A Sober Look At The USA On The Celebration Of Its Birth

"While Americans grill burgers and hot dogs, enjoy a dip in the pool, and await the annual July Fourth fireworks display, I remain happily surprised that this day of communal patriotism is still widely accepted and generally celebrated," Lewis argues. "To be blunt, it feels like the country is coming apart at the seams and lacking some shared purpose. And I'm not alone in feeling this way." Click on the link > (America is 'coming apart at the seams' as the 'nationalist' far right goes full 'authoritarian': conservative)

Two Types Of Nationallsm

The terms "patriotism" and "nationalism" have gone through some interpretive changes in recent years, thanks to the Republican Party's adoption of an "America First" mantra. Beau of the Fifth Column YouTube channel clarifies the good, bad, and ugly of the terms. Click on the link below for details:

Let's talk about two types of nationalism....

Nationalism Is A Bastardization Of Patriotism

"Nationalism is dangerous. There is nothing wrong with being patriotic, but Americans often forget, or may not even be aware of, how quickly enthusiastic patriotism can devolve into nationalism. Patriotism and nationalism are often used interchangeably, but they are very different. Patriotism is love and pride for one’s nation, while nationalism is the idea of the superiority of one’s culture, government, people, and nation over others."

Click on the link below for a brief, succinct, and thorough article describing this disease that is ravaging the US:

Nationalism is Dangerous

For a scholarly article looking at the history of society's evolution and coherence, click here.

"Patriotism" Or "Nationalism"

"What sticks out to me is how patriotism, by definition, isn’t inherently good or bad. It all depends on what exactly is being vigorously supported.

"If you support a country that believes it’s OK to imprison or kill those who disagree with you, or stone and murder women who dare leave their home without their heads covered, then your patriotism pretty much stinks.

"But if you live in a country that supports the rights of all individuals equally to say what they want, write what they want, read what they want, love who they want, worship however they want, and protest peacefully against anything they want — in other words, a place that encourages and honors freedom — then patriotism can be a positive thing." (The Dark Side of Patriotism)

History has shown that the line where pride in your country (patriotism) slips into the belief that your nation is superior (nationalism) is very blurry. The links below further clarify these terms.

The Dangers of Patriotism: Remembering Robert Prager

Nationalism is Dangerous

An Attempt To Look At Patriotism Objectively

Is there more disagreement in today's society than what the term patriotism means? This article attempts to look at it unbiasedly.  You decide if it is correct or not.

America needs more patriotism

(Dreamstime.com)

No Flag From Me Today

Sorry, my "patriotism" has been hijacked by my government. I usually proudly fly the US flag on particular holidays but I just can't in good conscience do so now. The following articles sum up my thoughts.  Enjoy the day, but please, no false "love of country."

242 years later, America has some unfulfilled promises

Joe the refugee reminded me what the American dream is all about

5 Reasons I'm Not Celebrating The 4th Of July This Year

I’m A Military Wife, But I Won’t Celebrate 4th Of July This Year

We are still not free: Why I can’t celebrate the Fourth of July

 

 (Dreamstime.com)

Read more here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/article214253289.html#storylink=cpy