This is my 2nd year out of the states on the 4th of July. Thinking fondly of my friends and family, so many progressive thinkers, extraordinary educators, fantastic food, beautiful places and great artistic endeavors across the country. But Im also hoping for diligent, thoughtful resolutions to our many problems, from gun violence and racism to under-performing schools, personal health and a deeply troubled government. As an expatriate, it is perhaps easier to see how important it is that the citizens of the world think from a human rather than a nationalistic perspective. Corporations and the internet have gone international, innovation happens everywhere, capitalism is the law of the land, environmental decisions affect everyone, and pop culture transcends our borders. We are caught up in a trajectory, towards deeper awareness of the unity of mankind, of our mutual existence on this planet. I love my people, and the complex, profound American history. It is good to celebrate the spirit of a nations collective identity. Nonetheless, it is truer to say that I love not only my people, but all people. In fact, a celebration of the birth of America should bear in mind the entire human history that led up to that birth, how we fit into our modern world, and the future we are collectively creating for a time when perhaps even our beloved national anthem has been forgotten, the flag counts other stars, and the constitution is regarded with nostalgia from a time when bold men from an old world tried to create a more perfect union, however imperfectly. #independence
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 23:50:28 +0000
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