Independence Day: What happened to my patriatism?
I'm not quite sure what happened to my patriotism.
- Where did it go?
- What caused me to go from pride to mild shame?
- Is there something wrong with me?
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I remember, quite fondly, going to Darien Lake Amusement Park as a child. One of my favorite things about going was knowing that at the end we would watch the laser light show at the end of the day. Year after year they would always have a new show, however they would always have Lee Greenwood's I'm Proud to be an American incorporated into the show. It would always give me goosebumps and fill me with the feeling, at the time I didn't know what it was, of pride.
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In school we were taught from a young age that America was "the land of the free", "home of the brave" and "the greatest place in the world to live". They reiterated this by showing us how bad communism is and how few freedoms we would have living under a Dictatorship. At the time I was convinced, I lived in the best country of them all. I knew that America was founded on a very good premise, and I was on board. I was a gleaming example of patriotism.
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Somewhere from then till now something has changed. I don't know the reason why, but I have became less patriotic. I felt like at that point in 2001 I didn't have room inside of me for any more pride, I was full. I'm not sure if its being outside of the protective cloak of childhood. Maybe following the news and seeing all the lies and unconstitutional policies that we allow to be put into law. Repetitive lies being told to us from our leaders? Maybe patriotism is easier to accept as a child without really knowing why.
I want to be patriotic, and I'm sure I still am a little bit, but its getting harder and harder every year. Maybe America today is not the once great country it was, founded on the principles of basic human rights. I'm certain that if I were to go to another country, admitting to being an American would carry a mild emotion of shame. I would almost consider lying about it to protect myself from judgement. Again, I want to be patriotic, like I was, but this country is continually making it harder and harder.
Happy 4th of July everyone!!
Wow kid, truly a great post. I was just talking about that song the other day and how it used to give me goosebumps. Almost miss that feeling.
Thanks brother. Me too lol. I wanna go see that laser light show again and take the kiddos
Do they still do it?, i havent been in so long lol. The kids would have a blast if so.
I would assume so
It is a great post, thank you for sharing your thoughts, I upvoted!
Thank you so much. I'm glad you liked it