"…In this country we have come to see patriotism as a positive account of our history that treads lightly upon the nation's sins. The Fourth of July in particular is a time to wrap ourselves in the flag, grill some meat and run through a playlist of songs with lyrics lauding Americana. Talking about slavery, Jim Crow, economic exploitation and what happened to Black soldiers after they finished their service ruins the vibes.
It costs nothing to sing along to "God Bless America." It requires much more to believe in a place that has failed you.
As an African American who speaks on anti-Black racism, I often hear the refrain, "If you hate America so much, you should leave." But I don't recount my grandfather's story because I hate America. I tell it because to omit stories like his would only hinder us from becoming a better country. On the other side of honesty is the possibility of change. For me, telling the truth is the most hopeful form of patriotism..."
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/04/opinion/patriotism-july-fourth.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
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