The Opportunity Of Declining Patriotism

In years past, a blog about or relating to the 4th was easier for me to write. Perhaps that was because I hadn’t covered as many topics or the country wasn’t as crazy

Probably a combination of the two.

On this 4th of July, patriotism is in a state of decline in the USA.

The share of those who are “extremely proud” to be an American has fallen to a record low of 41%. In contrast, 70% of Americans said the same in 2003.

You can look at the change a variety of ways. Many older Americans ask why patriotism has declined, while younger Americans ask why was patriotism so high.

I gave an explanation of this divide a couple of years ago. In short, throughout the 20th century, the USA experienced so much technological, social and cultural change that the generations grew up in almost different worlds.

Consider what happened from 1900–1999:

1. Two world wars

2. The collapse of European colonial empires

3. The rise of the USA as a superpower

4. The Cold War

5. Civil and women’s rights movements

6. The collapse of the Soviet Union

7. The rise of international terrorism.

8. The Information Age

This is an incredible succession of events at a breakneck speed. Consider how the European Middle Ages endured for a millennium with a much slower rate of change.

Life has differed considerably for the Silent Generation, the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z over the course of 100 years. It only follows that their general perspectives are different, including levels of patriotism.

Channeling my Oprah Winfrey, I think the different generations need to regularly listen and talk to each other without judgment and without expecting the other side will agree. Both sides will therefore “calibrate” their values to what others think.

Otherwise, what’s the alternative? The USA is a country with freedom of speech. Inevitably, there will be gradients of patriotism in a democratic society. As attractive as it may be to some to be unified in our patriotism, it won’t happen.

I find that my patriotism is reflective of the past few generations. My grandfathers fought in WWII and believed in that cause. My mother is on the border of the Baby Boomers and Gen X and my sister is Gen Z. They’ve given me critiques of the system that helps explain why patriotism is declining

I don’t have the same level of patriotism as I did in the past, but I’m still proud of my country- the current presidential race aside.

I take great pride in the USA’a actions during WWII. I take pride in how many millions of immigrants have come to this country and achieved the American dream.

At the same time, I’m ashamed how long certain people were denied basic human rights and civil liberties. No matter how much time passes, those wounds still linger.

It’s uncomfortable and difficult, but we need to listen to the errors of our past.

In Russia, China, North Korea and their authoritarian friends, patriotism in the form of supporting the government is mandatory. You aren’t as free to criticize the system or its shortcomings as you are in the West. The government has less accountability.

I’ll take freedom of speech and its messiness over a forced government compliance.

Patriotism will rise and fall in a democratic society. It’s not guaranteed.

It should never be, no matter how low it gets.

As uncomfortable as that may feel.

We need to find and create reasons for people to feel patriotic again.