PRELL: What does July Fourth mean to you?
Birthday celebrations prompt questions about America's history
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I’m not a good American. I’m sure plenty of people would say that.
For one, I’m not proud to be one. As the late George Carlin said, “To me, pride should be reserved for something you achieve or attain on your own, not something that happens by accident at birth... ...Hey, if you’re happy with it that’s fine. Do that. Put that on your car: Happy to be an American. Be happy. Don’t be proud. Too much pride as it is. Pride goeth before a fall. Never forget Proverbs, okay?”
So let’s take a look at some of my “anti-American” activities, shall we?
I don’t take off my hat at memorials or sporting events.
I don’t put my hand over my heart when reciting the pledge. Heck, I barely ever recite it in the first place.
I cringe at the phrase “God bless America,” and I blatantly refuse to sing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
I’m part of the LGBT community, I’m “spiritual but not religious,” I’m a Democrat, and of course, let’s not forget being part of the evil machination that is the liberal media.
And, since this column is meant to address the Fourth of July holiday specifically, it should come as no surprise that I see it as little more than an excuse to saturate my arteries with fat and grease with the family while I watch pretty things go boom.
Yeah, I think that’s more than enough to qualify me as un-American in plenty of people’s eyes.
But here’s the thing: I love the United States of America.
Yeah, we’ve got our share of problems. More than our share, really.
We’ve conquered lands and stolen our homes from indigenous peoples. We’ve been in more wars than anyone could care to count, meddling in other countries both officially and through other, more subtle measures. We’re often criticized as a land of excess; Excess fat, excess material possessions, excess sexuality, etc.
But we have also done a great deal of good in this world. Most notably, our flexible and — though sometimes hotly disputed — still-intact rights. And while having these rights means enabling some incredible stupidity in our population - and yes, feel free to label me the “S” word if you disagree with me — isn’t it great to know that we have such versatility? That we can accommodate so many differing views?
America means many different things to many different people, and none of these can be labeled as definitively “wrong,” because it’s all opinion. Being able to express your own unique voice; That’s the best way to celebrate the Fourth in my mind.
But maybe others have different ideas!
That’s why, in celebration of this Fourth of July, the Iowa State Daily opinion section proudly presents to you some of our own takes on the holiday, the country and patriotism.
You’ve already read a brief summary of my viewpoint, now go explore what the Fourth means to some others. Whether you agree or disagree is up to you. It’s your choice to make and your opinion to own.
That’s your right as an American.
- Sophie Prell is a senior in journalism from Alta
For one, I’m not proud to be one. As the late George Carlin said, “To me, pride should be reserved for something you achieve or attain on your own, not something that happens by accident at birth... ...Hey, if you’re happy with it that’s fine. Do that. Put that on your car: Happy to be an American. Be happy. Don’t be proud. Too much pride as it is. Pride goeth before a fall. Never forget Proverbs, okay?”
So let’s take a look at some of my “anti-American” activities, shall we?
I don’t take off my hat at memorials or sporting events.
I don’t put my hand over my heart when reciting the pledge. Heck, I barely ever recite it in the first place.
I cringe at the phrase “God bless America,” and I blatantly refuse to sing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
I’m part of the LGBT community, I’m “spiritual but not religious,” I’m a Democrat, and of course, let’s not forget being part of the evil machination that is the liberal media.
And, since this column is meant to address the Fourth of July holiday specifically, it should come as no surprise that I see it as little more than an excuse to saturate my arteries with fat and grease with the family while I watch pretty things go boom.
Yeah, I think that’s more than enough to qualify me as un-American in plenty of people’s eyes.
But here’s the thing: I love the United States of America.
Yeah, we’ve got our share of problems. More than our share, really.
We’ve conquered lands and stolen our homes from indigenous peoples. We’ve been in more wars than anyone could care to count, meddling in other countries both officially and through other, more subtle measures. We’re often criticized as a land of excess; Excess fat, excess material possessions, excess sexuality, etc.
But we have also done a great deal of good in this world. Most notably, our flexible and — though sometimes hotly disputed — still-intact rights. And while having these rights means enabling some incredible stupidity in our population - and yes, feel free to label me the “S” word if you disagree with me — isn’t it great to know that we have such versatility? That we can accommodate so many differing views?
America means many different things to many different people, and none of these can be labeled as definitively “wrong,” because it’s all opinion. Being able to express your own unique voice; That’s the best way to celebrate the Fourth in my mind.
But maybe others have different ideas!
That’s why, in celebration of this Fourth of July, the Iowa State Daily opinion section proudly presents to you some of our own takes on the holiday, the country and patriotism.
You’ve already read a brief summary of my viewpoint, now go explore what the Fourth means to some others. Whether you agree or disagree is up to you. It’s your choice to make and your opinion to own.
That’s your right as an American.
- Sophie Prell is a senior in journalism from Alta
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