| One of my favorite quotes on the subject:
"Sitting at the table doesn't make you a diner, unless you eat some of what's on that plate. Being here in America doesn't make you an American. Being born here in America doesn't make you an American."
Malcolm X Speaks, 1965
I think that to be an American, you have to take part. You have to have a role. There are many roles, many parts, we all can take; some promoting order, some fomenting chaos; some supporting the government, some opposing. The only role we should not allow ourselves is that of apathy and indifference -- sadly, a role too many people choose today.
Because I take part, yes, I'm proud to be an American. But not any more proud than I would be to be Mexican, Canadian, Haitian, Irish, Belgian, Russian, Bangladeshi -- you name it. Wherever I lived, wherever I felt a part of a society, I would be proud of my role: since I live here, this is where I am proud.
"Would you like some pie, Dr. Stark?"
"Science is my pie. Curiosity, my sweet tooth.
Knowledge is my candy." |