Overall, 39% of U.S. adults say they are “extremely proud” to be American in the most recent poll.
Meanwhile, only 18% of those aged 18-34 said the same, compared to 40% of those aged 35-54 and 50% of those 55 and over.
18% is still too high. As Obama’s pastor said, God damn America! Americans have very little to be proud of at this point.
As a kid I had it hammered into my head by my grandparents that patriotism is the desire to improve (and maintain) the place where one lives.
I wish more people had that perspective. “Patriotism” as a description of blind devotion and themed outfits is pretty dumb.
Now that is something I can relate to!
Along those same lines, I feel like there is an interpretation of being proud to be American that (used to?) align with what is meant when people refer to “pride of ownership” of a house or neighborhood. The desire to maintain and improve the standard of your neighborhood as something to inspire pride, not just “herp derp I am proud of where I was born”.