Patriotism (or lack thereof)

Yesterday was America's Independence Day. My country . . . by birth and by choice. Being third generation Asian-American (sansei), I grew up saying the Pledge of Allegiance, singing all those military hymns (I actually had an LP of them) and living in a household that believed in the American Dream.

My father grew up on a sugar plantation on the Big Island. My mother was raised on a small farm on O'ahu. They were the generation that saw what happened when there were no labor unions securing workers' rights (and the struggle and sacrifice that ensued in trying to establish them). When having white skin meant getting a job with an influential firm that did not bother to interview people of color for management positions. When civic responsibility and giving back to your community was expected.

No wonder I turned out to be such a liberal socialist! I have no idea what happened to my sisters who are conservative Republicans and actually voted for GWB . . . twice! Bleh. After numerous mind-numbing, head-banging "conversations," it seems my hope must rest with the next generation, my nieces and nephews, to think for themselves and not succumb to their parents' ignora...uh...misguid...er...views. Yeah, okay, views.

I want to be proud of my country. I think in many ways, I am. I mean, every country has its faults, its skeletons, right? It's not like we committed genocide. Oh. Well, it's not like we enslaved another race. Oh yeah. Well at least America never put her own citizens in internment camps. Uh. Hmm, well at least we hold true to and protect our civil liberties. Geez. Vehemently oppose torture? Take the lead in safeguarding our environment? *Sigh* What was the original point of this paragraph again?

Seriously though, I feel part of the reason I am so critical is because I still believe. I have not given up hope. There is a part of me that wants to waylay the cynicism and revel in the proverbial cock-eyed optimist perspective. To believe this country can live up to its highest ideals. (Cue crescendo of patriotic music now.) (SweetlyDemure frantically tries to swat cynicism away.) In political science it was all about deconstructionalism. Perhaps it is time to start constructing. To create a new paradigm. Civil discussions. The respectful exchange of ideas. Hmm...guess I better start working on my nieces and nephews now...