The America I Miss… Reflections From The Kitchen Sink
The America I Miss
It is hardly an original thought, but I miss the America I knew when I was a kid. I miss the USA Olympic Hockey Team America. I miss the 9/12 America from a few years ago. I miss the Whitney Houston National Anthem goosebumps, and tears during the fireworks finales on July 4th. I miss the sense of pride I always felt seeing people arm up for the common good. Let’s be clear. This isn’t a political statement of any sort, so please don’t turn it into one. This is just one aging American reminiscing a bit and longing for her children to know the same national pride she knew at their ages. They get snippets of that kind of pride, but the oomph just isn’t the same.
I know some would say my childhood view of America was maybe a narrow one. Isn’t everyone’s? We only see what’s in front of us, right? And way back then (just aged myself with that phrasing, huh?), there wasn’t the social media blitzing of information and misinformation. People’s “friend” groups were smaller and, most likely, more like-minded. (That’s not all good or bad, by the way.)
Maybe I’ve just softened the edges of my memories, but in the America I miss people were less brazen about sharing their opinions on controversial topics. Boldness and strength are positives until disrespect and/or ignorance are added to them. People’s opinions should absolutely be heard and valued when spoken in the right manner. It seems today, however, some feel they can just get louder to drown out those with opposing views. I’m a pretty opinionated person myself, but I refuse to belittle others who have other thoughts. In the last couple weeks, I have been verbally berated more than once for my opinions on a few things. I make no apologies for my stands and have come to those positions based on my faith and my knowledge working in concert. A simple question that led to my sharing a position was turned into a complete tear down of what my assumed stands on other issues would be. No questions. No discussions. Just speculation leading to attack. Mind-boggling, to me.
I’ve moved around quite a bit but have spent over four decades within an hour of where I live now: rural America. Even the “bigger” towns I’ve lived in are small towns compared to the metro areas I’ve visited. I understand that regional needs and values dictate some thinking. I also know thought that the foundation of the country was based on similarities and a respect of differences, and I in every ounce of my being know that at the core of this great country is a nation of good, a nation that has been a beacon of hope for so many and a place that can be that same beacon again.
That’s a lot just from one cup of java here at the sink, huh? Guess it’s time to wrap it up…
Until next time…
(photos are of Norman Rockwell art)
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Melinda Campbell – All Reflections from the Kitchen Sink posts are written by Melinda Campbell. Melinda is a retired educator who currently focuses her efforts on raising her two teenaged boys, advocating for individuals with special needs and against drunk driving, and serving in her local community. New Kitchen Sink Merchandise-Click Here?
I don’t understand why patriotism has gone by the way side either. It is sad that we have lost the very things that our country was built on.
Thanks Pam!
Thanks for sharing Lydia. I love hearing from others!
True, but how do we get on the same page if people on both sides of the issue won’t listen and discuss rationally?
I so agree but you are right, people have no patience for anyone’s view but their own!
You too! Thanks for stopping by!
My country too is degenerating. Racism, injustice and corruption are getting worse by the day.
Stay safe, Teresa!
I grew in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 70’s and 80’s with all the craziness around me. So I was exposed to a lot of different views. But one thing I have always believed in was rational discourse. We learn from different people’s opinions and views even if we don’t agree with them but it is a learning opportunity for me. The sad thing is that we don’t listen to each other anymore. We don’t want to (I do) and that is a sad deal.
I think we are always nostalgic about the past and look at it with rose-colored glasses, but in reality, the past also had many problems such as race discrimination in housing and schools, women not allowed to rise with equal positions or pay in the workforce, the fact that smoking cigarettes was was encouraged and allowed everywhere and became very deleterious to society’s health, etc. etc, I think many problems these days stem from social media which gives everyone a soapbox to air their opinions and discontentment and to bully. We all have to work together to make our country a better place–together being the key word.
I guess it depends if someone is hurt by those opinions. Here we have people that will fight with you because you think low income and unemployed should receive more help or good health and education should be an entitlement for all, but I have to say I won’t tolerate anyone who agrees in segregation of 10% of the community. I too miss what Australia was. We are long past our glory days and need to do better.
Have a good safe week Teresa 🙂
Pam, thanks for the comments. Our Founding Fathers indeed has some zinger statements that are so applicable to today’s situation.
I so totally “GET” and agree with what you have written here. I am dismayed and saddened by what seems to be an intentional desire to tear down everything in this country. I too grew up on a small town, but have visited many places and traveled to see adult children living just outside made cities and know region and culture varies. Hating because one doesn’t agree or accept another’s position speaks to me of a growing evil working to upend us. It reminds me of what Benjamin Franklin said after he was asked what form of government the founders had created. As I recall, he said, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Now I wonder if we can on some days and if many even know what that form of government is and why our wise founding fathers chose it so all voices would be heard and respected.
Thanks for sharing this!