There will always be a contingent who believes that no one is American who wasn’t born here, even someone like me who has lived in this country for nearly forty years, raised my kids here, and worked as a physician from coast to coast. The politics of xenophobia is alive and well in the Birthers movement in that a recent
Research 2000 poll showed over half of Republicans do not think that President Obama is a natural born U.S. citizen. These so-called nativists aren’t as strong as they used to be, but they remain a powerful force in the debate over immigration, for instance. To them, the only option for dealing with the current flood of illegal immigrants is to deport them all, and you’re not a real American unless you agree.Then there’s the larger group on the right that believes in "my country right or wrong." They cannot tolerate any criticism of America and equate unquestioning patriotism with Americanism. This group becomes stronger when the country is threatened and has had a major influence since 9/11. Their targets tend to be anyone on the left — leftism is automatically un-American — or anyone who doesn’t buy into the doctrine of maximum security, weakening of civil rights, and permanent detention for any person suspected of terrorism, preferably without trial. If given the chance, they will also mount witch hunts against anti-Americanism, as happened in the McCarthy era of the early Fifties. The disgrace and general uselessness of those campaigns doesn’t seem to discourage them.
You will already know if you fall into any of these groups, but if you don’t, if being pro-American isn’t part of right-wing ideology for you, what does that leave? A new kind of Americanism is being shaped right now. President Obama exemplifies one aspect, the desire to look out on the world and accept it rather than look inward to America and reject everyone else. He doesn’t panic over security or instill fear of "the other," especially Muslims. This stance goes back to an Americanism based on progressive ideals. There has always been a historical struggle between two value systems, with the progressive side valuing toleration, free markets, open immigration, extended civil rights, and no color barrier.
Since the Reagan revolution, this value system has been weakened to the extent that the first Pres. Bush could call his first campaign opponent, Gov. Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts, a card-carrying liberal, echoing the terminology that Joe McCarthy used against card-carrying Communists. During the second Bush administration, when progressives had to duck and cover, the reactionary world view pointed the finger of anti-Americanism at anyone who didn’t want to batten down the hatches and turn this country into a fearful, anxious place full of electronic surveillance, incipient terrorists around every corner, and an expanded military fed on unlimited funding for new weapons systems.
There is no doubt that both value systems must bend with the times. Ideas on immigration and security, civil rights and equal opportunity, free markets and open trade can’t be the same now as they were in 1945 or even five years ago. Nothing is written in stone either on the right or the left, as much as certain partisans wish it were. With that in mind, I’d like to suggest a new view of being American that involves the following values we can all agree upon:
– Being open to change without fear and suspicion.
– Seeing the rest of the world as our back yard, not as a set o faraway places.
– Accepting the trend toward faster and faster global communications.
– Suppressing knee-jerk reactions of fear and paranoia toward immigrants.
– Re-examining on a regular basis the country’s need for a standing military of enormous size and scope.
– Not labeling someone who disagrees with you as anti-American.
This isn’t much to ask for, and it leaves room for a great deal of discussion and disagreement. We are coming out of a fiercely partisan schism that made America vulnerable to all the problems of a house divided against itself. Now we have a president determined to reverse the trend; his election was the first and biggest step in that direction. I only hope he realizes that sticking to the middle of the road isn’t the same as having a vision. With a vision, being pro-American will turn into an honorable position we can all embrace. Without a vision, the ideals of Americanism will be paid lip service while the reality will continue to be simmering suspicion and anger toward each other.
" To them, the only option for dealing with the current flood of illegal immigrants is to deport them all . . . ."
- That would be one solution to our current unemployment, homless and social security problems skyrocketing. I think a better solution is to rid 'tolerance' & greed and embrace acceptance and compassion.
If tolerate means 'to put up with' and accept means 'to give admittance or approval to', then I would much rather be accepted than tolerated; because everyone has limits as to what s/he can 'put up with'.
However, I believe the ultimate 'acceptance' is when we 'embrace' each other for our uniqueness and cherish diversity of body, mind and spirit.
Shalom/Namaste'
Heather Mehudar
"There are no accidents, coincidences or mistakes."
Mr. Chopra,
My son has a Big Brother through the BBBS Organization and his name is Ehren Watada. He refused to deploy to Iraq based on the fact that the Bush Adminisration lied to Congress. I have been accused of being "UnAmerican" when that is the exact opposite of what I am. I am absolutley PROUD to be an American. My father was a staunch military man and as a result of his service we traveled all over. My support for Ehren does not make me "UnAmerican"….we should all be so bold as to stand up for what is right even when "We the People" question a superpower such as the American government.
By the age of 12 I had played in the jugles of Panama, been born in Japan and lived in 6 different states within the United States. Every child should experience different cultures it will broaden your view of the world and help you to realize we are ALL a citizen of the world.
Just an added thought……….Wasn't America founded on the ideology of being the "Melting Pot"…..to not allow those from other countries come to America would go against what we were founded on.
With much respect,
Michelle :~)
"Seeing the rest of the world as our back yard"
I think this is still derogatory. Is neighbor such a hard word ?
Mr. Anschau,
I can understand believing that statement as derogatory if the 'backyard' is filled with debris and objects you want hidden from the view of others. Or if the thought is 'I own it, so I will do with it as I wish'.
I tend to think of the statement "Seeing the rest of the world as our back yard" referring to having the same pride of ownership in the entire world as we do our own yards. And since we usually welcome friends and family into the privacy and safety of our backyard, we should view the rest of the world as the brothers and sisters we all are to one-another. Providing them love, kindness, hope, safety and respect.
Heather Mehudar
"There are no accidents, coincidences or mistakes."
No accidents, coincidences or mistakes? I'll retire to Bed'lam.
As far as tolerance and acceptance of diversity, I don't care if you're green and come from Mars–it's all the same to me. I spent a lot of time in cancer wards years ago and required blood products frequently to recover from the withering effects of high-dose chemotherapy. I never asked where the blood came from–whether a white, black, Hispanic, or Asian. The only color that mattered was red. I suspect if you put a Klan member in the same situation he would react the same way. Funny how biases evaporate when your life is on the line.
But as far as a strong defense, it's absolutely vital. I learned that lesson the first time I knocked a bully down in grade school. He never bothered me again. Until human nature changes, I'll keep my sword sharp.
Bob
Hi Heather,
In the light of this new meaning, I am glad to be part of your backyard
Rafael
Thank you, Deepak, for sharing this article with us here. I look to hear voices like yours speaking out on the important issues that are facing us as a society. Putting words to the feelings I have and sharing perspectives that are meant to truly heal us.
I work with non-native speakers as an ESL teacher, many of whom turn out to have come here illegally. I know my way of thinking, which most certainly is a progressive one as you mentioned in your article, is shared by very few people around me. Last year, while I was teaching in a bilingual program I was horrified, though not surprised, by the attitudes and beliefs of those who worked with and were meant to serve these students. The stinging comments spoken about these beautiful loving spirits spoken out of the sides of mouths were so disheartening. It makes me want to cry. I can barely tolerate listening to the intolerance. I feel often discouraged, knowing that much of what I am meant to do here on the planet is to help change people's minds about these things. To me, it is not enough to agree to disagree as these hateful voices shape the futures of my beloved students and their families. It is so easy to have an opinion about 'issues' . . . but these people are not issues, they are souls going through the human experience just like everyone else.
Thank you again, Deepak, for what you continue to do to change our perspectives and heal our world. I pray I can affect change in my little part of the world and can find the courage to speak my Truth as you speak yours. Namaste~
Cheri
Hi Cheri one my most memorable teachers was an Esl
teacher, in my year as an exchange student in the US.
It
America is what it is…. I love my country. However, I do not care for the two political parties that have run this country into the ground in the name of love of country. You know, if the CIA were to do a case study of these two political parties they indeed would find that both political parties have caused this great nation of ours to suffer by the choices that have been made in the halls of Congress – The Senate Chamber – The Executive Office. The powers of these two parties have over the years mismanaged the wealth of this country and have created division not only amongst ourselves but against other nation states. In my viewpoint, I think both parties are really one and the same… When it gets right down to it – both of these parties will not take ownership of their actions and lie at their convenience. The two party system needs to be reinvented.
It is my hope that members of these two parties would serve their country first instead of serving and putting party first.
It is so very important to understand who you are voting for and why you are voting for the person of your choice. Become informed and never stop voting.
On another note: We would serve our country, and the world well if we all became a bit more mindful of one another and based our actions on simple mindfulness. I think with time we can grow into this.
Even with all the problems of the world we do live in a wonderful world. My world is a world of acceptance, compassion, love and mindfulness.
Compassion:
I will see a stranger today through the eyes of compassion.
I will remind myself that this stranger has parents and people who love them
Just like me.
I will remind myself that this stranger has moments of joy
Just like me.
I will remind myself that this stranger has moments of anguish and suffering
Just like me.
I will remind myself that this stranger will one day grow old,
Just like me.
I will remind myself that this stranger will go through the cycles of illness and recovery
Just like me.
I will remind myself that this stranger will one day die,
Just like me.
Through the eyes of compassion I will know this stranger not as a stranger anymore but as a living Soul.
Just like me.
Thank you Deepak for writing those words about compassion. I live by these words; they have a deep profound meaning.
~Robben~
Hi, Rafael. Thank you for the support. I can imagine how I would feel in another country and try to consider what I might need to know. Unfortunately, my students run in to a lot of hostility, misinformed and apathetic burned out teachers. I feel that I must make up for what they probably are encountering in their classrooms and, unfortunately, in society at large. I always tell them that I love them before I meet them and that I choose to be their teacher; I'm not there by default. I applaud their efforts as well as yours. It takes an adventurous spirit to go into a strange country and learn about them. It is an awesome opportunity for growth. If only more of us would take on the adventure of learning about each other. Most certainly our consciousness would expand in leaps and bounds.
Peacefully yours,
Cheri
I thought of something after I posted so will call it a post-script (P.S)- I approach my job as an ESL teacher as though my students are my teachers because they are. Some of us on the planet are destined to have a powerful voice that reaches the masses, like Deepak's and other spiritual leaders of our times; and some of us are meant to transform the world one person at a time. I allow my students to change me, I allow them to teach me how to lead them and I feel that I leave each group of students with far more than I could ever give them. I pray I make a lasting impact on their lives, but, I will never know for certain. All I can do is pray . . . and be grateful that my profession allows me the opportunity to be transformed by each person with whom I come into contact. Namaste