10-12-2001
		Patriotism is not just for crazies Young students have been exposed to more patriotism than ever before.

By Corwin D. Smidt

Staff Writer

It was a couple of days after the attack and I was sitting in Johnny's watching the national prayer service on television. Billy Graham had just given a profound sermon. The screen was showing school children waving American flags at some distant location while people at the service sang a hymn in the background. Most around me who were watching the service sat in silence.

At that point someone walked up and heatedly uttered the words: ``What the heck is this crap?'' A little stunned, I turned around and after a few quiet seconds informed him that it was actually a church service. Someone else then asked the individual if there was something wrong. The person replied that there was not, but then stated fear and resentment that what was lately being shown on TV merely amounted to emotional appeals and mass propaganda for war.

That event left me with a sour taste. At that time I couldn't understand why someone would have such a negative reaction to a simple screen shot of American flags. However, the truth is that many people were, and still are, greatly concerned about the emotional responses that have occurred in this nation. Throughout this time, there seems to have been a question in many people's minds of what is a proper display of emotion and pride in country and what hedges on nationalistic dogma.

This is understandable. When people express patriotic pride it often comes out in a very nationalistic tone. Patriotism may lead some individuals into further offensive and hegemonic dialogue. There can also be a rash of vehement reactions to any statement and action that seems non-supportive of our country in nature. This was demonstrated recently by the number of fired newspaper columnists who had expressed some sort of criticism of the U.S. in the weeks after the attack. These sort of ``patriotic'' actions are definitely wrong.

However, many still seem discontented with all types of patriotism. They usually approximate patriotism as a behavior for rednecks or warmongers. Others talk in disgust about how stupid this country is compared to the refined and sophisticated European countries they have visited or blame us for the propagation of an unfair and wasteful capitalistic world. All in all, there is a conception that there is no element of intelligence in patriotism.

But is there anything wrong in having pride in being an American? America is where you grew up; it is a part of you. It is one of the safest, freest and most prosperous countries ever. We look out for other countries and try to protect democracy and human rights throughout the world. This is the land of opportunity, greasy fast food and rock and roll. There is something right in appreciating the life this country has enabled us to live; why don't we show it? Granted, waving the battle flag, wearing ``Wanted: Osama bin Laden'' shirts and singing country music's ``I'm Proud to be an American'' do not seem like the best ways to do it, but I would think that more people would want to be patriotic.

What I think really needs to happen here is that patriotism needs to go through a new image campaign. Many people my age need to reshape their views of what being a patriot involves. So let's start from the top. A patriot is one who cares about this country and what it stands for. A patriot is one who recognizes the benefits of the Constitution, sees the qualities of life we enjoy from it and seeks to uphold and improve the goals stated therein. A patriot in America is not just someone who serves in the armed forces. It is also an individual who out of devotion to this country votes, earns an honest living, organizes a demonstration, reads the paper and volunteers.

So, although you may not think it, if you voted for Ralph Nader last year, you're a patriot. If you are against the WTO and peacefully show your opposition, you're a patriot. Many people may not think of it in that way, but it is the truth.

I also think it is important to say that in no way is being a patriot the same thing as being a proponent of war. Patriotism is the love for and the devotion to one's country; there is no mention of a call to arms in the definition. In fact, being concerned about the possible negative effects this country might face in war is in many ways more patriotic than mindlessly one's allegiance to the fight.

There is one important qualification to this point. If one recognizes and appreciates the values and rights stated in the Constitution, then one also must appreciate the justice by which the system operates. There might be a majority of people in this country who want to fight, and you might be against it. But if the government reaches its decision democratically, then out of devotion one must recognize the right and authority this country has to perform such an act.

It may not be what you think is right for the United States, but that is the point. Not everyone agrees in this country, so we created a system by which we can disagree and live peacefully. Our current societal situation may not be completely just, but believing one can change the problem democratically is realizing what makes this country great.