After President Trump’s initiation of the conflict against Iran, his approval rating dipped to its lowest point so far, according to Gallup. Many in the United States and abroad are condemning the war. Regardless of one’s views about the war in Iran or other policies initiated by Trump, people may feel negatively about certain actions taken by the United States government. In that case, how can one feel pride or patriotism about their nation amid political turmoil or controversial actions?
To preface, I am not fond of many of the current administration’s initiatives or policies, but I still view myself as a patriotic citizen. I am involved in American democracy and maintain a belief in the system, despite its flaws. Some wonder how it is possible to be patriotic while also expressing disappointment or disagreement with their nation’s policies. Engaging in the current events of one’s country and expressing one’s beliefs is arguably a great act of patriotism. In the United States, expressing beliefs and condemning political actions is a privilege protected by the First Amendment.
Another way to show patriotism is through action. For example, education is important to me, and I believe all students have the right to equal access to quality schooling. To do my part in educating future generations, I help run civic engagement programs for high school students. In the past, I have also been involved in volunteering at public schools and tutoring.
Civic engagement is one of the most patriotic acts. Citizens can also write to their representatives in Congress, expressing their opinions and needs. Voting, a right that many fought and died to secure, is a fundamental way to showcase patriotism.
According to Katherine Reynolds Lewis, an award-winning journalist and reporter, “We shoulder the hard work of being in conversation with our fellow Americans about what those values are and how they should be realized. Even the drafters of the U.S. Constitution saw their work as in progress, as they sought a ‘more perfect union’ — not a completed and perfected one.”
Lewis’s commentary highlights the importance of civic engagement: participation. Even if the system is imperfect, citizens can only improve its function by participating.
The United States needs unity, not hatred. Speaking up is not the same as expressing hate, as long as opinions are expressed civilly. Political violence and hate speech are never acts of patriotism. A patriot respects one’s neighbors and fellow citizens, even in times of disagreement. A patriot respects another’s identity, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Despite the media’s negative portrayal of the state of the nation, citizens must remember that division is not a new concept in the United States. To move forward, Americans must act patriotically, not by always feeling proud of the nation’s actions, but by working to improve it. We can only make progress by spreading love for one another and staying engaged in politics and current events.
Staying hopeful, even in difficult times, is the defining quality of an American patriot.
