The 4th of July is one of those holidays that means different things to different Americans--- Freedom, Fun, Frivolity and Fireworks--- all those things that make America... America.
Two years ago, when I penned my Optimistic Cynic's Guide To Patriotism post, I was in a different mind-set about the essence of our country's existence. We are a young country--- only 237 yrs old--- an infant when you compare the ages of countries in the rest of the world.
We're the "baby of the family" so to speak....
and we carry the dreaded, though not unexpected, stereotype of being the youngest sibling, with us....
But, being the spoiled, youngest sprog also means we have a greater responsibility for carrying on the family name---- lest we bring an end to our line because we have failed to ensure our posterity.
We have the "time" to grow into a successful adult...we have the shadows of our older siblings to emulate, avoid, outshine--- if we follow, or in some cases, take heed of their mistakes as an instructive example. We want to make mom/dad proud. We want to do it ourselves (we're big kids!). And, we want to be different than our brothers and sisters---- cuz, who really enjoys being compared, on a microscopic level, to their older relatives???
But, it takes a lot growing and maturing before anyone takes a baby seriously.
We've got our quirks, our failings, our tendency to run headlong off the roof of the garage because we're sure we can fly. But, it's the very same kind of brash self-assurance that let us, finally, learn how to take flight (our own lack of aerodynamics was the last thing that was going to stop us).
Cranky diaper-rash aside, it's days like this that remind me how far we've come in so short a time.... and, yet, how far we still have to go....
So, to you, my motherland, I wish many happy returns......
Two years ago, when I penned my Optimistic Cynic's Guide To Patriotism post, I was in a different mind-set about the essence of our country's existence. We are a young country--- only 237 yrs old--- an infant when you compare the ages of countries in the rest of the world.
We're the "baby of the family" so to speak....
and we carry the dreaded, though not unexpected, stereotype of being the youngest sibling, with us....
But, being the spoiled, youngest sprog also means we have a greater responsibility for carrying on the family name---- lest we bring an end to our line because we have failed to ensure our posterity.
We have the "time" to grow into a successful adult...we have the shadows of our older siblings to emulate, avoid, outshine--- if we follow, or in some cases, take heed of their mistakes as an instructive example. We want to make mom/dad proud. We want to do it ourselves (we're big kids!). And, we want to be different than our brothers and sisters---- cuz, who really enjoys being compared, on a microscopic level, to their older relatives???
But, it takes a lot growing and maturing before anyone takes a baby seriously.
We've got our quirks, our failings, our tendency to run headlong off the roof of the garage because we're sure we can fly. But, it's the very same kind of brash self-assurance that let us, finally, learn how to take flight (our own lack of aerodynamics was the last thing that was going to stop us).
Cranky diaper-rash aside, it's days like this that remind me how far we've come in so short a time.... and, yet, how far we still have to go....
So, to you, my motherland, I wish many happy returns......
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| Cake decorator, I am not.... |
I'd never thought of America as the wee babe among siblings. It's an apt analogy. And the family dynamic explains a lot.
ReplyDeleteIf the whole marketing Penguins thing doesn't materialize, you can try your hand at international relations/family counseling.
LOL.... I'm still holding out for the Random Penguins---not so sure how well I'd fare in sibling rivalries.... >_<
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