Red, White and Green: The Idea of the Dual Patriot
By Sher Ali
UCR, Riverside
In modern times, patriotism defines our nationality. For all intensive purposes nations are justified through patriotism. If one had no differences then there would be no reason for boundaries.
Passion or patriotism is a defining aspect of society. Currently, we have seen America at war for almost seven years. I have made it a habit not to question a soldier’s reasons for taking to the battlefield. But, I must assume there is probably a certain sort of patriotism that gives a soldier the courage to fight a stranger. That patriotism, I suppose, gives him the right to fight a man of another creed. I regress, but the basic point is that wars are fought through patriotic fervor. It can absolve a man to know he is fighting for some cause or passion. The difference between nations also is due to this patriotic fervor.
The differences between nations are on the basis of outlook. Everything is about perspective, the idea that we are a global village is a heaven-like idea. The fact is that being from two different countries, we see the clear differences of being part of two different societies. Trying to avoid these differences is always difficult. For instance, the Pakistani mindset is far different from the American mindset. The approach to various problems is completely different. Americans would most likely find it difficult to live in Pakistan, while Pakistanis have found it easier to settle in America.
Each country has its charm or culture. In Pakistan, I have family and friends so there will always be some root attachment. Let me also not forget my two other passions: food and cricket. Both things are unique to Pakistan. I doubt an American could survive the food street in Lahore without contracting some sort food- related illness. On the same token, I can recall the different things to which my grandparents couldn’t adapt in America. For instance, my grandfather assumed pizza was a snack rather than the traditional dinner.
The customs are also seen to be different. In America, we have this idea of freedom meaning freedom to speak. In Pakistan, the idea is quite new but we have an age-old justification that is summed up with a quirky phrase “System hai kharab”. These generalizations more or less are indicative of the difference in culture and ideas. It’s very difficult to choose definite home without having some bias for either country.
When one goes for vacation and comes back to that one place, one then realizes where the home is. For instance, now whenever I go back to Pakistan this sense of belonging comes about me. Those first few moments are routine: it’s the sights and smells that remind of the beginning. On the drive back to my own house, I witness my own culture. Like in those coffee table books you seem so accustomed to seeing, Pakistan thrills my mind. The streets and traffic give out this distinction that reminds me of a young summer. Likewise, when I return to the States, this sense of reality creeps upon me like a ghost. The American dream of fast cars and money only belies my thumping chest.
In America, I have this intellectual belonging - something that Pakistan has not been able to provide me. I read and write English. Though I am able to speak Urdu in a manner that it is reasonably authentic, I do prefer to speak English. I like folk country music that sings negatively about the government. Various freedoms give me my own little island away from home. America like Pakistan has a distinct charm and history. There is something distinctive about each country. One can ask anyone, there is this extension of each country that leads into its citizens. It is a sort of this infection that spreads to the core of us.
As our fervor and patriotism defines the country. It makes it more important to find and define America. A nation’s characteristics are not fixed. Everything changes, it’s the cycle of life. Though difficult, patriotism arises from little passionate things. One cannot be completely apathetic to either country, one has to find something to magnify it in positive light. If one can struggle to be part of something then he/she must have the struggle to define that thing. When one defines that place, he/she will then break free and be truly home.
