Last spring, I went through a months-long phase when every time I walked to and from class, I would stare geekily at the American flag on Senior Grass. I was fascinated by its vibrant colors and its unwavering strength in powerful winds. I was unable to tear my eyes from its crinkling folds. While I do not feel the same unbreakable pull each time I pass it now, my feelings remain unchanged: I love the American flag, and I’m proud of what it represents. Unfortunately, not enough people are.
Nowadays, patriots dress in ruby red and those in blue have faded from the limelight. According to a Gallup poll, 92% of Republicans today say they are “extremely or very” proud of the U.S., while only 36% of Democrats agree. Yet patriotism wasn’t always so partisan. In January 2001, a similar poll found that 90% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats described themselves as “extremely or very proud” to be American.
It’s no mystery why so many are struggling to stay patriotic. Even when the government isn’t shut down, it’s unstable. From the deployment of the National Guard in Oregon to the demolition of the East Wing and Jackie Kennedy’s beloved Rose Garden, it can feel like our country has lost all sense of normalcy.
I don’t agree with the values of the current administration and don’t excuse their actions. Indeed, we must bear in mind that they do not define us.
I solemnly—and of course, unbiasedly—still believe that America is the greatest country, and the facts agree. According to Companies Market Cap, eight of the ten largest global companies are American. Both economically and militarily, the United States is a powerhouse. We are lauded globally as a country of greatness, and for good reason, because even in difficult times, Americans don’t give up. We fight back.
Just weeks ago, millions of peaceful protesters flooded streets across the country in “No Kings” protests. Crowds from Austin, TX to New York City hoisted signs condemning the administration’s actions and urging citizens to resist. This protest, the second-largest in our history and the single largest in 55 years, was an encouraging display of American spirit. More than anything, demonstrations such as these are what define America.
When I say I’m proud to be American, this is what I’m talking about: democracy in action. I just wish more people viewed it this way. Some at the “No Kings” protest hoisted signs reading, “Protest is Patriotic.” But others—my grandparents included—held signs that said, “I am an American, and I am embarrassed.”
Yes, our country is facing a hard time. But we will recover. We have made it through hard times before. We made it through Nixon—hell, we even made it through King George. Politics swings like a pendulum. Sometimes we need the Nixons and Georges to get the Reagans and Obamas.
The United States will endure for hundreds, if not thousands of years. In the grand scheme of things, this administration is just a speck in our history. The country’s legacy cannot be stained by a singular semi-tyrannical ruler. Rather, our country will be remembered as what it is: a country of freedom, democracy, and progress.
Our president does not define us. I just hope it doesn’t take long for us to realize that we are so much more than what he believes us to be.
