As I pack away my memories from working in rural Missouri for the last 1 ½ months, tears of love and happiness fall down my face. Tears of joy, sadness, and pride fill this large lump in my throat.
I no longer have to prove who I am. I no longer have to explain why I love my country. I no longer need to prove my patriotism, why I’M proud to be an American. I no longer have to hide my red, white, and blue strips of pride when the soil beneath my feet is foreign.
I can now hold my hold my head high. I can sing with pride. I can shout on the top of my lungs, “I’m American and MY president is Barack Obama!
But while Barack Obama’s election doesn’t erase history. While his election doesn’t sooth every point of pain. THIS win – THIS moment – represents an unrecognizable footprint from our previous steps.
It represents why I love my country. It reminds me why I love MY American Identity.
Filed under: American Identity, Barack Obama, Culture | Tagged: American Identity, Barack Obama, country
