When President Donald Trump was elected in 2016, he decided to present a portrait of America’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson, a figure whom Trump claims was “an amazing figure in American history—very unique in so many ways” in the Oval Office (Life). Jackson is argued by many historians to be the worst president this country has ever seen. The United States was faced with economic instability, and Indigenous people and slaves were faced with some of, if not the worst, moments of their lives. Despite these actions, Trump believed that Jackson was a role model whom he aspired to be like. He believes that Jackson is a true American man. This is living proof that in this day and age, racism is being disguised as patriotism.
As an American myself, I truly am proud of my country. The Fourth of July is one of the most celebrated days each year in my life, and I can recognize the privileges I have been blessed with by residing within its borders. With this being said, I am also ambitious and believe that there is always room for improvement, especially in a political world. In the past, we have witnessed symbols being misconstrued, like a sign of good fortune being tilted to represent the Nazi party, or people hiding under white sheets to conceal their identities as they share their cowardly opinions on other races. Today, many people use the American flag as a shield to hide their own prejudices. The fact that the banner that once represented unity and freedom is now associated with a certain political party is saddening. The United States was built on the principle, “…liberty and justice for all,” but where is that now? Advantages are revealed in millions of lives every day. Privilege is when one doesn’t concern themselves with issues in this country because it does not personally affect them. If your family were the ones not receiving food because of the SNAP cuts, you would care. If your family was being torn apart because of ICE, you would care. So why not extend that sympathy towards those actually experiencing these issues? No change has ever been made by staying quiet. Have empathy for those who are different from you, and support them not only when needed, but all of the time.
The American flag is for all of us. It doesn’t exclude immigrants, people of color, or any minorities. We are all united under those stars and stripes. But this narrative has been twisted within the last few years. If our country has not disappointed you, you do not love it enough. Because when you love something, you want to see it thrive. America is not thriving, and it can not until we are all equal. Patriotism is not about who one excludes, but who they choose to include. I feel as if I witness more and more hate every day, and I truly do believe one of the biggest reasons for this is that it is what the man we call our president is best at. He is not a man “for the people.” He is a man for a small percentage of the country. He is a man for rich, white, straight men. Trump is not a patriot. Those who are using their voices to make America a better place, with no exceptions, are.
