Rant: Patriotism
November 26 | Posted by Geoff | Rant & RaveFirst off, don’t get me wrong, I’m all about patriotism. Pride and love for your country is an admirable thing. I just hate how it’s being used now-a-days as an absolute for any ole rallying call. Like you’re either for “insert random hot topic of the moment here” or you’re unpatriotic! Bull! No one can tell another person that that person is unpatriotic because he/she doesn’t share their values/opinions on a given subject.
Anyway, so I got another chain email. It was very passive aggressive in nature. Almost like a back handed compliment/apology. Like, “I really like that hat on you, it hides that awful haircut.” Or, “I’m sorry I called you a bitch, but you sort of where being one.” Anyway, it went on and on bitching about one thing or another in their country, and of course tossing the blame around like it was candy at a parade.
Things like:
Government is taking our money and trying to take our guns. Minorities are taking our jobs or something else that we deserve more than them. Foreigners don’t speak our language and are trying to change/ruin our country. Or some other generic, narrow minded, non-helpful, blame shifting accusation. And telling all these people if they don’t like it, leave OUR country!
Then, proud as a peacock and as stubborn as a mule, it concludes that if this makes them a bad person, then they are a bad person. And, hopefully, we’ll be a bad person with them and forward it on. IMO, they aren’t necessary bad people, just ignorant. I suggest to them to stop playing the role of victim and to stop blaming others because everyone doesn’t share their every opinion. Or attacking others because those others have values that may be contrary to their own values.
You may ask, “aren’t you doing the very same thing now?” And maybe I am, but I don’t believe so. Cause I’m not attacking their values or questioning their opinions. I’m not telling them that it’s not just THEIR country and that if THEY don’t like it, then THEY can leave. And I’m not arguing their stances on the issues, for even if I agree or disagree on various ones, I know better than to view the world in absolutes. Also, I’m not thrusting this into THEIR email accounts, but instead just posting it in MY little corner of the web. Which, sadly, probably means no one but me will be reading it. ; )
No, I’m not doing any of that. I’m simply stating that I dislike, and am disappointed, when I see such narrow minded and combative methods of patriotism being offered up as bandwagon to jump aboard.
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