Should Blacks be Patriotic? by Lana Hampton Many blacks do not consider themselves   patriotic.  Those blacks feel that they have no reason to be patriotic.  And, a poll taken by Dennis Gilbert, Professor of Sociology at Hamilton College and analyzed by Zogby International, shows that their children are following in their footsteps.  The poll found that 61% of white students, nation-wide, consider themselves extremely or very patriotic, while only 34% of blacks described themselves the same. In my browsing on the Internet, the most disturbing anti-Americanism (from Americans) I came across was in Front Page magazine.   Michael Tremoglic wrote an article titled "Comrade Toms".  In it he described listening to a black Philadelphia radio station where, following 9/11, callers were making statements such as,“America got what it deserved” and “I’ m Black, I’m not an American.” Not surprisingly, the reason most cited for black apathy toward their own country is this country’ s despicable history with regard to blacks.  But, I think blacks that feel that way should re-think their position. Blacks have been a part of this country since the country’s beginnings.  Blacks helped to build this country.  Blacks have fought in every war the U.S. has been involved in and following the Civil War, immediately began civic pursuits. Consider how much black people have contributed to this country: the many black inventors, our contribution to the arts, cinema, sports and academia.  American blacks have a rich culture, aspects of which have been embraced by mainstream America.   Furthermore, blacks should be the most supportive of our troops, if for no other reason than according to the National Association for Black Veterans, blacks represent over 35% of the Army and more than 22% of all the branches combined.  Yet, we are only 13% of the population.  To be anti-military is to be anti- black. This is our country too, and we should be proud and celebrate our accomplishments on the day that has been set aside for these celebrations. I really like what Clarence Page, of the Chicago Tribune, had to say regarding black patriotism: “The Pledge is not a declaration of existing reality.  It is an expression of one’s commitment to a goal worth achieving.”  And, well-known actor, Morgan Freeman expresses his patriotism by saying that even though the Founders did not have him in mind when the Declaration of Independence was written, he is still proud to be an American because the story of America is the journey to reconcile the ideals of the Declaration with the reality of American life. Blacks have suffered much in this country, but this is still where we live and instead of being bitter and embroiled in anger, we should be proactive and productive.  If you don’t like the neighborhood you live in, clean it up, plant some flowers.  If you hate the crime where you live, form a Neighborhood Watch.  They are quite effective in reducing crime.  Hate racism?   Involve members of your community in a multi- cultural workshop and do your part to reach out to people of other races.  Do you want to live the American dream?  Work hard, stay out of trouble and get a good education. Even if you don’t have much, take advantage of what you do have.   You can always build on it, and thus impact this country in a positive way.       This is your country.