What happens to the patriotic holidays?
I was born to patriotic parents in rural Georgia. Independence Day was the biggest holiday of the year and was so much fun. My brother and I were in the local parades on bikes, waving flags, or throwing candy every single year. Some of my fondest memories are of sitting on the top of a parking deck downtown, watching the fireworks over the park, eating popcorn, and feeling like we lived in the best country in the world.
Over the years, the traditions began slipping. It’s difficult to imagine my life revolving around a holiday that I barely even acknowledge. Do you have to be patriotic to celebrate the 4th? Do you have to be proud of our country to drape yourself in the flag? These are questions I wrestle with.
When I was a child, I thought the President was the most powerful man on earth.
Now that I know more, he’s just a pawn for corporate giants trying to increase their profit margin.
When I was a child, I thought America was the beacon of democracy.
Now that I know more, it’s clear that installing puppet democracies around the world is not the same as promoting democratic ideals.
When I was a child, I thought all people were equal.
Now that I know more, It’s easy to see that our systems were created to benefit wealthy, white men.
When I was a child, I thought war was about good guys beating bad guys.
Now that I know more, I grieve the lives of young Americans that were sacrificed for greed and political ambitions.
When I was a child, I believed that America was blessed by God.
Now that I am older, I understand that there is no god and he certainly didn’t bless the USA.