Conversation of patriotism
Answers
Explanation:
What is patriotism? How do we differentiate patriotism, nationalism, and citizenship? What are the duties of a patriot? Are we most patriotic when our views and values align with those in power? Or, can we feel patriotic through the act of protest? Can we be patriotic if the country is not upholding its values? Can supporting the country be unpatriotic?
On Thursday evening, students engaged these questions, and others, during a Bowdoin Student Government sponsored event, Defining Patriotism, Kneeling During the Anthem: A Community Conversation. BSG designated the discussion as an opportunity to “complicate, challenge, and ultimately understand each other’s perspective on patriotism” and to consider patriotism in relation to the movement of kneeling before the American flag during the national anthem, as popularized by NFL player Colin Kaepernick.
The event was the brainchild of Salim Salim ’20, BSG’s vice president for student affairs. Salim began the discussion by citing his personal stake in the matter as a naturalized Iraqi immigrant living in America. “I have a lot of questions,” Salim told the audience. Later asked about his motivations for planning this discussion, Salim said that the subject of patriotism is complicated for him. “I’m very torn about whether or not I am patriotic,” he said. This community discussion was, in part, he said an effort to wrestle with these questions with the student body.