Is It Okay to Be Patriotic?

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the author's reflections on the Fourth of July holiday and the complex emotions and political tensions surrounding it in the current sociopolitical climate. It explores the evolving meanings and perceptions of various national holidays and the challenges of navigating patriotism and critique in a polarized environment.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The author's reflections on the Fourth of July

1. What were the author's experiences and observations regarding the Fourth of July celebrations this year?

• The author stayed in the city during the Fourth of July, avoiding the humidity and not participating in the typical picnicking and fireworks activities.
• The author observed that the imagery and "celebrating independence" talk around the Fourth of July seemed to be mostly back up and running, despite the recent events like the murder of George Floyd and the SCOTUS ruling.
• The author questioned whether it is still acceptable to be even a little patriotic in 2024, given the complex and charged political climate surrounding national holidays.

2. How does the author view the evolving perceptions and meanings of national holidays in the US?

• The author notes that national holidays are more than just days off, as they also reflect the values and self-conception of the people who celebrate them.
• The author discusses how the meanings and representations of holidays like Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and MLK Day have shifted over time, with some becoming more controversial or being replaced by alternative observances.
• The author suggests that the Fourth of July, in particular, is an unavoidable display of "Big US Energy" that elicits a range of reactions, from celebration to criticism.

[02] The author's perspective on patriotism and critique

1. What is the author's view on the relationship between patriotism and critique?

• The author argues that there is a "love of country" that is resolute without being blind, and that critique can actually burnish one's patriotism rather than disqualify it.
• The author suggests that being critical of one's country is not only acceptable but expected, as it is a way to improve and progress as a nation.
• The author criticizes the notion that strong opinions or a desire for change makes someone unpatriotic, and encourages a balance between optimism and critique.

2. How does the author address the tensions between different perspectives on patriotism?

• The author acknowledges the "USA! USA!" types who may be beyond rehabilitation, but offers the disillusioned the idea that patriotism can be a "love of country" that is tough and durable, not blind.
• The author also addresses the "overly solicitous" who believe that opinions should be tempered for the sake of getting along, arguing that we need boundaries and challenges to improve as a nation.
• The author suggests that the pursuit of progress and change, rather than the acceptance of the status quo, can be a form of patriotism.