Why The Stars And Stripes Make Me Cringe | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Why The Stars And Stripes Make Me Cringe

Glad to be an American, but not always proud.

69
Why The Stars And Stripes Make Me Cringe
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2016/07/02/636030748550694815738448533_fb09a0ed-ec50-42d1-b47c-eaee19b6199b.jpg

Ever since I’ve returned from my semester abroad, I haven’t quite been able to look at the American flag in the same way.

While I used to view the flag with a sense of pride and spirit, now it kind of makes me cringe. It’s like … well, it’s sort of like the second-hand embarrassment you feel when you watch this video.


To both this foolish runner and the United States of America, I want to say, “Look, you’re really good. I mean clearly, you’re ahead of so many others. But you’re not the best. And the reason you aren’t as great as you think you are is because you get distracted with your own celebration. You start celebrating what you’ve done, and it makes you forget that you still have more to do.”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad that I’m an American. I feel blessed that I am a citizen of a country that has given me so many opportunities. I am grateful for the freedoms I have and the education I have received. I respect those who have fought to give our citizens freedoms and rights, and think America’s origin story is interesting and incredible. This is definitely a country with heart.

But as much as I feel lucky to be an American, I don’t necessarily know if I’m proud to be an American.

I think that one of the most important things in life is to look at your own reality from new perspectives. Allowing yourself to view matters through the eyes of another human, to understand their side of the story, to recognize the context in which they live, is such a critical part of forming your own morals and opinions. And honestly, it’s an important part of being human.

As I traveled around Europe, I met people from so many different places. And with each person I met, I tried my best to listen to them, and to really hear them. From this, I learned so much.

As I conversed with new people, I made a point to ask them about America. I realized that my view was limited to my own experiences, and I wanted to hear what they had to say. If you’d like to hear some of their thoughts about the USA, you can check out this article.

What I learned is that to others, America is the unfortunate runner in the video above. People in other countries are impressed by America. They realize our strength, they appreciate our freedoms, and they enjoy a lot of the things that we produce. But at the same time, America seems pretty obnoxious to others. They see us as ignorant and conceited. Just like the runner, we start to celebrate in the most obnoxious, arrogant way.

A guy I met from Ireland once asked me, “Why do you guys put your flag everywhere? I mean, we fly our flag on our Independence day, and national holidays, but you guys have your flag everywhere, all the time.”

He’s not wrong. Our flag is everywhere. It’s in front of houses year round. And many people might argue that that’s nationalism. That’s pride. That’s being an American. But it’s not just the front porch flag. We put our flag on swim trunks and beer koozies and socks and blankets and sunglasses and cars and pencils and bikinis and teddy bears. Don’t you see how that could be a little obnoxious? That’s us, celebrating, but celebrating a bit too early.

And while we’re pumping our arms and trying to get the crowd to cheer us on, someone else is passing us. Canada is providing free health care. Australia is preventing mass shootings. Denmark is guaranteeing a full year of paid maternity leave. Heck, Estonia is offering free wifi access to all.

You see, America is pretty great in a lot of ways, but we’re not the best, and we certainly have a long way to go. Between corrupt politics, systemic racism, constant shootings and just so much hate … there’s a lot of work to be done.

But we can do it. We have the ability to be amazing. We have the ability to once again do groundbreaking things, to be a symbol of freedom, and to set an example that we truly can and should be proud of. That is, we have the ability to do this if we focus—if we quit celebrating before we cross the finish line. We need to stop trying to get everyone to cheer us on, and instead set aside our pride, put our head down, focus and race towards everything that we’re capable of.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181056
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7983
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453031
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23629
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments