Justified Nationalism | Teen Ink

Justified Nationalism

November 27, 2009
By MaryJane420 BRONZE, Brooklyn, New York
MaryJane420 BRONZE, Brooklyn, New York
3 articles 0 photos 5 comments

"What makes us American?" the teacher asked
and tenth period global history exploded with ideas.
"McDonald's," said Dillon, "and obesity!"
"Ignorance towards the rest of the world!" someone cried.
"Teen pregnancy and general lack of common sense."
Confused, then, I raised my hand.

"I've been American since before I was born,
and I identify with nothing that was said. Do you?
Last time I checked, McDonald's is a global franchise,
obesity is a worldwide phenomenon,
and should you have lived in another country, you very likely
would have ran a family of four at age 12.

"What makes us American is our freedom
to criticize our country and have a conversation like this.
What makes us American is our freedom
to fly colors other than red, white, and blue, although I never would.
What makes us American is our freedom
to break barriers and expectations, and our responsibility to do so.
What makes us American is our freedom
to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
What makes us American is our freedom,
and our freedom to go elsewhere and lose all of it.
What makes us American is the love for our country,
the desire to live here, and the honor of being free."

I rest my case.

They all clapped and cheered, like good Americans should.


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This article has 2 comments.


on Apr. 18 2010 at 1:01 am
Supernova7 GOLD, Redford, Texas
16 articles 6 photos 394 comments

Favorite Quote:
Let me cry my tears let me live in sorrow as long as you promise to be with me tomorrow
By Me:)

I liked it:)

on Jan. 1 2010 at 10:16 pm
Karma_Chameleon SILVER, English, Indiana
8 articles 0 photos 236 comments

Favorite Quote:
To be able to say "I love you" one must first be able to say "I" - Ayn Rand

Amazing poem Jess. You hit the nail perfectly on the head. Great work! :-)