March 25th, 2025
Dear Readers,
Many countries worldwide have a very patriotic view of themselves. As part of their education system, they teach their students about how great the country was or currently is.
Yet, when America does, it seems to be an issue.
And the people who raise the most hullabaloo are AMERICANS!
There is nothing wrong with loving your country; in fact, I would say it’s even normal and encouraged. But for whatever reason, in recent years, Americans have trashed their own country. In many classrooms, educators have shifted towards a critical analysis of American society, where every action or policy is meticulously examined.
While healthy skepticism is important, the pendulum has swung too far, leading to a pervasive narrative that undercuts the positive aspects of American culture and achievement.
Now, that’s not to say that you can’t criticize America. Yes, I will be the first to tell you that America is, in fact, not perfect.
No country is.
But to have no love of state is not only preposterous but also unpatriotic.
The balance between acknowledging imperfections and embracing national pride is crucial, as it provides the foundation for meaningful improvements rather than a wholesale rejection of the country’s potential.
We should undoubtedly teach our students the facts about America, both good and bad. There’s no point in trying to avoid our pitfalls; the more we learn about them, the more we can learn from them.
Teaching students to hate their own country means they no longer have a vested interest in taking care of it, either by voting, paying taxes, or even staying citizens.
If you grew up in a country and all you learned about was how bad it was, would you stay?
I certainly wouldn’t.
Educators should cultivate a love for America, not hatred. Citizens who love their country are willing to fight for it, willing to work to make it better, and willing to forgive.
By fostering a spirit of patriotism, we encourage critical thinking that is paired with commitment and optimism, ensuring that criticisms are made with the intent to reform rather than denounce.
