Hello Everyone. I am finding it difficult to come here and write. Activities that formally made me feel happy and inspired now create anxiety inside of me. And I feel guilty if I don't write. Like I am letting myself down. I also feel guilty for not reading posts. I was once told that guilt is a wasted emotion. I need to remember that. So I have been avoiding coming here lately. Additionally, I am trying to be more present for my partner who has been struggling with terrible anxiety due to PTSD from his open heart surgery. He was never like this before.

But alas, I will do my best to answer this goddamn writing prompt. It is a subject I have strong feelings about. Patriotism, in small doses, can be positive in that it brings people together and forges connections. But I am not in support of excessive patriotism. No sir, I am not. 

In simple-minded people, it creates a type of prejudice. Where they believe their country is the best, refusing to see the flaws and injustices that are occurring in plain sight. People become fanatic, foaming at the mouth, and crazed, with their adoration of the goddamn region they were randomly born in. They believe they are special because of where they live. You see a lot of boot-licking and simping over authority where excessive patriotism resides. Abuses of power are not questioned, and anyone who protests injustice is seen as the enemy. That is weird. 

Amass a large enough group with this same mindset, and there is a potential for a shitstorm of epic proportions to occur. It fuels an animalistic desire to fight the "others." Other countries become their enemy. Immigrants are now distrusted and blamed for societal ills. Anyone who speaks out against the government, authority, or injustice, is seen as not respecting the goddamn flag or Country. 

Hitler used patriotism to fuel his fascist agenda. The Jewish people were othered. They were made into an enemy of the country, even if they were born there. Propaganda played a huge role. People wanted someone to blame for their hardships. Then it extended to other countries. Those countries became a threat to their sovereignty. We see how similar it is in the US with Trump leading the Maga maniacs. American citizens are being systematically stripped of their rights and their so-called freedoms. Marginalized groups of people are being targeted, but before long, the target will extend to those who once felt safe nestled in their privilege. By then, it will be too late. 

A large portion of American citizens are overly proud of their country. This creates complacency and a refusal to see what needs to be fixed. So no. Patriotism can kick rocks as far as I'm concerned. I am fortunate to be born in Canada, but I am not proud to be a Canadian. I did not accomplish anything by simply being lucky enough to be born in this region.

There is a lot more I could say, but my soul is tired. I have written a series of poems and writings about this topic in another post called "A Breakfast For Fascism." 

Thank you ever so much for reading this. I want everyone to know I am thinking of you every day. This is my community of connection. And we are all diverse, from all regions of the globe. We are not enemies to each other because we come from different places and have different customs and beliefs. Rather than judging what I do not understand, I strive to be curious. Why is it that way? There are always reasons. People don't just behave a certain way or believe certain things for no reason. I am adopting a kinder and more curious attitude towards different cultural norms that I may not relate to, or that I find to be oppressive. 

I am glad I wrote today. I hope everyone has a day filled with happiness and love.