AIX-EN-PROVENCE, FRANCE — Sometime during the past eight years, I became skeptical of self-professed patriots who justified opinions in the name of allegiance to the flag. Whether it was the American flag lapel pin or a magnetic re-creation of the stars and stripes on the back of an SUV, displays of “patriotism” would always lead me to raise an eyebrow.It seemed, after 9/11, there was a gradual shift from using patriotism to unite a country to using patriotism to further a political agenda.That’s not to say every flag-waving, red-blooded American was taken for a ride. And it’s certainly not to say you can’t love your country and express it. But it’s undeniable the use of nationalism has been used disingenuously in the past to achieve political goals.Hitler — everyone’s favorite historical reference for what not to do — used patriotism and nationalism to convince an entire nation to take part in genocidal world conquest.Recently, patriotism has been used as a rationalization of political actions and agendas. Whether it was Guantanamo Bay, the invasion of Iraq, gun control, fuel emissions or the legality of flag burning — patriotism was twisted to impose an ultimatum: Are you American or un-American?While I am very proud of my country’s ideals, I’ve never really described myself as a patriot for the above reasons — it has been tainted by those who seek to use it for political gains.This changed last week with two personal experiences.I have always been a supporter of our country’s involvement in toppling the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. However, I wouldn’t say I’ve actually had a real emotional response — like pride — to American involvement there. I just thought it was the right thing to do. Th
en I met my first Afghani.A political refugee punished by the Taliban firsthand, he expressed the difficult situation his war-torn country continues to face. He also impressed upon me the gratefulness his people have for the United States’ involvement and the sacrifice of our soldiers.Being able to talk to an individual who benefited from our country’s ability to do good gave me an incredible feeling — one that cannot be impressed by politicians’ talking points or newspapers, but only through personal interaction.I had a similar revelation when I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama last week. Along with about 200 Americans and French, I was at a viewing party hosted by an anti-racism organization in the port city of Marseille — distinct from the rest of France because of its large immigrant population.Watching the broadcast 4,000 miles away among French citizens and other expatriates was a unique experience.Obama’s inauguration was inspirational to the minorities at the party because they live in a country that still contains a large contingent of xenophobes and is opposed to diversity. For this, our country was the source of envy.Obama’s inauguration epitomized the traits that make America a place to be proud of. Not only was his presence on that podium as “a skinny guy from the south side with a funny name like Barack Obama” significant in the social sense — it was a testament to our advanced society, which has come a long way since Jim Crow.Beyond the racial significance of his election, his words were something to be proud of. He was able to effectively summarize the spirit of America, especially when he evoked the image of George Washington crossing the Delaware.I usually don’t buy into these sorts of things. During the campaign, I thought Obama sometimes came off as too poetic. But at this moment — so far away and among this audience of foreigners — it seemed to transcend the normal cliché and resonate as genuine.Many people will say that what Obama says are just words — and they’re right. But the same could be said for “all men are created equal” and “liberty and justice for all.” Words are important because they represent ideas. The ideas Obama expressed were some that make me proud to be an American.We can only hope he delivers on those words.The root of American patriotism is believing in the core values of this democracy. It’s a principle that goes beyond party affiliation or political issues in Congress.Being absent from the country has led me to be less cynical of patriotism and to appreciate all the things America has to offer. With a new president in office who I believe speaks the fundamental ideals of our nation, I am very optimistic the idea of patriotism will be less politically charged and cliché.It will hopefully return to its rightful place as a reflection of the ideals of our nation and the things that make it great — not which political party you subscribe to.——Contact Mark Macmurdo at [email protected]