America. When we get in, we find no WMD's or possibility of making any, but why should that matter? We got rid of a horrible, cruel dictator; we are liberators, heroes. Now Iraqis are free; free do to what? To live in fear of suicide bombers, guns, air attacks and kidnappers. Now they are free to wait in 17 hour long lines for gas when their country is swimming in oil, but at least American oil interests are somewhat secure now that we control one Middle Eastern country. Should I be proud?
Why should I be proud to be American? I know that no country is perfect or blameless, but should I be proud of our blotted and tainted history? We pride ourselves of being so open to all nationalities, but we have persecuted those who lived here before us and enslaved others. We pride ourselves on our many democratic ideals, but we have used them to further our own interests. Remember Iran, The Phillipines, Cuba, Guatemala, Hawaii (before statehood), and finally Iraq.
Why should I have pride in my country? After all, World War 1 started with nationalistic ideals and continued because no European country wanted to admit defeat. Wasn't it national pride that made us form colonies and use the natives for our own gain? Did not national pride cause millions of Jews and others to die in gas chambers? Forget national pride. National pride caused too much pain and suffering. I will take pride in the fact that I am a human, an inhabitant of Earth. I will take pride in the fact that I am a global citizen.
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Taking pride in being a global citizen is I think the best you can do. National Pride is a tricky thing. From what I understand, The U.S, as well as other countries, deal with it on and off. What I'm trying to say is that different events mean different feelings towards one native country. I'm sure millions of Americans take no pride in the idea of us being in Iraq, including me, and it's fine. I was born, grew up, went to school and am starting to work in this country, My family, friends and I come first and would never give them up for the good of the nation. But ultimately I love living here, I respect the feelings of people who would give up their lives for the United States and those who wouldn't. I take pride in living here as a citizen and in knowing that others share my same views.
Its crazy, the other day I realized that for years I had always assumed America was above corruption because it was built on the ideals of freedom and justice for all. Since first grade I had been prepped with the arguments as to why the U.S was the cream of the crop, but history is full of well meaning governments falling into corruption. Why would America be any different?
Pray for Peace
-Crissy
I have another question, and it has to do with education. Should schools teach the best of America, how we have promoted freedom and equality? Or should we also tell students of what we have done that has been the opposite of our supposed core values?
Also, should those who have lost like Native Americans, who are not the victors, should that perspective of history be taught? Usually, in elementary school and high school, students are taught the white person's view, and sometimes we never get to hear about the other side.
If we only taught the white person's view of history, the disgust or disappointment of finding our nation's history tainted would be much less severe.
you should be, regardless of all the things i endure in this country today because i am a pakistan american and a muslim, i would never go back and live there. I like America, maybe even love (some things have me upset) you have to forget these stains, yes we are tainted, our history and present day are not pretty but people, such as you, know that we should not be this way and hopefully all of us are promoting change and advocating it in some way. We should learn from the past so we can be prepared for the future and that is Paine's sayings. one of the many men who have impressed me and they are part of American history, of you and now me.
Above All - Do no harm
I agree with your education comment. I mean take a look at Germany. Their past is riddled with war, and now they promote peace. Not only promote it, but they keep physical reminders as to what war will do to their country. Perhaps the way to correct our sordid past is to teach it without all the sugar coating.
Pray for Peace
-Crissy