Proud to be an American?

The fourth of July always includes lots of speeches about being proud to be an American.  It bothers me.  To me we should be grateful to be citizens of the United States, not proud.  

Pride is about feeling special.  If you achieve something that others have not achieved a bit of pride is a natural, and justified, response, but should not be indulged.  It ultimately is about boosting your own ego.  But it is a fine balance between boosting your ego enough to maintain your self esteem and leaning on pride to give you false confidence. 

We all have heard the old saying "Pride Goes before a fall", a bit of wisdom from ancient ancestors.  The biblical verse Proverbs 16-18 says "pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall."   Ancient wisdom recognized pride easily slides into a negative emotion, leading to unwise decision making.

So why would those of us born in this country seek to take pride about our birthright?   We had nothing to do with arranging to be born in this country.  

Perhaps a Veteran, particularly a Veteran who served in a war zone is entitled to a little of pride.  But often the people who are most vocal about being proud to be an American seem to be politicians born in this country who did not serve in the military.  Our last four Presidents did not serve in the military, three of them planned carefully to avoid the inconvenience of military service back when there was a military draft.

Gratitude is humble.  In my experience humble people make far better life decisions than proud people.  Gratitude for having the privilege of living in this country seems a far more positive emotion.