Independence Day, pt. 2
The Big Question: Are you proud to be an American?
For most everyone, they asked for a little time to think the question through. Language itself was a very important factor in the question. Particularly, the meaning of "Proud", and the meaning of America.
Let's explore the latter of these two. Because nearly everyone was in agreement that the leadership of a nation is very different entity than that of the nation itself. And it'ss safe to say that at least every single person in Hipster Brooklyn is on some level disgusted, outraged, and ashamed of the current leadership of the United States, and that of it's presence in the world. But in a 230 year history (longer if you include the Colonial Era.) It's just a phase.
Viewing the nation through the larger lens of history, many were very proud to be Americans. And it was up to us as Americans to bring us out of these corrupt, war-mongering bent that we have been turned on since the vicious wound inflict on our country nearly five years ago.
Possibly one moment when New Yorkers were re-affirmed as Americans more tightly than ever, without any warning or consent.
But tied in with this responsibility is the substance of Pride.
Though many had trouble accepting the term unconditionally, most could accept a sense of gratitude for being born where we were. It's true: Life is better here than in much the rest of the world.
This was the condition that I accepted The Big Question under. Every single day of my life I'm grateful to be in one of the most ambitious, opportunity-filled and inspiration rich cities, and yes, nations in the world. Whenever I have the option to either go to work and make some hard-earned cash, or not go to work and enjoy one of a thousand fun, interesting, or soothing alternatives all offered within a bike-ride's distance: it feels good to be an American who makes the most he can of it.
We just have work to do. A lot of work. Because it's ours. It belongs to us.
Don't say "not my President." Because he is. And it's up to us to watch, learn, listen and act on what we own. What we've inherited by birthright. What we are responsible to change.
How? . . . Um, well we. . . uh, well. . . we're still working on that.
So let's make like Americans and get back to work.
Happy 4th.
The Urbanist.
For most everyone, they asked for a little time to think the question through. Language itself was a very important factor in the question. Particularly, the meaning of "Proud", and the meaning of America.
Let's explore the latter of these two. Because nearly everyone was in agreement that the leadership of a nation is very different entity than that of the nation itself. And it'ss safe to say that at least every single person in Hipster Brooklyn is on some level disgusted, outraged, and ashamed of the current leadership of the United States, and that of it's presence in the world. But in a 230 year history (longer if you include the Colonial Era.) It's just a phase.
Viewing the nation through the larger lens of history, many were very proud to be Americans. And it was up to us as Americans to bring us out of these corrupt, war-mongering bent that we have been turned on since the vicious wound inflict on our country nearly five years ago.
Possibly one moment when New Yorkers were re-affirmed as Americans more tightly than ever, without any warning or consent.
But tied in with this responsibility is the substance of Pride.
Though many had trouble accepting the term unconditionally, most could accept a sense of gratitude for being born where we were. It's true: Life is better here than in much the rest of the world.
This was the condition that I accepted The Big Question under. Every single day of my life I'm grateful to be in one of the most ambitious, opportunity-filled and inspiration rich cities, and yes, nations in the world. Whenever I have the option to either go to work and make some hard-earned cash, or not go to work and enjoy one of a thousand fun, interesting, or soothing alternatives all offered within a bike-ride's distance: it feels good to be an American who makes the most he can of it.
We just have work to do. A lot of work. Because it's ours. It belongs to us.
Don't say "not my President." Because he is. And it's up to us to watch, learn, listen and act on what we own. What we've inherited by birthright. What we are responsible to change.
How? . . . Um, well we. . . uh, well. . . we're still working on that.
So let's make like Americans and get back to work.
Happy 4th.
The Urbanist.
posted by GideonLevy | 2:32 PM
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