As of late, I have received a lot of criticism for vocalizing my passion for diversity and various cultures. Judging by the content of this blog, I believe the best way to better understand yourself and to appreciate your life, is to travel as much as possible, meeting new people and gaining new experiences. Going to Mexico definitely put me out of my comfort zone but forever changed my attitudes and exposed me to a new culture and perspective of the Spanish language entirely that greatly enriched my life.
Whether it’s supporting another nation’s athletic team or becoming proficient in multiple languages, someone’s interest in another culture and perspective does not discount the patriotism they can express for their own country and nationality. The United States of America is my home and I wouldn’t trade living in such a privileged society for anything. This nation and the principles of democracy shape my daily life and I am proud to be a citizen of this country.
On days such as September 11th, people choose to express their patriotism proudly. While I hold the belief that any day is an appropriate time to express patriotism and appreciation for the freedom found within the American nation, today many people publicly express their sentiments regarding what it means to be an American.
It actually blows my mind to think that I may be part of the youngest generation to actually remember the events as they happened 12 years ago today. On September 11, 2001, I was a second grader with the flu. After spending the night in the emergency room for severe dehydration, the doctors encouraged my mother to keep me home the next day. Throughout this ordeal, I had simultaneously spread my germs to my entire family. So, on this day, twelve years ago, there my family sat, sprawled out on the couches in the family room basking in each other’s sickness. I honestly have never been so grateful to be ill. Because I was home, I was able to watch all of the events unfold on television – including seeing the second tower fall. I listened to and watched hours of news stories and reports, something my classmates at school were not able to do.
Although I watched planes repeatedly crash into the side of the World Trade Center and listened to interviewees crying hysterically on national television, in search of their loved ones, I had no idea of the implications that would come from this day. Today, every outlet of social media has proclaimed “Never forget”. What are we not forgetting? I know many are remembering the beautiful lives of heroes and loved ones, but I am also aware of the gripping hostilities lingering from the terrorist actions. This memory is forever inscribed in the history of the USA but progress and true demonstration of the democratic spirit would not permit the bloodshed to be recalled in such an aggressive manner. Countless posts on social media sites I have seen today include openly racist remarks and suggestions toward “revenge” on the nations and peoples that caused this catastrophic event. That is not what our country needs. As the sister of a soldier who has just returned from a tour in Afghanistan, I can say for certain we need to settle our internal affairs before meddling in the problems of the rest of the world. Before we can emerge as a truly respected world leader, we must understand the ideals and democratic principles that we so enthusiastically force on others. We are the land of the free because of the brave. The brave, however, should only be acting in active defense of our homeland and contributing to the resolution of problems that continue to cripple our nation’s infrastructure such as education, health care, welfare and so much more.
With this said, remember those who were lost today and the lives they lived, but not in spite of the enemy. American patriotism is a powerful tool, a front from under which people united, wearing red, white and blue and waving flags in the spirit of our culture. Do not, however, let this expression come at the expense of others who likely were not associated with the events twelve years ago. We have much to learn about what it means to be an American in a world fraught with radically differing cultures and principles. We have the potential to be our own worst enemy if we do not consider domestic activity first.
