Today is the Fourth of July. Yesterday, I noticed American flags hanging on some people's doors. Naturally, the flag brings to mind concepts like patriotism, independence, freedom from British rule, and other patriotic elements.
In my mind, patriotism shares some similarities with religion. Both rely on symbols, such as flags and religious icons, which people hold sacred, and rituals, like national anthems and religious ceremonies, through which they express their beliefs and values.
Both patriotism and religious belief often involve heavy emotional attachment and enthusiasm. People can feel a strong sense of pride, loyalty, and identity in their country or faith.
Moreover, both entail a certain level of blind or uncritical acceptance. With that, people embrace religious or national narratives or myths from authorities without question. While some criticize blind faith in religious doctrines, they should also see the same dose of blindness in patriotic fervor. Both religious and patriotic emotions can run amok, leading to extreme behaviors and uncritical acceptance of authority.
The extreme expression of patriotic fervor is nationalism, which can lead to aggression towards other nations, as in the case of Nazi Germany.
Patriotism is laudable in most cases. As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we should remember that being patriotic with critical thinking might prevent blindness.
Another thing happened yesterday. We went to Costco with a young couple and their brand-new baby. The baby boy reminds me of my son at that age.
Back then, we had a Jewish friend named Debra. Her husband was a visiting professor from Madison, Wisconsin. Debra's sister had tried but was unable to have a baby. One day, she looked at my son and said, “My sister would give a million for your beautiful baby. I’m serious.” We were living on graduate student TA stipends. I was working on my dissertation, but I wouldn't give up my baby for any amount of money.
This experience I want to share with my young friends: 前途是光明，道路是曲折 (qián tú shì guāng míng, dào lù shì qū zhé) – "The future is bright, but the road is full of hardships."
As we reflect on our national pride and personal journeys, it’s important to remember that both require perseverance, critical thinking, a clear head, and a strong sense of values. Just as the forefathers of this country fought for independence with hope and resilience, we too must navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and unwavering dedication to what truly matters in the long run. In the end, both our personal and national stories are better written by the challenges we conquer and the great personal qualities with which we confront them and embody.