I’m not a cheerleader for America. That might have a lot to do with the way my people have been historically treated in this country. At the same time, I identify as an American. Clearly, I was born here and I know no other place as home.
No I wasn’t born in Ghana/But Africa’s my mama/and I did not end up here from bad karma
I’m An African by Dead Prez
There aren’t many times that I can agree whole heartedly with DP, but this one gets a ‘Like’ from me. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord plops me into atmosphere’s entirely different from the ones I’ve lived in…
I’ve had the privilege of being in the company of not a few U.S. patriots. It’s made me consider my upbringing a lot. Here are a few of the things I’ve noticed:
- I’ve nursed a hostility and distrust of police officers for much of my life
- I’ve been highly suspicious if not blatantly confused as to the merit behind joining any branch of military
- I’ve never felt fully American
- As would possibly follow from the above, I’ve never felt threatened by America’s enemies
- I’ve never felt as though the Constitution of The United States of America spoke to me or my community
- I’ve always been reticent about casting my ballot one way or the other
- The Civil Rights Era…try as I may, *gosh* it seems so far removed from me
- I am a Democrat by default…my mama votes that way, so I picked up the mantle
- I don’t trust any politician
- I’ve never found myself sandwiched between the views of so called Conservatives or Liberals – frankly, I’ve never cared!
- I’ve never viewed the above as mostly Christian or non-Christian
- I am basically apathetic about the political process
- As ignorant as I am about the happenings, I find party lines to be lame and second only to small talk. I hate both.
What is bugging me out is that I am beginning to see that I and many other Americans who hold to these sentiments above are quite possibly in the minority. Many Americans are second, third, or fifth generation flag wavers. So?
So, I’m examining my suspicions, fears, and ignorance.
I’ll let you know how it goes. Talk to me about your journey, why don’t you?
Just read this Najah. I can completely understand as an African American, the lack of “buy-in” to the political process and all things American. I grew up in a Democratic, working class, union family. That was all I knew… But I came to the point where I disliked the aspect of the Democratic agenda which made me feel like Blacks had to be dependent on government action to take care of themselves. Like we needed taxes, laws, government “daddying” in order to succeed in America. That offended me and when I moved to Ann Arbor in 1992 to go to B-school, I distinctly remember registering as an independent. To prove a point. I have found myself, in part because of my faith, probably too much because I have been spending more than a little time with White evangelicals, some because I have a business background, identifying more with some aspects of the Republican party. But I have voted for both and I could and would NEVER call myself or identify with that party! I consider myself conservative, though. At the same time, I think conservatives have large aspects of their political platforms wrong as well… As a follower of Christ then, I have wanted to be (and I think I coined this term) trans-political. Beyond politics, seeing what is redeemable in both and not agreeing with what is sin in both. But above all, not expecting the President to swoop in and Daddy us (Black people OR the whole country) into salvation. I am rambling but I want to say this: I think many people, especially the irreligious, put so much stock in politics because it is really their only hope…
Just some of my thoughts…
Peace,
Wayne
Wow it’s funny how I can completely relate to this. You are a great write and express your views to a tee I like this a lot <3
B.B