Patriotism in Many Forms
Happy July!
It’s officially the summertime and it CERTAINLY feels like it! I hope everyone is finding ways to stay cool in the heat. This month, I wanted to chat about something pretty cool: patriotism, and all the different ways we can express it.
Patriotism is all about a deep love for your country, but there are a lot of different ways to express it. American culture presents a legacy built on resilience. What started as this amazing idea for a fairer life has turned into something truly incredible to admire and aspire to. And guess what? I even put together a playlist of songs that explore the American experience from all sorts of angles. I encourage you to give it a listen with an open mind and just see what you think. Seriously, one of the best ways to be patriotic is to respect everyone's different opinions. This playlist celebrates patriotism in its many forms, including the right to express ourselves freely. Some songs contain explicit lyrics or themes that may not be suitable for all listeners. We honor freedom of speech and the diverse ways artists choose to reflect on their country, their communities, and their experiences. Please listen with care and choose what aligns with your personal comfort level.
A powerful way to express patriotism is to stand up for the core values of the country. From the very beginning, the US has put emphasis on liberty, justice, and equality for everyone. And even though these values get challenged sometimes, Americans practice patriotism by staying in the know and getting involved. Our strength has always been expressed through diversity. Honoring and understanding different viewpoints enriches us as a nation and builds a more inclusive society. Individuality is a massive component of American culture. We’re invited to explore our differences and express ourselves through where we live, what job we work, how we dress, what we watch and listen to, and so much more!
Other ways to act patriotically include supporting local businesses and industries. Investing in our economy creates jobs, sparks new ideas, and boosts prosperity for all. And speaking of innovation, that’s another massive part of American culture. Americans have always been interested in advancing society through improvements in technology, transportation, science, medicine, and media. From the advancements to cars over 100 years ago, to the moon landing over 50 years ago, to more recent advancements in medicine, America doesn’t back down from a challenge!
Finally, you know what else shows a really strong sense of patriotism? Being able to look at ourselves critically and always striving to get better. When we see where our nation can improve and actually work on fixing things, it shows this deep belief in our country's potential. It's about wanting it to truly live up to its best ideals. That means having honest conversations, calling out unfairness, and always working towards a more perfect union.
Author: Kelly Weaver, MT-BC
Editor: Cassadi Kulak, MT-BC