This country stands almost alone among industrialised nations for the ostentenaity and coerciveness of its patriotic displays. We've had teachers beat students for not standing during the Pledge of Allegiance. More than once.
The US is a masterclass in performative patriotism without practical components. Support the Troops but stiff them on healthcare; worship at the Statue of Liberty but spit on Emma Lazarus' poem; carry around the Constitution without trying to understand it.
I'm all for recognising the importance of symbols and ritual. But if you're calling for *more* empty gestures in this particular arena *now*? I have to question your motives.
To the extent the US even has a culture, it's emptiness wrapped in flags. Symbolism and rituals can unite a people, yes, but they also have to stand for something. Increasingly, in the US, they stand only for themselves and the violent coercion required to force everyone into it.
Anyway, after a particularly execrable two weeks of seeing her leavings in the Post, I hereby dub Megan McArdle "Becky With the Bad Takes." You're welcome.
Also, about those numerous incidents with teachers attacking students who were insufficiently patriotic? Well, you might notice a theme. And it says a lot about what our empty patriotism is often *really* about. google.com/search?q=Teach…
Anyway, the best way to close, I think, is by simply asking folks to read Frederick Douglass' "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" instead of McArdle's excremental take. All you need to know about the racialisation of US "patriotism" there. teachingamericanhistory.org/library/docume…
