Goodbye to Patriotism

Goodbye to Patriotism?

The speech delivered by Robert Jensen to the Peace Action National Congress on November 10, 2001 was a thoughtful and in-depth look at American patriotism while questioning the intellectual and moral implications of the word and its meaning. In his speech, Jensen argues that patriotism has been defined in two very different, conflicting ways.

On the one hand some define the term as a sort of blind loyalty to our government, its leaders and their choices particularly in times of war/crisis. This definition and use of the term is in complete contrast with democracy as it requires a reckless abandon of our will to critically think for ourselves and asses our governments intent and actions. On the other hand there is the use of the term by those opposing a war effort, asserting that to be truly patriotic one must question the motives and objectives of our government. The speech was somewhat of a directive for Americans to re-examine the meaning of the word and believes that if we were to do that we would come to many of the same conclusions as he. That the word, in and of itself, it's very meaning is corrupt.

He goes on to question whether this form of use of the term is not simply a way to hold on to the term because it is an ideal we truly believe in; and what is that ideal? Are we, as Americans, claiming we are the only ones who can appreciate freedom and democracy? Jensen suggests that the term patriotism, under either of these views is at its best a self-indulgent concept as it assumes the superiority of Americans in their belief and pursuit of justice and democracy in the world, and at its worst can lead to barbaric acts and/or the support thereof.

The proof to support Mr. Jensen's assertions has been demonstrated throughout American history and grows stronger in today's post 9/11 war on terror. America has often used brute force in defense of our nation from the examples in the article including Hiroshima and the Vietnam War up to today's fight against the Taliban and Al Queada, but we must remember to question our motives and methods in doing so. I am not necessarily opposed to war because I do believe there are times when diplomacy and sanctions just don't work. Nor do I consider the lives of Afghan civilians any less important or less meaningful than that of my countrymen, however, if their leaders choose to pick a fight with the most powerful nation in the world, then their citizenry will inevitably endure the consequences.

Now I am not naïve to the dirty work of war. War is guns and bombs, indeed, people die, but what is the alternative? Do we allow our nation to be attacked as with Pearl Harbor and do nothing? To do so would just invite further attacks. As a black woman, I am keenly aware of this countries brutal and barbaric