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Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Coffee Talk: Patriotism
I decided to move Coffee Talk to Tuesdays to give you more time before I post the Weekly Update.

Today's topic is not the threatened politically charged debate, but happens to fall very close to this realm.

From my view the 9/11 attacks cause an uprising of American patriotism. People mounting gigantic flags to their cars, grown men and women spontaneously signing up for military duty and a general sense of lets go kick that skinny, kidney failing psyco's ass.

As the years have worn on since the attacks I see patriotism beginning to wane. Long gone are the high flying flags and the sense of American pride. Here are the days of the endless yellow ribbons and the sound of nails on the chalkboard when bobo the clown opens his big fat trap.

I feel as if I am embarrassed somedays to actually be an American. We are not well received in other countries. Many of us personify the stereotype of "Ugly American."

I almost miss the days of saying I was proud to be an American. Don't get me wrong. The United States has more to offer than almost any other country in the world. We are given so many freedoms. That is what once made this country great and respected.

I see Americans as these depressed people. Reminiscent of the days of the soup line or the gas line.

There in lies the point. Think back. (To your history books or the days when you were younger) Imagine men clamoring at a fence for the opportunity to work. Standing in line for public assistance because your children are freezing and hungry. Watching your family slowly die due to untreated illness. But in all that pain and suffering comes someone to give you hope. A simple man. A washed up boxer who comes back to take the heavyweight title. James Braddock gave millions of Americans hope. He showed them that no matter how bad of a hand life deals you there is the ability to come back.

Take the example of the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team. In a time when our country was fighting a war we couldn't see a group of remarkable young men beat all the odds by winning gold for our country. Again, giving Americans a renewed hope.

Could this happen again? Could the simple act of a sports victory bring about a renewed sense of American pride? Or will it take something much more profound?

today's topic is not to discuss the finer points of Bobo and Uncle Dicky, but rather to wheedle out your thoughts on what kind of act would bring around your American spirit. Has your country's pride faded in the last 6 years? If so, why and what would give it a boost?
12 Comments:
Blogger Yeah So said...
It is easy to forget the American spirit during our daily lives. We as spoiled Americans tend to dwell on all that is wrong with the world instead of what is right. I think the American spirit can be seen all around if you look for it. I see it when a young black man gives up his seat on the subway for an old white woman. I see it when a young teenager returns my lost wallet with everything still in it. I see it when someone falls in the street and 10 people rush over.

These big stories of hope usually only happen when there is some big tragedy to rise out of (like, the possibility of losing a gold medal :) )perhaps it is a good thing that there are not too many of those.

Regardless of all this, I will never be embarrassed to be an American. We have alot to be proud of, even if we whine alot and pay $4 for coffee.

Blogger CarolinaGirl said...
Wow...this is an awesome post. I thought a lot about this when I was in Moscow. I had many discussions with our translator, and tour guide, and friends that are living in Moscow right now. It is true, we aren't seen with much respect. I think it is more that they see America (probably the government) trying to tell everyone else what to do and we can't even take care of the people in our own back yard (New Orleans for one) These were a lot of common themes that I heard. Having been abroad a few times, I love to ask questions...and I find that other countries view us as arrogant and fat and unhappy. I was a little shocked at that. Maybe it is because I watch too much E Entertainment on the Fabulous Life of.......
When I was on the tour of the Kremlin, I was in awe at the respect and pride that was shown in their country. I mean everyone...the Russians might be poor, but, they are proud of who they are. I can regretedly admit that there were moments that I was embarrassed when asked questions about New Orleans and Iraq. It is sad to say that in recent history, I was the most proud when the Red Sox won the World Series. Is that sad?. Oh, I am proud to be an American....but, something is missing. Something is missing in everyone these days. Don't flame me for saying that. I am just telling you how I feel.

Blogger Trusty Husband said...
The thing that makes me proud to be American is the fact that we can even HAVE a discussion about this. Do I think that the political system in this country is broken? Yes. But at least we still have the freedom to say whatever we want to say.

For me it will take a lot more than a new president and bringing our troops hoem from Iraq to fix things. Politicians on BOTH sides of the aisle are doing a poor job. I don't think it will ever change until we either have a viable third party to vote for or institute term limits for senators and representative. Oh we have to have an educated electorate too, but that's a whole other post (hmmmm... that one might be for the stupidity blog)

Blogger CarolinaGirl said...
Bring it on Derek! Amen to that. You just summed it all up in a nutshell. By the way, I will be waiting for that post on your stupidity blog...

Blogger Maggie said...
OK. I'm too much of a liberal to comment much here. I fear the flames! Suffice it to say that the unemployment and health insurance issues have affected me heavily in recent years and... well... ouch.

I'm still proud to be American but we're mighty messed up in some areas. And that's all I'll say about that here.

Biting. Tongue. Hard.

Anonymous Anonymous said...
My flag still flies. I've enjoyed many other countries where I've visited, but I'm thankful to be American. Serena

Anonymous Anonymous said...
As an American living abroad in Germany I can tell you that it only takes one normal patriotic American to make a difference. I was and my husband still is in the Military. We live in a village that consists of alot of German WW II vets. We were frowned at and not many would talk to us. Now they do not want us to leave. When I had to leave in 2003 for Iraq our neighbors went out of there way to make sure my husband was taken care of. Not that he needed it, but it was the thought that counted. More often than not I see Germans supporting our cause. Their military guarded our posts when all of us were getting deployed. I don't talk much about Iraq, but I can tell you that we are needed there. It is so demeaning to a soldier when people protest against what they are fighting. They have signed on that dotted line to Support and Fight for Our FREE Country voluntarily. With that said when one dies don't say how sad it is. Just remember that soldier would want to be remembered for what he/she was fighting for. I could go on and on but I wont. Polititions and the media are a big problem when it comes to being Patriotic. I actually think they make it worse.
Anyway I hope I have made sense with what I have said.

Blogger Jennefer said...
My oldest son was talking to me about this a few days ago. He thinks that our world needs an alien attack. (From the mouths of babes) He thinks this is the only thing that would unite the world, break down all of our barriers and throw out all of the rigid ideologies that separate us. He thinks a common enemy is the only solution. However, I think that something like that (as silly as it sounds) would unite the world possibly, but temporarily. I just don't think it would last. Just like after the 9/11 attacks- the patriotism and forgetting our differences was soon forgotten.

I think it is great to have a sports figure that we can identify with who goes on to victory- while we vicariously accompany him or her, but these victories are all short lived. The emotion runs high at the time, but I don't think it lasts either.

I think a lasting change can be brought about through correct knowledge, information, positive (can I say propaganda?) and media. Something to focus on changing each individual heart.

Just think of what this has done to stop millions from smoking or to quit. When the knowlege and information is correct and then spread to a large population- it changes people's thoughts and behavior for the better. Best case sceniorio is that kids are taught these things in their homes, but because this is not happening- we need programs to strengthen families and teach the world how to get along. That is what I think anyway.

Blogger Jennefer said...
Just want to add this- I was told by a man I know who travels alot (not someone who has adopted from Russia) to put a little Canadian symbol on our luggage when we travel to Russia- so people don't know we are Americans.

Blogger Elle said...
Since I posed the discussion topic I thought I would add my arguement. Just because I pose a topic doesn't mean that I fully believe in it. Call it my way of getting you to fluff your dendrites a little.

I fully support our troops over seas. My cousin's new husband served two tours in Iraq and I am incredibly proud of him. It takes courage and determination and a whole ton of American pride to sign up. I admire our soliers for that. They serve because pansies like me like to sit in the comfort of my living room.

Don't get me wrong, for the most part I am proud to be an American. What bothers me is the American sense of entitlement. I have seen this ideology evolve tremedously in the past year. Parents encouraging other parents to write to their senators to ask the senators to intervene in another country's governmental system. I often feel like Americans believe that the entire world should conform to their way of being. Wipe out the culture of the rest of the world because it is different. This is where my thought of the "Ugly American" comes into play.

I have read countless stories of families adopting overseas that are required to stay for long periods of time and by the end just want to get the hell out of that god forsaken country. Personally, I look forward to it. I am not going to pretend that I am not an American, but Like Kim said, it only takes one to change a view.

I am not sure what it would take to bring around my pride or the pride of the whole country or world. I am with D. Our governmental system needs some serious work. How do we do that? By being informed voters. One person can make a difference. Open your mouth. You live in America and have the right to do so.

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Elle,

You Go Girl!!!

I have been reading your blog for a while. We have been is the process of adopting from Russland since Sept 2004. We to lost a referral and had to change regions. It is a pain being an American living overseas and trying to adopt.

Blogger Woods Family said...
I have to say that living in another country for 2 months has renewed my patriotism. Well - not really renewed - I have always been patriotic and flown my flag. But being here, I see the pride that Americans take in their country from the buildings to the National Parks. It is awsome. When I stand in Washington DC I see immaculate buildings and amazing architecture. Not something that I have seen in Kazakhstan. I am also proud of the work ethic that I see around me. I am sure that others will disagree - but there are people back home who organize Earth Day, Clean the Beach Day, and a myriad of other days that show pride. (Of course not all Americans feel this way and not all participate and go to work everyday.) I am given hope by the intelligent, kind, thinking young adults I work with everyday. I love America. I can't wait to be home.

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