I was going to make a separate post about Patriotism, but...what the fuck. I'll add here.
I just wrote an LJ post about my feelings on Patriotism, and how they might have to change after today. I've always been jealous of other people who come here, and proudly wave their flags without getting pissed on (too much). For other countries, it's always been perfectly fine (most times) to wave a flag, because it's just showing pride in their homeland. For America, we've always been the filthy, stinking dogs, and ZOMG how dare you take pride in your disgusting ways, .......you dogs!
At least that's the vibe I'm getting from Pakistan.
Anywho, I've become very aware of a few things.
We voted in a Democrat--big deal.
We voted in a Black man--ACTUAL big deal. And yes, I do see his race. Actually, most people wouldn't be celebrating this, if he WASN'T black (prove me wrong). Even CNN admitted that it's about race. Historically, he is, in fact, the first black man as president. It is historical. You can't sit there, like some mindless, Politically Correct drone, and tell me you don't see color. As one comedian put it, I'd hate to see what happened if those people actually did see race. Would that freak them the fuck out or something?
Also, a big thing that made this election different for me deals with the people themselves. Americans actually voted for this. 53% of America, in fact, and that has forcibly restored my faith in parts of humanity. That means something to me, and it's making me want to have that Patriotic spark for my country. I mean, it's hard being black in America (especially being mixed, because then you get the two sides saying that you're neither one...sigh), but this proves that since the 1960s, we're actually getting somewhere. It's rare to find black people waving flags, because...well...the obvious. After today, the reality of the past is still present (as present as racism still is), but it's much easier to deal with. I can accept it more, and come to terms with the fact that there are people who will never like me, or date me, purely based on my genealogy. It's easier to accept that black men tend to be just as racist towards black women in most cases. It's easier, because despite all that hatred, you can still get a very good education, and someday lead a country as one of the most important people in the world. A door has been opened, and it's going to be hard to shut that door again without an uprising. I even know that Hilary supporters have made the indecent statement, "They'd rather let a black man in, than a white woman!", but this effects women as well, in my opinion. It effects anybody who has been barred from a position due to social stigmas and status, and says that you can if you want it.
I'm not advocating the notion that with a little elbow grease, anybody can. Of course it all depends on your economic status (what doesn't these days?). There will always be that hierarchy of lower, middle, and upper, because most of society has performed that way since ancient times. But it gives you a little bit of every day assurance that says, if not you, then at least somebody like you. We can't all do it (obviously), but this paves the way for somebody who shares my values and concerns to do something extraordinary.
Anyway, now I'm just rambling. I guess I have to now think about whether or not I can start being proud of my country, and being openly American should I visit another country. Should I have a flag now? How do I display my patriotism without being a nationalist? Should I even have to worry about looking like such a thing? Should I not count my chickens before they're hatched?
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Topic: The inauguration of Barack Obama. (Read 19788 times)