Political affiliation and individual agendas have become more important than the collective love for America and willingness to unite, compromise, and solve problems. In short, America is losing our national identity (CBS, Pew). Considering the very definition of a “Nation” is a “large body of people united by common history, culture, or language,” it is no surprise there is a significant polarization occurring in this country – we are losing the very thread that holds us together. As a nation, we must promote the concepts which unite our country, serve as our “North Star,” and ultimately perpetuate the American dream, not divide it:
- Patriotism: In just 300 years, the US has achieved some incredible things, yet today, only 39% of the country now say they are proud of our nation. While there are some embarrassing and blatantly disgusting practices such as slavery, racism, and sexism in our past (and still today), degrading our entire nation and identity, especially when we are making progress, is the equivalent of “throwing the baby out with the bathwater.” We can (and should) be proud of our nation while we continue to acknowledge opportunities and evolve as a nation.
- Family, community, and resilience: Local communities and families have served as the primary support network for individuals and have facilitated a resiliency which has helped us weather storms and achieve great things. Continuing to promote and endorse family units and local community engagement (as mentioned in the principle “Decentralize”) will perpetuate key attributes which have made America the great nation it is.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship: America’s rise as a global leader was tied to our focus on innovation across science, engineering and even media. In the past 10 years, however, America is has fallen from 1st to the 11th most innovative country. Financial, regulatory, and social policy must continue to prioritize STEM studies, entrepreneurship, and overall innovation.
- Meritocracy and capitalism: Capitalism (or meritocracy by another name) is another key driving force that makes America great. To quote Steve Forbes in his article How Capitalism Will Save Us, “People make their fortunes by creating opportunity and wealth for others. They do this by launching businesses that create jobs, by investing in new ventures, or by spending money on other people's products and services.” Viewed from another angle, would we rather have the free enterprise of the Western world or a centralized economy like those in Russia, China, N. Korea, Venezuela or any other socialist or communist countries. Capitalism must continue to taught and celebrated.
- Presumption of innocence: The precedent of “innocent until proven guilty,” is a staple of America and our justice system, yet all too often politicians and media capitalize on emotional issues with premature or unfounded judgments which erode a piece of our identity and further polarize our country. From the Trump campaign’s false claims of election fraud, to Biden’s premature judgment on Border patrol agents, politician’s and the media must let justice run its course prior to taking a definitive national position which could further divide our country.
- Language: The foundation of a society is the ability to communicate with one another. While we don’t need an official language, we should encourage a common language so as we can continue to communicate and transact with one another.
It is easy for one to make a claim that any one of the concepts above shouldn’t be discussed or celebrated for one reason or another, but overall, these concepts are America and are a large part of why we are the great nation we are today. In line with the principle “Let freedom ring,” we need to stop being ashamed of our unifying culture. Yes, improve and evolve where necessary, but let’s continue to celebrate and promote the ties that bind us together as a nation and make us great – this is true in both policy and in the education of future generations.
