2009 marked the 10th anniversary of my arrival in the United States. I've become more Americanized in that decade, but as of late I've also embraced a more Afrocentric part of my ideology (college really is A Different World!)
For years, I've pondered the extent to which I can genuinely claim to be a patriot- American, African or otherwise. The answer came to me this Memorial Sunday and inspired this blog.
My father had determined that we would attend the downtown Cathedral service due to tardiness for our home church mass. I'm sitting in the backseat of the car loungin with my newspaper, thoughts about the meaning of Memorial Day floating through my head, when I realize that entire situation is what soldiers are fighting to preserve. I could have been in any city in the country, riding in the back of some car, going some place on a beautiful Sunday afternoon (wish it had been the beach). My family has the freedom to choose which church to attend (if any), we have numerous options for residential space and as educational facilities available and all around us we are surrounded by a buffet that satisfies our nutritional and recreational needs. Superficial though it may sound, this was an uncanny experience of how much I appreciate those who have paid the highest price to keep aflame the light and spirit of liberty and progress. Furthermore, I believe my level of "life quality" must become available to all.
Now understand that it isn't materialism and consumerism I want to spread around (although that ship sailed long ago). I'm talking about democracy and freedom. The car was silent initially until I heard Pac's "Picture Me Rollin" blasting from my brother's headphones. The moment overwhelmed me with pride and a sense of stability. It's always for simple reasons such as this that my patriotic gratitude rears its underdeveloped head, but it is because I feel obligated to help establish such security throughout the globe that I cherish it all. The superficial and the just.
Thoughts about how the various facets of influence in my life make up my being still floated in my head as we got comfortable in our pew. The Catholic church is one problematic institution I find particularly hard to reconcile with my personal values and the stuffy atmosphere at mass never helps.
Turns out the Cathedral has an African priest as part of their parish now and he led mass.
Obviously, the reason why African priests are becoming prolific is deeply and ironically related to the church's many historical, political and sexual dogmas and mores, but that's a subject for another day. The above article is rather interesting though and it's NEWSWEEK, so let's give em a victory lap (read: comeback) folks.
Now it did not make the service any less procedural, but the sight of Rev. Sylvester, AKA black Phil Collins, preaching before this American audience, three elderly white men as altar boys and an amazing orator behind him, only intensified my conclusion that if I'm gon be a Patriot, I need to promote democracy and freedom far beyond The Local. (hehe@Shirley)
For me patriotism isn't about flags and it certainly doesn't involve wars. I picture me rollin with patriots who understand that a lasting peace is only achieved by offering each individual the opportunity to live with grace and respect. I hope my reflections will advance that vision.
But for now, please take a moment to appreciate and honor those who truly fight for our rights. And pray that their mission will soon come to an end.
