What is Patriotism?

A question many ask everyday. Many American people associate the term with the government, national holidays and red, white, and blue. Patriotism can be a very controversial topic. Many people have so much patriotism that they are willing to hurt and discriminate against others to make America “the perfect country”. At this point, patriotism is more so a way for big brands to make money, instead of a feeling. So many people are losing hope in patriotism and wondering if it even exists anymore. So what do you do when this is the country you are going to have to grow up in?

As a 13 year old, queer, female 8th grader in 21st century America, it can be scary. You see racism, sexism, homophobia, and so much more on a daily basis. You start to lose faith that America could ever be a good place to grow up in. How will you ever be able to get a job or start a family? There are so many things weighing you down and, overtime, it drains you. You wonder how you will ever be able to grow up into a successful person. How do you find hope in your daily life?

Sometimes, you have to take a moment and step back. Find little things that make life bearable for you. Some of those things for me are the sky, sun, moon, and stars. I love looking at sunrises, sunsets, and the sky during the night. It brings me peace. It’s so comforting to know that no matter what happens, the sun will rise and set the next day, and everything will continue to go on. There are so many more things that bring me and other people happiness, but that list could go on forever. You have to be able to find something that makes you happy and not care what anyone else thinks. So, what does patriotism mean to me?

Patriotism means finding the little things that make life bearable for YOU. Even if you feel like the whole world is crashing down on you, or you feel like your country is falling apart, it's being able to find something that reverses that feeling. Patriotism is finding joy and hope in little things about your country and life, no matter what else is happening.