http://www.care2.com/greenliving/patriotism-through-peace.html
Patriotism Through Peace
Patriotism is a very serious value to many people in the United States, especially during Fourth of July weekend. For me, it’s hard sometimes to be extremely proud to be an American when I disagree with many of my country’s decisions. Our involvement in the Middle East and our contribution to global warming are not all that postive. And on top of that, to many of my Native American friends, July 4th signifies a time of brutal assimilation and destruction of their culture. When I consider all these things, I’m not exactly eager to go out and shout in the streets, “Proud to be from the U.S.A.”
Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely thankful for all that I have been given living in this nation, and I certainly am proud of many people from my country. But there are some caveats to my patriotism. I’ve realized that if we value only people or things that somehow represent “American” (or whatever it is that is associated with our nation), we tend to put up boundaries and reject others. While it is important to celebrate our roots and where we come from, we should be open to difference and not exclude others.
For this Fourth of July weekend, rather than promoting negative perceptions of America, I want to show pride in the many people, historical and contemporary, who live in the United States and do amazing work. I’ve realized I have a lot of people to be thankful for, and I feel most patriotic by celebrating their contributions.
These are just a few of the many people who have contributed greatly to America and to humanity:
American author Henry David Thoreau wrote beautiful essays, poems, and other writings such as Walden and “Civil Disobedience.” Through both his writing and actions, this 19th century figure advocated simple living and appreciation for the environment.
Frederick Law Olmsted is a 19th century U.S. architect and journalist who was famous for designing urban parks and for spreading anti-slavery sentiment across the Northeast. His numerous contributions across the country, including Central Park in New York, have helped instill appreciation for the natural world in an urban setting. Additionally, Olmsted co-founded the progressive magazine, The Nation.
David Brower, a 21st century environmentalist, worked together with others to create several organizations including Sierra Club Foundation and Friends of the Earth, and campaigned against nuclear power and the use of Agent Orange in Vietnam.
Dolores C. Huerta, a tireless immigrant-rights activist and slow-food advocate living in California, constantly inspires farmers in the United States to organize and reinvest in more natural food harvesting. She co-founded the United Farm Workers of America.
In addition to these historical and current heroes and heroines, I have noticed more and more young people showing interest in environmental and social justice. An online survey affirms this trend: 61 percent of 13-25-year-old Americans feel personally responsible for making a difference in the world, 81 percent have volunteered in the past year, and 83 percent will trust a company more if it is socially/environmentally responsible. The report also suggested that feelings of social and civic responsibility among in-coming college freshmen are at the highest level in twenty-five years.
The change in young people’s values is making an impact in the corporate world, as well. Many new companies are promoting ethical and environmental products. Search for U.S. made, sweat-shop free, organic goods, and you’ll find many companies such as EVO’s apparel and Organic Caboose’s essentials for babies and moms. And these ethical companies aren’t limited to clothing merchandisers. Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA boxes, provide consumers with ultra-fresh fruits and vegetables and also help out local farmers. Focusing on these companies and people can lead us to a more positive and green patriotism.
In the spirit of these companies and people, consider this July 4th a day to celebrate not just independence, but also interdependence. Interdependence emphasizes not only original thinking but also community and interconnectedness. This idea recognizes that we are all reliant on one another, and that by working together with our fellow humans, we can create a peaceful and harmonious world. William James, an American psychologist and philosopher from the late 19th century, has a great quote that helps point out the importance of both individuality and community: “The community stagnates without the impulse of the individual. The impulse dies away without the sympathy of the community.”
This holiday weekend, take time to reflect on the importance of individuality and community. Be sure to honor our fearless foremothers and fathers. Recognize and thank someone in your community who is working together to promote positive change. Support businesses made of diverse, beautiful, and socially conscious American workers. And celebrate all the amazing people in your life, regardless of their geographical affiliation.
related stories
-
(46 comments)
-
(42 comments)
-
(43 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
14 comments
add your comment »Wonderful! You captured my exact mentality. You provided a thoughtful and educated point of view. Thanks and I cannot wait for your next article. Keep up the good work!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Flags and nations divide good people of the world into bite sized chunks to be devoured by the power hungry.
I was born in Britain, look at what the British ruling classes have done (and are still doing) to the world by crusade and empire. I can't identify with religious, monarchical or political hegemonists and zealots just because of the geography of my birth!
here's my suggestion for a new pledge:
"I pledge no allegiance to any flag of anywhere or to any republic for which it stands. No nation, no god, will ever bring liberty or justice for all."
....it can and should be dispatched by anyone, anywhere in the world, any time.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Excellent article. Thanks for the reminder and reinforcement of my own beliefs.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
I couldn't agree with you more.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
An American patriot is one who has committed to support, protect and defend the Constitution.
The Constitution that declared our purpose"...to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity..."
These privileges, purposes, rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution guaranteed by the struggle. privations and blood of patriots.
I propose that the Congress of the United States dispense with the 'Pledge of Allegience.' I suggest, instead, that we begin all public gatherings with some variation of the oath sworn by all naturalized citizens, by every member of the armed forces, the President, by every elected and appointed official.
Perhaps our oath could simply be as follows:
I hereby declare that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. I will fullfill the responsibilities and duties of a citizen of the United States of America. I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
I realize that this oath is not nearly as poetic as the 'Pledge,'however, perhaps we can call upon some of our poets and wordsmiths to polish it and make it more appealing. In that way we can remind our citizens, on a regular basis, the purpose of this nation.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
I believe all my Americans friends have a lot to be proud of as Americans - they have the finest document as their constitution conceived and authored by some of the finest people in the recent world history which gave its citizens a value system that should be the envy of anyone. Therefore, as an Indian, I have no hesitation in saying that America is good and Americans are the amongst the 'goodest'.
Megan talked of patriotism through innocence; I believe the title though CORRECT maybe somewhat misleading while the contents are apt, highly relevant in this era of 'citizenery of the world' and demand serious consideration. Most Americans are aware that the basic premise for war in Iraq was wrong yet they supported George Bush; not only that but also they gave him a second term. That shows a naivette misgotten by 'patriotism' as viewed by some. There should be no doubt that the main reason for global economic downturn is the Iraq war that, in USA herself, caused numerous job losses etc with a concertina effect on global finance system.
I am proud to be an Indian and like my American friends am proud of the value system that they have. I believe true patriotism lies not only in following the leaders but also correcting them, if need be, by serious agitation, so that they do not indulge in misadventurism of the kind that GB undertook which, in turn, led to severe American (and international) economic downturn and its associated fallout. In all this, values of religion, huma
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
megan, some of us agree whole-heartedly with what you are saying.
unfortunately, for others pride in might and a tendency to kill now... never ask questions... is the mentality.
those are the ones that keep this world in wars.
i'm blown away that someone is even quoting scriptures to promote pride in their violent natures.
'what would jesus say?'
pfffft!
was 'violence' the message he brought, or was it love and acceptance of one another?
it's a sad fact of society that 'love' means nothing outside one's narrow walls - both physical walls, and mental.
God bless us ALL -- we sure need it!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
With all the and insightful, thoughtful comments written here in this thread, and so many others in Care2, I see the spark that is America. We all care about others, we all take great pride in the United States, even though we may choose to state it in different ways. What really gives me hope for our great nation is that we are free to voice our opinions, without fear of reprisal, like in so many non-democratic countries around the world. All the voices here have mentioned the many things it takes to make a great country like ours, we, each of us have brought one or many of these thoughts to bear for all to read and think about.
We have to remember where we came from, to know where we should be going.
May all of you here and around the world, who love Freedom and Justice, (Thank you especially all you servicemen and women) have a safe and Happy Fourth Of July.
Lync
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Don't confuse "today" with "yesterday". The World is changing rapidly. We are here (now) able to express our opinions due to hundreds-of-thousands of lives sacrificed for us being able to live a life of freedom.
Wanna get in an elevator with a Middle -Easterner with a box cutter? Go for it! Martyrs die daily.
Sean Penn is looking for a few more "human shields" for the next confrontation. Be my guest!
Why not contact Woody Guthrie, and ask when the next "group hug" event is scheduled?
Disclaimer: I am a "TAPS" bugler ... a proud member of "Bugles Across America". I volunteer my time, travel expenses to play my horn for Veteran's memorial services. "TAPS"-- the 24 toughest notes in music. Try playing "music" when you have a lump in your throat the size of a golf ball. Emblazoned across the entryway to one of the Veteran's Cemeteries where I honor our fallen heroes is this: "The cost of freedom is visible here".
Feeling good about yourself, Kiddo? Thank a Veteran! I mean DO IT! They had the guts ... do you?
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Many look and see the forth of a July as a day get off work to eat hot dogs and get drunk, not much more than that. Other that drive nice cars live in big houses, eat out more than at home and relish in the America way of life have not a clue what was the need for the American people years ago to rebel against Britain to gain total freedom nor do many understand how many died to get Britain to go home alone.
Britain for years was a giant Empire that raped and ravished all in sight to take and not give back. Many of our earlier settlers in the USA were financed to come here by Barons in Britain so that those Barons could get a piece of the pie in what is called the USA. Nothing new about that look at what Bush and Cheney did in Iraq, while we stood by and allowed. MY GOD FORBIDS.
So MY TAKE about this day reminds me that we have a big job ahead of us to do again. “For our foes are not outside our borders but within”. And We the People must once again come alive stand up shout out stop this madness. The Undercurrent that is alive today in America is: What can I do to stop this madness? Many feel desperate, yet who has a legal way to take back our nation. I do. We The People Advocates come to my page and look around there you will find the solution.
Dbaker007@stx.rr.com
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: