I have deep affection for my homeland. I feel fortunate to have been born in the United States and cherish the advantages that come with my American citizenship, along with the liberties safeguarded by our Constitution. However, I do not consider my birthplace a mark of superiority. I do not believe that America is intrinsically more entitled to safety, security, or prosperity than any other country. Isolating ourselves and becoming increasingly insular will not enhance our safety or status as a nation. Furthermore, I find that the phrase “America first” does not convey a positive lesson to our children.
Many argue that prioritizing America is akin to putting one’s family first. While this may seem logical, there are significant differences. First, prioritizing family is a biological instinct, which is not comparable to nationalistic sentiments. Second, I don’t always advocate for putting family before others. In challenging situations where my family is better off than others, I would prioritize helping those in need.
Consider the scene in “Little Women” where the March sisters forego their own comforts to assist a less fortunate family. That is the spirit of selflessness I aspire to instill in my children. I want them to grow up to be altruistic individuals who help others in need, regardless of nationality.
If we equate “America first” with “My family first,” it leads us down a slippery slope to “Me first.” This is not a philosophy I wish for my children to adopt. Furthermore, “America first” creates an unnecessary divide based on superficial loyalties. The idea that those born within arbitrary borders are more valuable than those born beyond them seems utterly illogical.
I was raised to view myself as a global citizen, embracing all of humanity as one family. My upbringing taught me that healthy patriotism is commendable, while extreme nationalism can be detrimental. This is the mindset I aim to cultivate in my children.
If America were facing dire circumstances, I might reconsider my stance on “America first.” In a survival situation, prioritizing one’s family is understandable. However, this is not our reality. The United States is the ninth wealthiest nation globally, with a military budget that surpasses the combined spending of the next seven countries. While our national debt poses challenges, we are not in a state of destitution. We possess ample resources to thrive but often lack the collective resolve to tackle our issues effectively.
Critics often point out the plight of homeless veterans as a counterargument. However, significant progress has been made. Between 2009 and 2014, veteran homelessness decreased by over 67%. In January 2015, New Orleans became the first major city to declare that it had ended veteran homelessness. While some claim these issues are spiraling out of control, the reality is quite different.
Essentially, we are residing in a comfortable home with some areas in need of repair. When a family arrives at our door during a snowstorm, will we truly deny them help because we need to fix our own dwelling first? Are we unwilling to share what we have because we haven’t fully settled our own debts? Will we ignore a starving stranger because “they’re not our problem” or “they can seek aid elsewhere”?
In this increasingly interconnected world, no nation can thrive in isolation, including the U.S. Focusing solely on our interests can backfire, alienating allies, empowering adversaries, and undermining our economy. More importantly, the “America first” rhetoric sends a message to our children that our strength lies in exclusion rather than inclusion. It suggests that some lives hold more value than others based solely on geographical birthright.
This is a message I refuse to impart to my children. I will raise them to be global citizens, prioritizing their shared humanity over national identity, and to utilize their privilege as Americans to foster a better world for everyone.
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Summary
The “America first” mentality promotes a harmful mindset that prioritizes national identity over shared humanity. It fosters division and suggests that some lives are more valuable based on geography. Instead, we should raise our children to be global citizens, emphasizing altruism and the importance of helping others, regardless of nationality.
Keyphrase: America first mentality
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