Who Makes You Proud to Be an American?

The word 'proud' often comes with a sense of accomplishment and admiration. It can be used to describe one's personal achievements, milestones, and successes. However, when it comes to national pride, the question, 'Who makes you proud to be an American,' can lead to some interesting discussions. Let's delve into the nuances of this concept and explore why the simple act of being an American doesn't necessarily make one proud.

A Common Misunderstanding

The phrase 'proud to be an American' is often used to express a positive emotional connection to one's country. This sentiment can be fueled by feelings of patriotism, civic pride, or a sense of belonging. However, a common misunderstanding arises when people interpret 'proud' in a way that suggests they are entitled to take credit for the actions of others, or the circumstances of their birth.

What Does 'Proud' Mean?

The word 'proud' can be defined as: A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of one's relatives, or the achievements of associated groups or nations. In a non-personal context, recognizing and admiring the qualities or achievements of someone or something. When using the word 'proud' in a non-personal context, it's essential to understand that it is not about taking personal credit for someone else's accomplishments or the nationality itself.

A Personal Accomplishment

If you have achieved something significant, like earning a degree, winning an award, or overcoming a personal challenge, you can be proud of yourself. This is a healthy and positive way of using the word 'proud.'

A Common Pitfall in National Pride

The sentiment of being proud to be an American isn't always about taking credit for everyone else's actions or the circumstances of one's birth. Here's why it's not appropriate to be proud in this context:

Birthplace and Parentage

Every person is born somewhere in the world, and every person has two parents. While this may seem straightforward, it's crucial to acknowledge that no one can choose their place of birth or their parents. These aspects of one's life are predetermined and not under personal control.

Consider the following scenarios:

Being born in the USA does not give you the right to claim credit for the successes of an American citizen. You cannot be proud of their accomplishments if you played no role in them. Similarly, if your parents are Americans, they have the right to be proud of you and your achievements because they were instrumental in shaping you and your actions. However, the same does not apply to others with whom you have no direct connection.

What Is Considered Proud in the Context of Nationality?

While it's natural to feel a sense of pride in being an American, it is not correct to take pride in the actions of others or the circumstances of your birth. Here's how you can be proud in an appropriate way:

You can praise an American for doing the right thing. This could be through civic engagement, volunteering, or positive contributions to society. If your son or daughter does something great, you can indeed be proud. As a parent, you are partly responsible for their growth and achievements.

A Final Note

While many people may disagree with this perspective, the correct usage of the word 'proud' is important. Being proud of your own accomplishments or the actions of those you have a direct connection with is perfectly fine. However, it is not appropriate to be proud of others' accomplishments or the circumstances of your birth.

I understand that many people might object to this viewpoint, and I acknowledge that many Americans might express pride in their nationality in a way that is not technically correct. Nonetheless, it is crucial to use the word 'proud' appropriately, and not to claim credit for others' actions or the accidental circumstances of one's life.