America Today: the Battle of Individual vs National Identity
The Secret Power of ‘Us’ in the United States
In the America of the past, there was a great balance between who we were as individuals and what we shared as a nation.
We’re all different, a melting pot of nationalities that have come together to call this place “home.”
Our own personal beliefs and how we fit in with the group make up who we are as Americans.
Understanding the power of “us” in the United States helps us understand the ongoing fight between what’s best for ourselves and what’s best for the country.
It feels like we’ve shifted lately, putting individual rights ahead of what’s best for the nation as a whole.
Splintered
The American Dream has long been touted as a sacred right that each individual has the ability to work hard to attain.
Individualism is a cornerstone of American identity, celebrating each person’s culture and unique thoughts and traditions.
The problem is that as we navigate the complexities of the modern world we find ourselves in, this individual identity is in opposition to a collective spirit of nationalism.
I love that the United States forms the word “us.”
I am a collaborative thinker.
I believe that there is very little the American people cannot do, if we are united in our efforts.
The problem is that we are splintered.
I do not know that we have truly been united, as a country, since World War II and 9/11.
If you look at these times, it is important to note, we had a common outside enemy that every American was against.
In times of crisis and conflict, patriotism or fear, often becomes a rallying cry that unites individuals to create a shared sense of purpose.
And yet, Covid was exactly this: an outside common enemy that we all needed to face.
If you recall we did unite in the beginning.
It was amazing.
I had a non profit on kindness at the time, so I was actively searching for the good in our communities.
When Covid first came, we had fear, a lot of it, because there was so much unknown.
People, of all ages, ethnicities, and incomes were dying.
Businesses were closing, or on the brink, due to mandatory shut downs and “shut ins” that disabled shoppers from visiting.
And still, we banded together.
We were an “US.”
In a time when we pull into our driveways and shut the garage door, never saying hi to anyone, we reached out to our neighbors to ask if they needed anything and were okay.
There were messages in chalk on sidewalks in front of businesses and homes to encourage and show support.
We cared about each other.
This changed May 25, 2020.
Our society became irreparably splintered after the death of George Floyd.
Every single thing after that became a line drawn in the sand; we no longer recognized that we were fighting common fears: masks, vaccines, injustice, and the list goes on.
It does not matter which side you are on, in the end, it comes down to a fear.
Personal Freedoms
Now, we are fighting against each other and among ourselves.
We are no longer Americans in a spirit of nationalism, we are Republicans, Democrats, Black Americans, Whites, Christians, Agnostics, etc.
We try to further the betterment of one agenda, rather than what is good for the country overall.
We have forgotten that we are strong united, but in our division, we can fall…hard.
The challenge is in embracing both: honoring the individual traditions and cultures while nurturing a strong and cohesive national identity.
The key is to finding common ground in our differences rather than allowing them to divide us.
I am sure many of you are rolling your eyes or even laughing.
We are in a contentious time in our political history, how can we possibly find common ground in our differences?
Common Ground
The non-profit I had that I mentioned was Kind Defined.
The entire point -the whole reason for its existence- was to bridge the gap between people and find common ground and respect in our differences.
Note, I did not say agree or like the way someone else thinks, but find common ground and respect others.
I truly fear for our country’s fate if we continue the way we are going we will self destruct from within.
So, I am going to go out on a limb and address a contentious political point and show you how to find common ground.
Abortion.
Yup, this one is one of the most fought over and emotional issues there is.
However, I think I can find common ground.
Both sides fear death.
Pro choice fear the death of a life lived.
The mother, having to have the child will have to sacrifice many other choices and give up many opportunities she may have otherwise had.
Pro child fear the death of a life lived.
The child will not have an opportunity to live out their life and opportunities.
The child will have their choices taken away from them.
*I see the arguments to these statements for both sides.
There are always arguments.
We, as an American public, seem to get lost in and enjoy our arguments, just for the “joy” of fighting.
However, these statements are also true.
Both sides fear the death or serious altercation of a life lived.
Even with this incredibly emotional issue, there is common ground.
Difficult
Is it really that difficult to create a vibrant community where every voice matters without sacrificing the essence of what it means to be part of something bigger than our individuality?
Yes-it really is that hard.
I have heard people say, “Well this country does it, or that country does not have these problems.”
America is defined by its very diversity.
We are proud of the myriad of cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs.
We have a country established on the idea of immigration in one form or another.
This could be colonization, melting pot, Ellis Island, etc, but in the end, America was “created” not from its Natives, but from its immigrants and these people came from anywhere and everywhere.
This continues today.
We have a lot of people, from anywhere and everywhere.
They bring with them their values, traditions, religion, and ideas that are very important to them.
It is really difficult to have all of these people from all of these different perspectives come together and find a common good for our nation.
I think that is something we have to remember.
We may all want a strong, just, and “good” America, but we may all have very different ideas about what that actually means or how we get there.
A universal goal of everyone will need to be a concept of unity in diversity and to maintain a power and strength in a collective identity.
That collective identity needs to be inclusive of all Americans, not individuals, but Americans and we all need to unite relish our identity as part of the whole.
We all have our own unique thoughts and beliefs, but it’s also important to remember that we’re all part of something bigger.
Our country, the United States, is a place where we can be ourselves, but also feel connected to others.
When we feel like we belong, it helps us build a stronger and more inclusive society.
So, while valuing our freedoms is important, recognizing what unites us can help us create a better future for everyone.