Just two weeks ago, I couldn’t name a single Winter Olympian. Now, my friends and I are constantly discussing whether we’d actually dye our hair like Alysa Liu’s or sharing our excitement about meeting Liz Lemley on campus next year. I love cheering for these exceptional American athletes — but I don’t feel comfortable expressing that same competitive spirit for “Team USA” as a whole.
Cheering passionately for the U.S. can feel uncomfortable as a liberal student on a deep-blue college campus. I cannot see myself waving the American flag and chanting “USA” every time our country snags another medal. Instead of viewing these acts as harmless expressions of patriotism, I have come to view them as unsavory, conservative traits. If I am repelled from basic expressions of national pride in a context as nonpartisan as the Olympics, I must wonder: During a time in our country’s history that induces such constant frustration and discontent, what does it mean to be a liberal and a patriot at the same time?
There are concrete reasons to associate loud, public expressions of patriotism like flag-waving and chanting with Republican culture. Extreme examples like MAGA rallies may come to mind first, but even without the violent nationalist subtext, conservative Americans are simply more prone to public expressions of affection for their country. This pattern of consistent, vocal patriotism differs greatly from the traditions and values of left-leaning culture.
A 2019 study from the International Society of Political Psychology assembled a sample group encompassing different political identities. Each individual rated their agreement with various statements about expressions of patriotism and noted that most people fell into one of two major ideological patterns. For the integrity of the study, these two groups were not explicitly labeled as liberal or conservative, but the consistency of answers between the two groups shows a clear political division.
One group, presumably conservatives, frequently agreed with statements that linked patriotism to public expression and unconditional loyalty. They expressed strong agreement that true Americans are always proud of their American identity, American children should recite the Pledge of Allegiance in school, and patriots should stand when the national anthem is played. These beliefs make up an ideology called symbolic patriotism; pride in the country is felt and expressed through traditional markers and symbols of American identity. Acts of symbolic patriotism like waving the flag, chanting for the country, and singing the national anthem all come more easily when the culture’s affection for the country comes from its traditional significance, not its current condition.
The other group, presumably liberals, express patriotism in a more critical way. This group tended to agree with statements that focused more on thinking critically about the country and acting to improve it. This belief system is called constructive patriotism. They strongly agreed that true Americans speak out against the country when the government is in the wrong and that patriots should criticize failed leadership out of love for their country. We can view the “F**k ICE” protests, for example, as an expression of constructive patriotism. It is far less affectionate than conservative celebrations, but it signifies deep care for American communities and a valuable belief that the country can and must improve. Celebratory habits comparable to Republican tradition simply should not exist comfortably in this critical, liberal relationship with America — especially in our current political climate.
There are many things I wish I could change about this country. I have learned to express my passion for my country and its potential to improve through constant questioning, criticism, and protesting. These patriotic habits are critical to protecting the ideas and communities that we value. I do not need to wave a flag and cheer for my country to validate my identity as an American patriot. However, I also believe that I can support the country in apolitical contexts, such as the Olympics, without feeling that such support comes with the sacrifice of my political discontents or reservations. The Olympics allow us to cheer for our favorite athletes or, if we wish, our country. It does not need to be a political act.
