Independence Day, in case you didn’t know, is a federal holiday intended to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and freedom from British rule. But for many of us, it’s just a lovely three-day weekend, full of fireworks, BBQ and beer. Usually, there’s an abundance of patriotic displays as well. But the amount of actual patriotism practiced or felt varies. To some on the left side of the political spectrum, “patriotism” is a bad word. Such critics would never call themselves “patriots,” arguing that many terrible things – big and small – have happened in the name of nationalism. Folks on the right may be more inclined to value devotion to country and related symbols. Of course, there are people of all stripes who consider themselves fiercely patriotic, but who may do or say things that red-white-and-blue-patriots would deem disrespectful or highly unpatriotic. (Think: war protests, criticizing the President, burning the flag.) What about you? Do you consider yourself a patriot? What does that mean? Is it patriotic or unpatriotic to question the government? Does the 4th of July add anything to or take anything from your sense of pride in country?
Fire up the BBQ it’s time to be patriotic!
A charcoal grill.
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Joe Armstrong/KPCC
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Do Independence Day fireworks inspire patriotism?
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AxsDeny/Flickr (cc by-nc-nd)
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Listen
16:53
Fire up the BBQ it’s time to be patriotic!
Independence Day, in case you didn’t know, is a federal holiday intended to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and freedom from British rule. But for many of us, it’s just a lovely three-day weekend, full of fireworks, BBQ and beer. Usually, there’s an abundance of patriotic displays as well. But the amount of actual patriotism practiced or felt varies. To some on the left side of the political spectrum, “patriotism” is a bad word. Such critics would never call themselves “patriots,” arguing that many terrible things – big and small – have happened in the name of nationalism. Folks on the right may be more inclined to value devotion to country and related symbols. Of course, there are people of all stripes who consider themselves fiercely patriotic, but who may do or say things that red-white-and-blue-patriots would deem disrespectful or highly unpatriotic. (Think: war protests, criticizing the President, burning the flag.) What about you? Do you consider yourself a patriot? What does that mean? Is it patriotic or unpatriotic to question the government? Does the 4th of July add anything to or take anything from your sense of pride in country?