This week in class we read a very interesting essay called “The Partly Cloudy Patriot” by Sarah Vowell. (Fun fact about Vowell, she’s a Capricorn and was the voice of Violet in The Incredibles!) Vowell is often referred to as a ‘social observer’, given she has written seven nonfiction books on American history and culture. In “The Partly Cloudy Patriot” Vowell discusses the range of the patriotic spectrum, and what it means to fall on either end of it.
There are two ends of the spectrum, full sun and storm clouds. Full sun would describe the people who only support their country when it is doing well. On the other end, storm clouds, are those who portray a blind loyalty to their country. This can also be described as jingoism or extreme patriotism. Throughout the essay the reader can see the inner struggle Vowell faces as she tries to decide which side she falls on.
After the events of 9/11 “flags were plastered everywhere, seeing them was heartening because they indicated that we are all in this sorrow together” (1058). In this passage Vowell begins to illustrate a key moment in her journey to finding which side she belongs on. Vowell decides to contribute to this act of patriotism and put up a flag of her own. As she’s about to tape a flag to her window she hesitates and throws it into the recycling bin. Yes the flag symbolizes unity for a mourning nation, but it also represents war and destruction, especially when the president began to take action against the ‘evildoers’. Vowell realizes she’s not on the stormy side when she is skeptical of the flag and its meaning.
Later in the essay Vowell takes the flag out of the recycling bin and tapes it to her window. In doing this she also finds out that she does not fall under the sunny side when she states, “I know I’m no sunshine patriot” (1060). Just because her country isn’t in the best place doesn’t mean she can’t support it in its time of need.
After these events Vowell makes her own category on the patriotic spectrum, partly cloudy. This new section is for those with a healthy skepticism for their country and government. These people do not follow their county blindly, but provide an opinion to better help their nation as a whole. They also support their country not just when it’s doing well, but when it needs a helping hand. These traits describe “the partly cloudy patriot I long to be” (1060).
Where do you fall on the patriotic spectrum? Leave a comment down below!
The spectrum you mentioned in your blog left me feeling stuck in between either side. Being from another country, patriotism is a hard topic for me to talk about as I was not born in the country. However, after getting my citizenship, it feels more comfortable to show pride for the country I live in. While I do disagree with some decisions the government make, I try to be as optimistic as possible, which is why I see myself as partly cloudy.
ReplyDeleteGreat job analyzing the story we read and discussed in class! I really like how clearly you explained Vowell's feelings of being a partly cloudy patriot by using examples from the text and clear explanations!
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