Wayman Newton: Superficial patriotism

Whenever I rush down Locust Walk, the patriotism that has engulfed our campus always gives me pause. From fraternity houses to hand bags, red, white and blue are in this season.

Of all of the displays, I find the flag draped in the entrance of Steinberg-Dietrich Hall the most puzzling. Though I understand the connection between Wharton and New York, the thought of an American flag greeting visitors as they enter the nation's best business school strikes me as odd.

It's good to see Whartonites supporting their country, but I have serious reservations when it is merely window dressing. Displaying patriotic symbols says nothing about one's respect and love for one's country. If anything, it advances the stereotype that Americans are shallow, self-centered and superficial. It shows that we are more concerned with appearance than with substance.

If Wharton really wanted to show its patriotism, it would make a more dramatic and influential statement by demonstrating the things for which the flag stands.

Simply put, this means that Wharton administrators must ensure that its faculty is representative of society as a whole. They must encourage students to use their business skills to come up with ideas to combat economic problems such as poverty and urban blight.

Given Wharton's resources and influence, these objectives are easily attainable. Long known as an innovator, by incorporating our democratic principles into its curriculum the school would fundamentally change business education in this country.

This column is not meant to be an attack on Wharton or its students. It is, however, meant to challenge people to stop simply alluding to our democratic traditions and to encourage them to work to see that these freedoms and liberties are a reality for all Americans.

Some would argue that addressing important social problems today is not feasible and unpatriotic. But in a time of war, where we are supposedly fighting to defend our democratic ideals, it is imperative that we observe those ideals at home. If this country fails to tackle the problems of racial, gender and class inequality, risking the lives of American soldiers in defense of "American democracy" becomes problematic.

Contrary to their presentation in the media and by our government, the attack on the World Trade Center was not perpetrated by "evil" people jealous of our freedoms and liberties. It was the action of people who believe that America's foreign policy, like its domestic policy, does not match up with the values and beliefs we espouse. It was perpetrated by people angered by our support of oppressive governments and states, whose policies are in direct opposition to our beliefs in democracy and freedom.

We can fight this ideology and strengthen our resolve to face the unforeseeable future by living up to the democratic values we hold so dear. We should make sure that the ideals expressed by our flag and national anthem are a reality in every aspect of American life. This requires relying less on superficial symbols of patriotism and more on meaningful actions that accentuate America's potential to be a true beacon of hope for humanity.

This means that instead of simply wearing FDNY apparel, Americans should challenge New York's Fire Department to remove its institutional barriers that prevent women and minorities from serving on the force. Rather than simply reciting the Pledge of Allegiance Americans should work to give poor children in Appalachia and in the inner city the same quality of education found in wealthy school districts on Long Island. Instead of singing "God Bless America," Americans should try to ease the deeply rooted historical tensions exemplified by racism, sexism, classism and homophobia.

As long as we continue to ignore these problems and cling to a shallow understanding of our country's established principles that make us feel good but bring about no substantive change, we are aiding and abetting our enemies. We are committing terrorism against our own nation and we are limiting America's potential greatness by undermining our own democratic values and beliefs.

Wayman Newton is a senior Political Science major from Birmingham, AL.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.