Can we redefine American patriotism?

Ask the Ukrainians.

Journalism is too opaque and misunderstood. Chills gives a behind-the-scenes look at how dangerous investigative journalism gets made. 

---

(Getty Images)

The word “patriot” comes from the Greek word patrios, meaning “of one’s father.” Ignore the paternalism of the root for a minute and consider the essential feeling it offers — a parental connection, connoting care and refuge. (I said “connotes,” not necessarily is.)

The word today has all kinds of perverse implications for many of us in the United States. “Patriot” is thrown around by white nationalists to express an intolerance of outsiders and a fierce dedication to what they see as their exclusive right to be in this country. Its current use also makes me think of the little flag pins worn by politicians who have no interest in understanding American history, complete with all its bigotries, as well as its occasionally great capacity for acceptance.

This all makes me sad, because I know that at certain points in American history, patriotism meant having a kind of fierce pride, one that included the basic concept of welcoming people unlike us. Right now, too many Americans seem to think they were born on this soil and therefore only they should be allowed to live — or hold power — here.