Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July

Oh how I have longed to write a drawn out conceptualization of the lies of American democracy and patriotism. I'd thoroughly enjoy discussing the many difficulties we face as a nation and the hypocrisy that fills our bowels. I'd love to join conspiracy theorists and shout from the highest tower that America isn't about a unified dream; that it isn't a proverbial heaven amidst a problematic world. Yet, deep inside, snuggled up against my utter disregard for our divided government, lack of food regulation, over-abundance of political money lobbies deciding our future, and extreme flaunting of our outward despotism; I love this country.

I said it, I love being an American. You might think I'm an idiot for saying as such or that I only love this country because I choose to ignore its problems, but that simply is not true. Every country in our world is riddled with complexities and hypocrisies, corruption and poverty. Yet as Americans, we stand up on a daily basis, not only confronting our inner problems but expanding our hands out to the multinational-geopolitical crises abroad. We fight daily against xenophobic tensions that are rooted in our collective identity. We choose to volunteer and help thy neighbor. In times of justified war, us Americans can grow into such a fierce patriotic frenzy that no enemy in the world would want to face.

Our freedom of the press, our right to assemble, even our controversial right to bear arms is what sets us apart. We scream individualism yet strive towards a common society. Are our freedoms perfect? Are they absolute? In theory, sure, but in reality, it would be silly to think so. But that isn't the point. On this anniversary of our country's birth; a birth bloodied with war, riddled with conspiracy, and grown out of racist tendencies, let us remember what makes life here so special.

Yes we might over work, over stress, and over complicate our lives in this fast paced society we call home, but we do it because our individualistic society beckons us to not sit idle. Our society encourages us to compete with ourselves to be better. It doesn't matter what your personal cause is. You could be growing a garden for your family to produce organic treasures. You might donate time at a local food bank or build online charities. 

The point I'm trying to make, is that you don't have to ride to the top to make a difference. Every positive step you take in life affects others around you and it is because of this that our country is so grand. It isn't our national calling cards for being the best or our syllogistic need to logically prove so. It is within the microcosms of the American identity and culture where our true patriotism can be found. It's in our immigrants who work harder than any other because they choose to live here and not anywhere else. It's in our innovators who dedicate themselves to higher education and their 12-hour days in the lab. It is that beautiful smile you see as your favorite waitress approaches, even though you know she has had a terrible day. We lean on each other, we guide each other, and, if it comes to it, we fight for each other.

Patriotism isn't ignorance towards our problems. It is the ability to stand up together, despite our difficulties, and progress towards a united future. 

Happy 4th of July, everyone, and thank you to those who work diligently to keep us safe and moving forward.