Let’s be honest: There’s a lot to dislike about our country. Our political system is polarized, and it seems each day brings more news of violence, division and hatred within America. Even so, I’ll always remain faithful to my country, and here’s why.
Beginning with the obvious, we have free speech. I express my opinion each week in Technician even if it criticizes the University or the country. The same goes for the media on a national scale; news networks are meant to represent the people rather than the government. Thanks to the First Amendment, we’re allowed to speak up for ourselves when we see an issue.
Hundreds of millions of people around the world are censored. The only legal media sources in North Korea are provided by the government. Speaking out against the regime can lead to imprisonment, torture or execution. Evoking a totalitarian dictatorship such as North Korea might be an extreme example, but there are a number of other countries — including Saudi Arabia and Vietnam — where free speech is severely limited by government censorship.
Many foreign countries limit women’s rights to education as well. In Afghanistan, education beyond the primary level is prohibited for girls, but America provides women with endless opportunities from elementary to graduate school.
Our country also has freedom to practice any religion. I can go to church every Sunday and believe in any god I choose without having to fear persecution because of my right protected by the Constitution. Even in today’s increasingly progressive world, many countries regulate religion. In Iran, Yemen and other nations, owning a Bible is illegal.
Even worse than regulation is the violence inflicted on certain religious groups. In Nigeria, an Islamic country, more than 50,000 Christians have been killed since 2009 for their beliefs, not to mention the persecution Muslims, Jews and other religious groups experience across the globe.
Although the Constitution is influential, America is more than just a document. We’re also one of the world’s leading countries in technological advances. Moderna and Pfizer, both American companies, were the first to create a vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, our country has also created some of the most useful inventions: The airplane, electric lightbulb and cell phone all originated in America.
Email, GPS, credit cards, microwaves and the first space shuttle were born in the USA. As a hub for innovation, America has a significant impact on everything from medicine and technology to daily life.
It’s also important to recognize the physical beauty of our country. Social media and the internet often suggest other countries have unmatched scenery, but America isn’t lacking in picturesque sites. The national parks, skyscraper cities and coastal areas in our country aren’t something to scoff at. From the 102-story Empire State Building to the warm waters of Hawaii, there are unlimited travel possibilities in the United States.
Another reason I’ll always love America is our country’s culture. Country music is often subjected to mockery for the twangy voices and cliché lyrics, but it holds a place in my heart because — as a Southerner — it represents my home.
Similarly, America has produced some of the world’s best films, bands, sports teams and foods. The Star Wars franchise, the chocolate chip cookie, the Super Bowl and Elvis Presley are all American.
Our economy thrives because of these aspects of American culture. The Motion Picture Association reports that 2.4 million people work in the film industry which pays more than $186 billion in wages each year. Likewise, sports teams have a profound impact on local economies and bring in billions annually.
Although we frequently complain about fluctuating gas prices and the high cost of groceries, this isn’t only an American issue. In fact, our economy is performing better than other G7 countries, having one of the lowest inflation rates and highest GDP growth in the last three years.
A 2023 survey suggests that only 20% of Americans believe the United States stands above all other countries, and this number has been in decline since 2019. Our patriotism is diminishing in an increasingly divided country.
Despite its problems, America has amazing things to offer, from beautiful landscapes to unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll bands, but ultimately, the best thing we could possibly bond over is a shared patriotic culture.
