Our neighborhood association used to focus on parking and trash pickup, but since the last election we keep getting pulled into debates about flag displays and holiday celebrations — some neighbors think community patriotism should bring us together and others think public displays of nationalism make people feel excluded. We want to build community but we can't agree on what role national identity should play in our shared space.
More people experience this than they realize.
A local community is discovering that well-intentioned patriotic expressions can simultaneously unite some members while alienating others, forcing examination of how national identity functions in shared spaces.
“Where Are You with National identity and patriotism examined?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.