On Patriotism

So, yesterday was the Fourth of July, and I had intended to write something especially to celebrate our day of independence. But, as usual, I spent too much time thinkin' and not enough writin', so I missed yet another deadline I set for myself.

The current issue of TIME is touting "The Real Meaning of Patriotism" on its cover. I eagerly found the story and was quickly disappointed while reading, because I thought it would be more in-depth and thought-provoking. And then I reminded myself that it's TIME. But still...

Peter Beinart's interpretation of partisan patriotism is this: conservatives want to preserve the past, really love our symbols--especially when they incorporate stars and stripes, and bristle at criticism of our great nation, while liberals hope for a future that better fulfills the ideals of the original Revolutionaries, acknowledge the frequent gaps between these ideals and actual practice in our history, and feel that criticizing government and society is as red-white-and-blue as the National Anthem.

Not only was I an American Studies and History major in college, but I am also a Social Studies teacher--one that emphasizes multiple viewpoints and the complexity of history. I want students to think critically about the world around them, to take an active role in society, and to not let anyone--including me--spoon-feed them anything. Politically, I lean liberal. Patriotically, I lean liberal (according to Beinart).

I don't wear flag pins, or in fact, any item of clothing or accessory that features stars and stripes. I don't put my hand over my heart for "The Star-Spangled Banner," but do for the Pledge of Allegiance (which I'm not sure is even a necessity to have, to be honest). I was disturbed by the proliferation of flags on cars after September 11. I criticize politicians and the game of politics frequently, while at the same time being nearly obsessed with it all. I do own a set of elephant and donkey Pez dispensers that are really freakin' cool.

I love the United States. I love it so much that I focused on studying its culture throughout college, and I want to help students learn about its history for the rest of my life. In my spare time this summer, I'm reading a AP US History textbook--just for fun! Because I've chosen to spend my working life in the service of making better citizens, I feel that needing to wear or display patriotism or give uncritical respect to our American myths is unnecessary, in fact, I think it's vexing that some people do those things so vehemently. But, there's room for all viewpoints here. It's what the country was founded on.

I spent my Fourth of July watching a documentary on "American" foods like the hamburger and hot dog, rooting for Federer at Wimbledon (I know. Has nothing do with America, unlike the Ladies' Final today), reading Ralph Waldo Emerson's speech on "The American Scholar," walking some trails in Northeast Austin, seeing sporadic fireworks in the sky as I drove back home, and then drinking coffee and listening to '70s music while reading a book on teaching social studies, called "History Lessons." Not the quintessential Independence Day activities, but I felt like there was enough American-ness there to keep me from feeling anti-celebratory.

So, I'm a history and culture geek. And I'm a patriot, in my own mind at least. And since we celebrate Individualism and Self-Reliance so much in this country, isn't my own opinion the one that should matter to me the most?