I’m Glad to be an American, but I’m not entirely sure I’m Proud to be an American. Of course I’m not sure if I’m proud to much of anything. I know this is a topic that has probably been completely over done so wont get into much detail over my position.
I’ve always thought that being proud to be an American was something that the WWII generation may have felt, or maybe the Reagan administration promoted. 
Every time I think about the flag for more than 30sec I think about this piece of art by Jasper Johns. I think about objectivity and thousands of people standing in perfect lines with their hands over their hearts with some lame song playing in the background.
I suppose that I’m proud America is an enabling country. People come here because they are able to live.
On the other side of the coin, I’m not sure what our country does that pisses off the rest of the world. Things I might not be so proud of. (consumerism, fast food, ignorance, and the A-Bomb…)
Dictionary.com says of –> Proud
| 1. |
feeling pleasure or satisfaction over something regarded as highly honorable or creditable to oneself (often fol. by of, an infinitive, or a clause). |
| 2. |
having, proceeding from, or showing a high opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, or superiority. |
| 3. |
having or showing self-respect or self-esteem. |
| 4. |
highly gratifying to the feelings or self-esteem: It was a proud day for him when his son entered college. |
| 5. |
highly honorable or creditable: a proud achievement. |
| 6. |
stately, majestic, or magnificent: proud cities. |
| 7. |
of lofty dignity or distinction: a proud name; proud nobles. |
| 8. |
Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S. pleased; happy: I’m proud to meet you. |
| 9. |
full of vigor and spirit: a proud young stallion. |
Comments on
Good word, my friend…now when are we gonna hang?
July 4th, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
Deep, Randy.
I do agree that the word “glad” is a better fit. For those of us that were born here, we have not ACHIEVED being American. It was never a goal. How then can we be proud of it?
For others, “proud” might make perfect sense.
July 5th, 2008 @ 10:46 am