What does the 4th of July mean to you?I have officially eaten my entire weight in Brat's over the past week. Between the bbqs, fireworks, swimming pools and outdoor movies I feel that summer has finally arrived. It all makes me feel very hopeful and happy. Of course with the good also comes the bad: mosquito's, 100 degree weather, wildfires, etc. However, amongst all this mayhem something has been troubling me. Somewhere between the stirring Sousa marches, and the red, white and blue Old Navy t-shirts I think I've lost my national pride. Shocking, isn't it? This never really troubled me before, as I had more important things to think about...And then it finally struck me the other day: maybe I'm not a patriot?
I don't have a "Pride" bumper sticker on the back of my truck's tailgate. Hell, I don't even own a truck, and I live in Lehi for Peter's sake! I didn't vote for the current president. When Rosie and Elizabeth feuded, I took Rosie's side. I usually fast-forward through Bill Pullman's speech about independence in Independence Day. Oh sure, I busted out my red, white and blue sandals on the 4th, but I actually wore black and purple that day. (White just isn't my color). I don't get teary eyed when I hear the Star Spangled Banner or My Country Tis of Thee. Someone in church gave a rousing speech on why we're the greatest country in the world, and I was alternately cringing and rolling my eyes. Why? Why did it bother me so much? Am I the Ebeneezer Scrooge of July 4th?
It isn't that I'm not proud of America. I am! I think this country is fabulous. I mean where else could you find more of a melting pot of cultures, ideas and free enterprise? Only in America could a man raised in a log cabin become the President. I think the thing that is bothering me is that along with all of this national pride, there seems to be a shocking lack of humility. Yes, we are the leader of the free world (the entire world for that matter). We are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of property. I just worry that all of this adoration and self-love is not being taken with a grain of salt. Are we so focused on capitalism and our own self-interest that we forget to see the bigger picture?
I see images in the media of other countries in poverty. Desperate people struggling not to make a quick buck, but merely to feed their families. Are they any less favored than I , or are they merely the victims of tragic circumstances? Is it wrong for me to be happy with all of my blessings if others are dealt a worse fate? Am I allowed to be proud, grateful, fulfilled or self-satisfied simply because I was placed in these circumstances? Is it OK for me to stuff myself silly, sing a rousing tune and send my hopes and dreams up in a rocket of sparkling colorful lights? I guess I can be proud, as long as I remember that the purpose of my life is to use my blessings and position to support and help my fellow man. To exalt others by compassion, word, deed and example. To not merely exist, but to live. I suppose that is what makes someone patriotic, and if that's true, then I guess I am a patriot after all.
Happy 4th of July, and God bless America!
9 comments:
I feel like I am a fairly patriotic person. I don't think it is wrong to be proud of where you come from. I agree that we need to be humble about it because we were given so many opportunities just by being born here, but I think it would be worse if we were ripping on where we are from. That is just a huge slap in the face for all those that our living in severe poverty and have no ticket out. Thoughts?
I started to post a comment...and then it got REALLY long...so instead of a comment here - go check out my response at the family blog - www.gardnerhawaii.blogspot.com
I think we have the same views on certain things but have a different path in getting there. I love that we have different views on politics, books, and the world....I think we have a nice balance....;)
PS I don't understand though why you you would mute the speech from Bill Pullman in the movie Independance day. I laughed when I read that - I quoted that movie in my 4th of July blog. I love that speech. I feel like it pulls everyone together in a world that is trying to tear everyone apart.
You do realize Independence Day is just a movie, right? lol
Meg,
Of course I mostly agree, except about the part where you say "Only in America could a man raised in a log cabin become the President". It's a pretty laughable statement, considering the war chest a candidate needs these days to even make it to the primaries!
Hey Megan,
I saw the reply that you posted on leah's blog and I understand where it would seem that there is a fine line between patriotism and arrogance. In todays society, we have warped the meaning of being a patriot to be someone who is loud and says "THE UNITED STATES CAN KICK ANYONES BUTT".
To be a patriot does not mean that you have to be loud and obnoxious about it. You need to be truly humble and appreciate the gifts that our founding fathers gave us.
Those individuals that are loud and obnoxious, need to find a little slice of humble pie, because they are the reason that other countries think poorly of Americans.
P.S. I responded to your question on supporting our troops on our blog. Take a look.
DAN
In light of the great discussions that we have all been having, I have created yet another blog with the purpose of generating even more thought provoking discussions. I hope that you share this and will can all join in. The address is http://sergeantgardner.blogspot.com. If anyone has a thought provoking question or topic to discuss please let me know.
Megan, I've debated the whole question myself. I remember after living in rural Mexico for a couple of months, I came back close to the 4th of July. In sacrament meeting, everyone was "testifying" about how we live in the greatest country in the world and something about that really bothered me.
I stood up and testified about how the gospel is true all around the world and about how there are so many wonderful people who live all over.
We live in a wonderful country and are surrounded by so many blessings. But it is so dangerous, it seems, to believe that we are so much better than everyone else that we can dictate to the world what they should do. . . not just politically but culturally, etc.
We're lucky in Utah because so many people here have lived in other parts of the world and many of those people have gained appreciation for other peoples and cultures. It's something that even the most vociferous patriots should remember, even on such a day.
That said, I am grateful to live here, for those who have fought to preserve my freedom both at home and abroad. I am grateful for sanitation, clean water, rights to vote and have an education . . . :D
Amen Marie!!! Thanks!
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