I agree with everything you said here and with what Dirtbag said. All of what you said can be true and at the same time people can think it a bit odd that the anthem is trotted out at sporting events.
Btw, I personally like having the anthem before games. I sometimes have a tear or two during the performance thinking about all the sacrifices so many made. I just understand where Dirt is coming from in wondering what exactly the connection is between the flag and any random sporting event. And I don't think we have to question his patriotism just for wondering it.
This is well said. Yeah, I don’t appreciate my patriotism being questioned - but I wouldn’t expect anything more from Dog, who seems to have a deep disdain for me personally.
Patriotism takes many forms. I believe Dog’s is very genuine and very traditional. I, too, have many extended family members who have served and some who have died for this country. So I likewise celebrate and honor the country I live in, mourn those who have died for it, and respect those who serve. My patriotism is less about traditionalism and reverence and respect for what was and is, and instead more about the story of and love for a country built on the promise of progress. A country that has continued to improve over generations because people relentlessly fought against entrenched systems and beliefs in order that it could do so. To me, progress and the fight for progress are the very manifestation of patriotism. My views and Dog’s differ on most everything, but in some ways my exercise of patriotism doesn’t exist but for his. I hope he can respect my perspective, but my patriotism certainly doesn’t rely on his doing so.
Perhaps uniquely, my family and history bring a different set of experiences to America and our patriotism. Like most all of us, my ancestors came here from elsewhere. Many were citizens of a country they once loved—that once welcomed them and offered safe refuge, but one that ultimately turned on them and slaughtered them. I acknowledge this likely colors my perspective of patriotism as something that can’t stand still but instead must continue the fight to be better (the “more perfect union”).
So yes, I am skeptical of the corporatization of patriotism. I am skeptical of the ways the flag is used to quash or condemn progress. While the flag and American symbols often are used to reflect the patriotic ideals for which they were designed, they have at times also been weaponized to suppress and shame. Our symbols, like our country, are and have been used imperfectly. So it’s intriguing to me when they are leveraged
for progress instead of against it. That to me an inherently patriotic act.
I respect and understand the attitudes and patriotism of those who feel tied to America’s symbols. I don’t question their patriotism or the genuineness of their beliefs. But I also expect the same respect and attempt for understanding to be afforded to my reasonable beliefs and the way my patriotism manifests as well.
Anyways, ‘’merica.