Song of the Week:
LOL by: Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Bleed Red, White & Blue
Times like these, living in the midst of political and social upheaval, can be classified as overwhelming. I often find myself wanting to disengage for the outside world. As the presidential election approaches my frustration with how this country operates skyrockets. I have been on a terror here, talking about the downfalls in America. The reason being the presidential election coming up. Everything about how this country runs boils my blood. Joe Bidens last days are coming to an end, with the has up my scare for the future. What my future is going to look. It is not just America; the state of the world is in shambles, and the future of humanity is hanging by a thread.
Being American
In another past life, perhaps I could have been the first woman president or the governor of California. But in this life, I have zero interest in being patriotic. Loving America with my whole heart is not something I struggle in. Wearing or displaying the American flag as décor is borderline disturbing. Despite my father serving this country for 28 years, I cannot fully embrace American patriotism. And with the Fourth of July just passing, I want to talk about patriotism and why it’s a huge phenomenon in America.
Growing up. Love for America was ingrained in our brains. At such a young age we were told to stand for pledge, put our hand on your heart and recite the words proudly. We did it every morning. No matter what. We even had a day dedicated for the Flag! I never found it odd until my high school because my bubble burst and I questioned my indoctrination.
By the famous 2016 Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem. Never has anything so blatantly affected me like this one. It highlighted my reality. Racial inequality of America. My skin color does matter. They didn’t care if my mother was Asian, or that I am just like any other girl, or that I excel in my studies, all people noticed is my brown skin- it was heartbreaking. It made me frustrated, made me rethink my whole life in grade school. I was wearing rose tinted glasses. Nobody liked the black girl, but they liked her lightly colored best friend or how when I gave sass it was seen as disrespectful but when another girl gave sass it was funny.
I stopped standing for the pledge of Allegiance that year. My perspective shifted, and I became rebellious against the notions of blind patriotism. That same year, I learned about the extensive U.S History AP style. I was able to grasp the brutality, the victories, the ridiculousness of it all. I understood why he took that knee and in the same breath I understood why people hated it. I didn’t feel proud, instead it furthered the alienation of me and my country.
Question Everything
When I say I am a philosopher I mean it, I question just about every human behavior, process, action and now patriotism. What is patriotism? Why are people loyal to their country? Especially Americans? Stephen Nathanson was the first to tackle the philosophical definition of patriotism in 1993, outlining four key characteristics:
- Special affection for one’s own country
- A sense of personal identification with the country
- Special concern for the well-being of the country
- Willingness to sacrifice to promote the country’s good
Keep in mind in his book he uses the terms “special affection” and “love” interchangeably, however, people think these terms to be mere expressions but, not in this case.
Nathanson’s framework provides is a steppingstone into our discussion examining patriotism because it leads us to question the definition itself. What is special affections? In my case, is it possible to feel this special affection while being critical of the country’s flaws?
What I gather form the definition is patriotism essentially an emotional bond of love and loyalty to one’s country, so deep that it enters endorsement territory. One loves for their country includes the belief that the achievements and virtues to outweighs the downfalls. Thus, wanting to upkeep the same virtues and standards to ensure continuous achievements, sometimes believing this greatness is superior to any other country. This love and loyalty being tied in the first instance combined with overarching greatness can be problematic. It can bleed into personal identity and diminish the value of criticism, leading to a view of the country through rose-tinted glasses and quite frankly ignore the issues.
My Issues are Everyone Issues
In this life, I cannot simply ignore these issues. I have what I call the triple whammy: I am a woman, bi-racial a mix of two minority and come from working class parents. As you can see, almost any American issues tie back to me in some way that I can’t ignore. Issues that in my eyes aren’t issues or problems because they have solutions. America…is focused in other areas I assume, that are bigger than me. People tell me to suck it up and be grateful.
While many people think patriotism is a natural and appropriate expression of attachment and a form of gratitude for the benefits the country has to offer, I say, “Comparison is the theft of joy.” When we dissect the so-called benefits, we compare them with third world characteristics. Instead, why not compare to the top three countries: Switzerland, Canada, Sweden? America is currently ranked number 5 which isn’t too bad, but I know we could be better. Much better, in fact, if America would shift its focus to target these internal issues.
But for now, I withhold my patriotism. We aren’t the greatest, I don’t think we have been for a long time. So here is my announcement for president. Vote Janessa Shaw at your local ballot. LOL! I am just playing around. Seriously, I just want to emphasis that as humans we have the ability to think, having philosophical inquiries is what makes the world bearable. Not every question needs an answer, but every question does need thought.
Sh*t is not Funny
Exploring my relationship with my country has always been a multifaceted subject. Having a father in the military who loved this country, that his gave his life for it while on the other hand having an immigrant mother that this country takes advantage of. then there is me in the middle of all of that. The only thing that keeps me sane, is my music. This week I present another RKS banger that recently stole my heart: LOL. Just the title alone is one of my most common sayings, so I had to put this song on the playlist. And I think it perfectly describe my relationship with my country. Very much toxic and sometimes it’s out of my hands.
Thank you for joining me on this journey at The Unfinished Times. Don’t forget to follow me for more insightful content, give a shout-out to spread the word, and consider signing up for our Co-Collective to be part of our vibrant community. And if you missed any posts from previous weeks, take a moment to catch up! Let’s continue exploring, sharing, and growing together! Lots of changes happening<3 See you in the next post~ XOXO
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