Patriotism—Whose Flag Is It?

“There are seasons in every country when noise and impudence pass current for worth; and in popular commotions especially, the clamors of interested and factious [individuals] are often mistaken for patriotism."—Alexander Hamilton

"You're not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. 

Wrong is wrong no matter who says it."  —Malcolm X

As we observe the Fourth of July the question of how we define patriotism in America has become an ongoing debate and a source of division within the country. 

Whose beliefs are more patriotic—someone who carries the flag into the capital because they think the election was"stolen," someone who carries the flag to protest racism and injustice, or someone who kneels during the national anthem?

An old Saturday night live skit asked the question, Who is more macho? 

Today the question is—Who is more patriotic?

Is it someone like Michael Flynn, former US National Security Advisor, who appeared at a “For God and Country Patriotic Roundup,” suggesting that we call for the military to overthrow our democratically elected president, or is it someone like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who asks, “What’s more patriotic: fighting for the inclusion and rights of ‘more’ Americans, or working to exclude and marginalize fellow Americans based on their beliefs and identity.” 

"Vessel #18—Leeward"

The answers to these questions are open to each individual’s interpretation of patriotism—but on the Fourth of July—fly our flag for your beliefs, honor our freedom—but also recognize that our freedom is not perfect, and there are many among us who feel that they have been marginalized or denied justice. 

As Amanda Gorman so eloquently said in her Inauguration poem— 

"While democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated. We will not march back to what was but move to what shall be. A country that is bruised, but whole, benevolent, but bold, fierce and free."

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Jeff Key's work can be seen at:

For ticket information to the Ruth Bancroft Garden:

https://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/sculpture2021/ 

Additional work can be seen at:
Jeff Key Website: http://www.jeffmkey.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jeffmkey/
Sculpturesite Gallery: https://sculpturesite.com/exhibit/155