Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Independence Day: Peace is Patriotism

Author J. F. Bierlein writes that civic mythology acts as a social glue, holding a country together: “National identity is based on a shared history and shared symbols of a nationhood. The basis of the founding and legitimacy of governments, the civic myths of countries unite their citizens by an acceptance of common symbols.” American civic myth consists of many symbols such as the flag, the Statue of Liberty, the national anthem, bald eagles, our money, and a shared history with former Presidents. Civic myth is a religion. It is sacrilegious, for example, to burn the flag incorrectly or to sit during the nation anthem.

But civic mythology is used to create nationalism and blind obedience. National symbols are indoctrinated in us from our days of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in school to being told to rise for the national anthem before games. I am reminded of Nazi Germany, where 70 million superpatriots were brainwashed through nationalism to carry out the vision of a madman. Millions of people died because of allegiances such as ours.

National symbols and patriotism in this country are closely linked to militarism. “The message is clear,” writes Michael Parenti, “patriotism and militarism go together. A flag in one hand, a weapon in the other, that is what makes America great; that is what supposedly makes us free and independent, safe and prosperous.” This is a shame, because this makes it difficult to criticize the Military Industrial Complex.

Instead, let us attribute patriotism with peace. Let us start fighting for real national security that involves assisting people with affordable housing, retirement plans, health insurance, adequate schools, and unemployment relief. And let us remember that America’s greatest qualities--qualities that separate us from the developing world--have not been achieved through victory on the battlefield. The eight hour work day, child labor laws, workplace safety laws, the right to vote for women, and desegregation were won, not with guns and tanks, but through protest and dissent against our own government.

Put away your flags! Peace is Patriotism!