"Finally proud to be an American"

Today I came across a Facebook status that read, "finally proud to be an American." After discussing with a friend, we both agreed: "'Finally'?? WTF?"

Now I know it was tough for some people to be proud of their country lately, for reasons so vast and complicated that I’ll never summarize them in a silly Facebook note (their disdain/disappointment in so many Bush administration decisions; perhaps general disagreement in the concept of nation-states in general; fear of being “thrown in” the stereotype of post-9/11 patriotism; among others). Sure, I get it.

And I also “get” that there is nothing wrong with discovering a new meaning to an old symbol, and the inspiration felt across many minds and hearts due to Obama’s uplifting candidacy and election is enough to move people to certain new actions and motivations.

But part of me finds it appalling as well – not appalling to see so much “patriotism;” rather, the opposite: Appalling that so many could decry the flag pins and magnetic ribbons over the past few years, and now suddenly be “proud” of America and being American.

Being a proud American means keeping the hope and faith that Obama has held up as his platform – even when times are tough. Even when it seems like someone is spitting in the face of all that you believe in. Even when Bush - or whoever - is president and things seem terrible. And even when it gets “better” (whatever that even means.)

Being an “American” means so many virtuous things, as it has since 1776. The manifestation of our collective ideas in the form of policies hasn’t necessarily resulted in things to be 100% proud of, but the fact that we exist and our country has always been the most democratic place on this earth, is something to be proud of regardless of the trees.

So see the forest. And if for some reason you only became proud today, I’m happy for you. It’s a good feeling, right? But just like the Stars and Stripes themselves, keep it with you forever. Because if this wasn’t America (in the historical, contextual, emotional, and even philosophical sense), this wouldn’t have even happened in the first place.