Demanded Patriotism

We have become very defensive about patriotism. We expect people to be at least as patriotic as we are and to feel about the country the same way we do. This expectation has led to many Facebook fights, strained relationships, and hurt feelings.

But, why? Why are we so demanding about patriotism?

To be honest, there are legitimate reasons why a person might not be as patriotic as another:

Imagine a Vietnam Veteran who was drafted to serve in that war. The war had a profound impact on his mental health and when he came home, he was yelled at and mocked. He pays his taxes and lives a quiet life but is not overtly patriotic. His experience has impacted his patriotism.

Imagine a immigrant who moved to America for opportunity. She works hard and sends some money to her parents, but a piece of her heart will always be in her home country. Her experience has impacted her patriotism.

Imagine a African American teenager who grows up in a racist community. It’s hard and something that he lives with just about every day. He is grateful for opportunity, but his experience has impacted his patriotism.

Patriotism used to be more of a personal virtue. Not private but personal. We understood, as a nation, that many experiences could shape and mold a person’s patriotism in unique ways. You could feel the way you feel and express your thoughts and I could express mine.

This view of patriotism motivates empathy, compassion, and understanding for another person’s story. We have come a long way from this view. Patriotism is insisted upon by many in our culture. What happened?

As a pastor I have an opinion. At some point patriotism moved from a point of view that we have to an idol that we worship. Misplaced gods, or idols, almost always make people defensive.   We feel good about God defending himself, but we never really have confidence in an idol to defend itself. So, people tend to get aggressive and animated defending idols.

I really prefer to think about patriotism as a personal virtue verses a demanded/shared cultural expression. It allows for grace toward another person’s story and leaves me with nothing to defend. It also leaves God as the sole expression of our worship and that is the thing our nation needs most.