What holds us together? When our nation endures a bad time, what holds us together?
I was five years old as WWII ended. Our nation had done heroic work—our nation, most everybody. We, along with the few allies left standing after Fascism’s initial brutality, fought back and won. Democracy as clumsy as it can be, won.
We had every right to be proud even while humbled by the bravery of those who fought. Pride and humility; not a bad combination. When pride is not leavened by humility, trouble is ahead.
I am sure by now many of you are asking, “Why are you writing this, Memorial Day has come and gone?” We celebrate it and then move on. I wonder how many of us celebrated, if that is even the right word, by going to a memorial or cemetery in which the fallen were honored and then interred. Is Memorial Day just one more calendar moment valued not for its content but for the day off?
Back then Americans were told we were special. And, we were. Americans became internationalists. They laid down their lives for freedom and then helped Europe and Japan rebuild. Now we are told that back then we talked about equality, but often failed to follow through at home. That is certainly true.
America at any given point is urged to be perfect but we are not; nor will we ever be. But, and this is our history: America, both constitutionally and practically, has always been open to truth-seeking and when we find ourselves, individually or collectively wanting, we have often worked unashamedly to make things right. By the way, this process is always messy.
Of course, “right”, in a sense, is over organized. Rights about guns and birth and academics and gender are often word weapons aimed at those with different views. Noise calls attention to the cause and severity in words and images is used to raise money. Estrangement often results and social media becomes, well, certainly not social.
Recently, critical race theory (CRT) has been urged by some academics and activists as an answer that will lead to a better answer. The theory requires believing that America is systemically racist—all of us (or, at least those who are white) and our institutions. It is a theory that divides. It is a theory that refuses to treat us as individuals, regardless of motivation or actions.
Ironically, the CRT theorists cite evidence of ancient confederate trumpets brought to life now over 150 years after the Civil War as proof of racism. The Confederate cause (right to enslave) has never been right. And, when calls for State’s rights are barely concealed attempts to discriminate a valuable power-sharing asset is compromised and oxygen is given to CRT activists.
We need to do a better job making sure opportunity is available to all and that will require more outreach to those who have fallen behind. But when we look for thoughtful leadership on issues of race we need to draw on Martin Luther King Jr. Recall Dr. King’s dream: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” We need to embrace inclusion, not exclusion and work on our national character.
The Greatest Generation was not perfect. But, they gave us a chance to build a more perfect union. And that is where we should always be aiming. But, as we continue working on the scaffolding for a better union, take a look at world history and be proud to be an American and humbly understand we can always be better.
Al Sikes is the former Chair of the Federal Communications Commission under George H.W. Bush. Al recently published Culture Leads Leaders Follow published by Koehler Books.
Henry Herr says
Personally, I don’t see the idea that one has to be proud of the United States. I can agree that CRT is devisive but the U.S. has always been divided. From slavery to segregation to mass incarceration of POC. I agree that we need to come together to solve these issues. I think it’s very important to respect and recognize where we have come. Those who fought for our country and ideals deserve to be remembered and respected. But, why must we be proud of the nation? Why can’t we focus on equality for all and not pride? Just my opinion.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Mr. Herr, Why should we be proud of this America? We are the most generous nation on the Earth. We are the first to fly in aid and medical staff when there is a natural disaster. We have tenfold the programs and assistance in all areas of life than any nation. We sacrifice so many young men (D-Day) to liberate the oppressed from brutal dictators and despots. As I write this, thousands of penniless, hungry, desperate humans are flowing through our borders in the hope of something better. We have the most brilliant scientists, inventors and certainly the most advanced medicine in the world(think covid vaccine). As of right now, the very capable, well advanced nation of Japan has only 3% of their population vaccinated. Did you know this? Yes, I am very proud of these United States.
With regard to race, we must always promote equality. There will be many differences in income, talent and ambition. People are different. The goal of certain politicians is not equal opportunity, they wish the make everyone the same. Gender neutrality, forcing female high school athletes to compete against boys. Not much equal opportunity there.
As you noted, there has been vast improvement in how POC are treated. Certainly, we have a ways to go. Sadly, Segregation has been making a comeback. More and more universities have black dorms, black dining halls, etc. And so forth. Both you and Mr. Sikes failed to mention the importance of personal behavior. Statistics can be troublesome, but they sure are helpful.
And yes, I remain proud of this experiment in self governance.
Henry Herr says
Most generous? According to what metric? Where have you seen the US as the first to fly medical staff? What about the current movement of America First no more foreign aid? U.S. has more assistance of life than other countries? What about Healthcare accessibility and cost? Certainly don’t have that here. You talk about D-Day. Without the Soviet Union and China, the Allies don’t win WWII. 27 million deaths in the Soviet Union alone. You also think the US is the only ones with refugees? Look at Europe, people fleeing from wars the US started. Your view seems to be very limited. I don’t understand the point of pride here. I do agree people need personal behavior. I’d love to see any statistics you have about what you claim. Again, I’m not saying I don’t want to live in this country and do not respect where we came from. But we also have to acknowledge our vast number of shortcomings.
Stephen Schaare says
Thank you for your reply. Of course we have shortcomings and more to do.
Mao Tse Tung and Joseph Stalin killed tens of millions of their own people. The literal starving of the Ukraine and the cultural revolution. Oh, also Pol Pot in Cambodia.
I suggest you do some travel to undeveloped countries. Donald Trump referred to them as S…holes.
Of course, we and the allies would have prevailed in WWII. Had things dragged on, President Truman would have produced more atom bombs and taken care of the matter.
Henry Herr says
I’m not sure that’s true. If you have any proof of your assertions, again, I’m happy to read them. My general thought to this article, however, is confusion why pride has to be a factor in rememberence and respect. Maybe I’ll never understand and that’s fine. I personally dislike the notion of nationalism and extreme patriotism. When people believe they are better than others, mistakes are made. Pride gets in the way of decisions and accountability. The only one for me is God, He’s number one over any country.