An anti-American culture is growing before us. The insidious seeds of such a society were planted in the Baby Boomer era, but now in 2015 journalists, celebrities, educators, and even politicians have made loud, crude comments that force many to question whether these citizens are aware of the blessings they have received from the land where they live. In such a culture it is not surprising that children are “educated” to see patriotism as “egocentrism.”

I was taught that patriotism is gratitude, and I stand by that. When we love and take pride in our parents, are we blinded to the fact that they are imperfect? Of course not! We can love and be grateful for what America has done for us instead of whining about its imperfections. I am aware that America is not a utopia. When I am older I will try to make it a more perfect union, but for now I am simply proud to be an American. Therefore, I was extremely offended by Delaney D.’s article “Ashamed to Be American?” and Kameron B.’s poem “American Steering Wheels” in the May issue.

Among the many accusations the authors made about their country was the unfounded criticism that America’s justice system is racist. In his poem, Kameron expresses frustration that the police officers involved were not indicted after the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown. He writes, “Because not much has changed since the civil rights period/Instead of trusting the justice system, we fear it/Because the wrong way is where America’s been steerin’.” This is an insult to anyone who suffered through the horrific discrimination and segregation before and during the 1960s!

Because pride is part of human nature, there will always be people who believe that their race is superior. That’s not an American thing. That’s a human thing. It is America’s beliefs and ideals that make her so wonderful. We are the only nation founded on the belief that man has inalienable God-given rights: the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. No other nation has defended these rights with so much vim.

I am concerned that America is losing focus and our leaders are letting the American dream slip out of reach. America is an exceptional nation not solely because of its achievements, but also because of its ideals about human rights found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. I love these ideals, and I am proud to be an American. Now call me egocentric if you dare.