In two days Americans will celebrate their Declaration of Independence. If we want to pursue its values, how should we define patriotism?
No one is more eloquent on this topic than Howard Zinn, one of the dedicatees of this blog:
“If patriotism were defined, not as blind obedience to government, nor as submissive worship to flags and anthems, but rather as love of one’s country, one’s fellow citizens (all over the world), as loyalty to the principles of justice and democracy, then patriotism would require us to disobey our government, when it violated those principles.” From: Declarations of Independence: Cross-Examining American Ideology (1991).
Also relevant are the words of the other dedicatee of this blog, Freda Rebelsky. In a note to students, she wrote:
“In a democracy, each individual must share in deciding the direction society shall move. It is up to you to decide when to conform and when to defy authority, when to trust and when to be skeptical. I believe you will make better choices when you remember your humanity.”
Please celebrate July 4 by recommitting yourself to the ideals of liberty and social justice.
Also join your minds and hearts with us today as we celebrate the 200th post on Engaging Peace, a blog dedicated to peace, peace education, and the promotion of social justice.
We are grateful for your readership and support of both the blog and e-newsletter. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Engaging Peace relies on donations from individuals such as yourself. If you feel moved to support our work financially, please click on the Donate button in the sidebar.
You can also support our work by using the link to the right to do your shopping on Amazon.com. Engaging Peace will receive a small donation that in no way affects the price of the goods you order. Thank you!
Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology