Let's Not Wave the Flag In Whole World's Face (GAG!)

New York Daily News ^ | 2/12/02 | E. R. Shipp

[areafiftyone]

I fully understand Norman Mailer's pique with his fellow Americans — especially since the Winter Olympics opened in Salt Lake City.

Mailer, in a series of interviews that ran in British newspapers last week, expressed his exasperation with what's passing for patriotism in post-Sept. 11 America. "America has an almost obscene infatuation with itself," he told The Daily Telegraph. "Has there ever been a big, powerful country that is as patriotic as America? And patriotic in the tinniest way, with so much flag-waving? You'd really think we were some poor little republic and that if one person lost his religion for one hour, the whole thing would crumble. America is the real religion in this country."

We do appear to be going overboard. I do believe that some people in places like Long Island are trying to outdo their neighbors for dramatic displays of the flag. And others, especially immigrants from those parts of the world forever etched in our psyches as bastions of terrorism, are feeling not-so-subtle pressure to demonstrate their allegiance to the U.S. by mounting flags, too.

During the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, it really struck me that the "U.S.A.! U.S.A.!" rah-rahing had hit a new — and uncomfortable — level. After Police Officer Daniel Rodriguez's now familiar — and almost de rigueur — rendition of "God Bless America," pop singer R. Kelly sang about Americans being "the greatest." That was very, well, impolite to the athletes, fans and dignitaries from around the world — not to mention the billions watching on television across the globe — kind of like inviting guests over for dinner and spending the entire time bragging about yourself.

The tussle over the display of the tattered flag from Ground Zero bordered on tastelessness, too. For a while, it was touch and go, with a sizable contingent of superpatriots demanding that the American athletes march in with the wounded banner as a symbol of American defiance and resilience.

Fortunately, the matter was resolved when the International Olympic Committee permitted an honor guard of police, firefighters and U.S. Olympians to solemnly carry the flag into the stadium during what turned out to be a moving ceremony that was, in the end, bigger than America. After all, the world was wounded Sept. 11. Indeed, other parts of the world were probably saying to themselves that day that the U.S. was entering the horrid world of war and terrorism that they'd long been a part of.

Television coverage of the Olympics seems to focus more on American athletes — whether they finish in the running or not — than it does on winning athletes from other countries. Part of this is because, as Kelly Clark, the first American gold medalist in these games, said after her winning snowboard ride, "We've had a tough few months here," alluding to Sept. 11 and its aftermath. "It's great to give people something to cheer about."

One of her teammates was even more specific: "I'm stoked for the U.S.A.," Shannon Dunn said.

Fundamentally, however, this is American boosterism in overdrive. I'm less interested in tallies that emphasize which nation is ahead in the medals count. I'm much more interested in individual accomplishment — nationality be damned!

On some college campuses, there is a kind of counterpatriotism underway, with students protesting the war effort in Afghanistan and the possible abuse of the rights of Taliban and Al Qaeda soldiers taken into custody by the U.S. Some superpatriots criticize their dissent as dishonorable.

But again, as Mailer told The Guardian: "My feeling is that you're patriotic about America if you're obsessed with America because it's a democracy and its obligation is to improve all the time, not to stop and take bows and smell its armpits and say, 'Ambrosia!'"

Good on you, Norm!

[areafiftyone]

I only have one word - BARF!

[anniegetyourgun]

"Fundamentally, however, this is American boosterism in overdrive."

The Left is hating this so much they could spit nails. Too bad - they can leave.

[Seruzawa]

If Mailer thinks that Americans have an overblown view of themselves he should try visiting Asia. Especially Japan. Or France. Or Germany. Or Britain. I've been in few countries that are more likely to be self-critical than the USofA. A characteristic that Mailer himself demonstrates to a point of nausea.

[gaspar]

Why is it that at the moment of truth most women are not good with knives? Someone could have saved us from the ravings of this pot-addled maniac a long time ago.

[Maceman]

I fully understand Norman Mailer's pique with his fellow Americans

Then you are obviously a self-hating American.

[KirklandJunction]

A quote from an Irish tourist in a French bar recently: "Mailer is still totally out of touch, isn't he?"

French host: "Way past his prime, if any."

...and some people badmouth Europeans!

[lady lawyer]

A lot of people, from a lot of countries, are waving their flags here in SLC. Nobody's complaining about them.

[southern rock]

I only have one word

For the author of this article, I have two.

[FITZ]

Americans living in other countries shouldn't wave their flags but if foreigners don't want to see the US flag they should leave the US.

[jejones]

I agree with you, but...OTOH, remember back when Communist countries, e.g. East Germany, would brag about their medal count, basically because it was all they had to brag about? As far gone as we are down the road to a totalitarian nanny/police state, we still have at least a few things other than winning athletic competitions to be proud of.

[A Vast RightWing Conspirator]

During the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, it really struck me that the "U.S.A.! U.S.A.!" rah-rahing had hit a new — and uncomfortable — level.

He must feel most conmorable while attending soccer games in L.A. No danger of any of the multicultural chanting U.S.A. there.

[Asclepius]

... And others, especially immigrants from those parts of the world forever etched in our psyches as bastions of terrorism, are feeling not-so-subtle pressure to demonstrate their allegiance to the U.S. by mounting flags, too ...

So mount them. What's the problem?

[areafiftyone]

but if foreigners don't want to see the US flag they should leave the US.

Exactly what I think. What did they come over here for anyway - I hope to become american citizens like our grandparents and great grandparents. Why can't we be proud of our flag. Why do we have to be under so much scrutiny even when we are patriotic. During World War II no-one even thought to question our patriotism why are we catering to these people now?

[Dan from Michigan]

On some college campuses, there is a kind of counterpatriotism underway, with students protesting the war effort in Afghanistan and the possible abuse of the rights of Taliban and Al Qaeda soldiers taken into custody by the U.S. Some superpatriots criticize their dissent as dishonorable.

Yeah...and we took it to the streets as well telling them to pick a better country and move there.

[buffyt]

It is not politically correct to be proud if you are white, male, Christian, American... But if you are any other race, nationality, religion, etc. it is fine to be proud and to have a whole month devoted to your history, etc. If you are Christian you are not allowed to pray in public, or display a cross or the ten commandments. But if you are another religion they can teach your religion in a public school classroom. I personally don't see why it is fine to be proud of whom you are unless you are a WASP. I thought we all wanted "equality". This is getting surreal.

[anniegetyourgun]

We do have many things to be proud of and should continue to express our pride in America. The Leftists appear to want to squelch free speech.....again....

[Leto]

If he doesn't like the pro America slant to events like the Olympics and the Super Bowl there is a simple solution. DON"T WATCH, just turn the old satlittle dish on and watch AlJazeer (or whatever the hell they call it), then he won't have to be offended for people expressing support for the country.

[Fintan]

The left has their collective panties in a bunch because things just aren't going their way.

For eight years, they froliced in their little socialist playpen with their degenerate, lying babysitter and his Marxist wife. This country's collective culture (such as it is) and intelligence and national pride were trashed and spat upon by people without a shred of individual pride or dignity.

Now, this country has been brutally awakened, and thankfully we're being led by adults who still believe in what this country is really about.

Hey, E.R.: Cuba's only 90 miles from Florida...

[Mfkmmof4]

I say we all fly 10 more flags outdoors a piece. USA USA USA USA USA!!!!!!!

[goldstategop]

Yeah they hate it when people show how much they LOVE this country. The carrying of the Sept. 11th flag into the stadium was my favorite moment of the entire Olympics. It made so proud to see it happen.