What exactly is "National Pride?"

A July 4th Reflection

In a recent Gallup poll, “American Pride” has dropped to an all-time low. However, pride among those who identify as Republican remains high, over 90%, while the results are skewed by drastic drops in pride among those who identify as Independent and Democrats. National pride also drops among younger generations. These results reinforce typical stereotypes about people’s patriotism—or lack thereof—and, subsequently, our characterization of them. Pundits on both sides talk exhaustively, frequently throwing out the usual tropes: “fascist,” “woke leftist,” “Christian Nationalist,” and “Communist.” Despite all this focus on problem of national pride and its causes, “What exactly IS it?”

I’ll never forget the first time I watched George C. Scott’s iconic speech at the beginning of the movie “Patton.” Playing the polarizing, but famous WWII general, giving an imaginary pre-combat speech to his troops, he proclaims, “America loves a winner.” I was a Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, and I recall the adrenaline rush, like a shock of electricity running through my body. We thought, “this is what it’s all about.” I felt a sense of at the time was pride about being at the Academy and that one day, I’d be serving our military, winning for my country. The only other time I’ve felt this way was during competition as a wrestler and wrestling coach. During every match or tournament, whether for myself or the athletes I had prepared, I felt the same rush of pride when the final whistle blew and the right arm was raised in victory.

Yet, in 40-plus years ago in the sport, I’ve come to learn an important lesson: winning, the feeling that comes with it, is fleeting. More years have ended in losses than they have in championships, and the rush and memories of those few victories have long faded from my memory. I used to think winning was somehow linked to a measure of success, achievement, and meaning in the sport. Looking back, that belief actually hindered me. I took shortcuts as a competitor for short term success that had long term consequences. I also held back as a coach because I didn’t have the same winning pedigree as other coaches. Believing I had less to offer, my athletes suffered as a result. Yet, I’ve learned that winning isn’t the pinnacle of the sport. If you ask most wrestlers, their sense of dedication and pride in the sport runs much deeper.

You’ll find a similar sentiment today among those who have dedicated their lives in service to their country. Countless people have selflessly, and with much less visibility than those who served in the military, given years of their lives to federal service with the same degree of dedication and pride. It’s why the current elimination of federal departments and termination of positions have been so devastating. It’s not simply the loss of a job, it’s the loss of that service - and the national pride that came with it.

Is national pride merely the sentiment of winning? If so, the poll results show it’s fleeting, tending to rise and fall in correlation to the whims of political control of the government. Examining the current state of American society, one must wonder if a win-at-all-costs mentality is actually serving us well. It’s a question that extends well beyond the state of politics in America and into our workplaces, communities, places of worship, friendships, and families. An attitude of winning taints our day-to-day interactions - how we treat the random barista who gets our coffee order wrong, for example - and tempers our celebrations like this 4th of July weekend, where national pride is appropriate.

So what’s the alternative? Going back to that opening scene in “Patton,” there is another quote that has stayed with me over the years: “Americans love to fight.” That attitude to fight, whether in the sport of wrestling or other aspects of my life, has not just helped me get through life’s adversities. It’s also brought a lot of meaning through working alongside people during hardship, doing something worthwhile, and forming relationships founded on respect and trust. We’re connected by a shared fighting spirit. I’ve experienced and admired similar people in my life who exhibited that same fighting spirit in the name of something greater, even when I’ve fundamentally differed from them in many ways. This fighting spirit provides an opportunity to recover a feeling of national pride and redefine it away from a toxic win-at-all-costs mentality. Most Americans are collectively dissatisfied with the current state of things, regardless of their ideological and political leanings. A poll conducted earlier this year revealed that fewer than one in ten Americans are proud of American politics, regardless of whether they identify as Republican or Democrat. A fighting spirit might just be what we need to restore a sense of national pride that unites us.

One last thing: We fight alongside and for, not against, each other. A true fighting spirit demands that we examine our hearts and question the beliefs and messages that demonize others and fracture a fundamental sense of respect and trust that allows us to fight well for what’s important. This fighting spirit requires us to reflect deeply on what it means to create something together on all levels of society, rather than leaving it up to the few in charge and then complaining or gloating about the results. This Fourth of July, as we enjoy our time to relax and appreciate what so many before us have enjoyed, it’s vital and necessary to ask, “What is worth fighting for that we can all share and take pride in?”

It’s always been up to us, and that’s a good thing. Americans love a good fight, and despite what the mainstream will tell you, I believe we’re up to the task.