"America First" Attitude

I always thought of it as patriotism when I was in America, this idea of wearing the stars and stripes and chanting "USA" at sporting events (even when we had non-Americans on our team).

But you don't see other countries wear their flags as clothes or sing songs like "God Bless America." They don't end speeches with phrases like "God bless these United States of America." I've heard of people saying, "God save the queen," but that's about it.

I understand where Americans are coming from, at least patriotically speaking. It's important to remember that America fought for its independence, so Americans are proud of their flag and the freedom that it represents.

However, this attitude of "America First" is why so much hate and anger is directed at Americans. If there's a first, then there has to be a last. And no one wants to lose.

Speaking of losing, let's take a minute and talk about what it means to be a "world champion."

The winners of the Super Bowl (American football) get rings that are engraved with the words "world champion," but the game is only played by Americans.

In the same way, the World Series (baseball) is also only for Americans and Canadians.

And why is that? There are professional baseball teams in Mexico and Japan, ands now even New Zealand. Why not open up the "World" Series to the world?

When you think about it, American society has been brainwashed to believe that if you win in America, you win worldwide and that's just not the case.

My prejudice was never more clear than when New Zealand did not immediately welcome me into their country by giving me the work visa I wanted (the first time... I'm still waiting to hear back on the second one). I knew I didn't have all the pieces of the puzzle they asked for, but I applied anyway, hoping that my status as an American of good character would be enough. Their rejection was a wake-up call to my own bias and willingness to believe this idea that the label of "American" would get me what I wanted.

And while I will probably always proudly wear my red, white and blue "USA" tank top on the 4th of July, I'll be a bit more open-minded about what my patriotism means to people here (like when I insist that my kiwi boyfriend and his parents celebrate the 4th of July with me by swinging sparklers around and putting on a fireworks show).

 

How about instead of promoting "Americanism," we promote globalism? Humanism? Love?