Patriotism Quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates
““To proudly claim the veteran and disown the slaveholder is patriotism à la carte.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates, 2015
Patriotism can be selective, celebrating some histories while ignoring others, revealing moral inconsistency.
In simple terms: Patriotism may ignore parts of history.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and include all histories in civic identity.
Themes
history
patriotism
morality
identity
racial justice
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- public policy
- community dialogues
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Selective memory
moral inconsistency
national narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- How does selective remembrance shape national values?
- What steps can broaden inclusive patriotism?
A Different Perspective
Patriotism that excludes truth can perpetuate injustice.
![“[Winning the White House was an achievement], but as an African-American, [Barack Obama], I think the symbolism is in how he conducted himself. The symbolism was in - and this sounds really, really small, but it's actually big for African-Americans - the symbolism was not in being an…” quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5dc/ta-nehisi-coates-733_achievement_winning-the-white-house-was-an-achieveme_47651.jpg)
![“[Grew up in Hawaii] that gave [Barack Obama] a kind of optimism, an ability to see things, you know, and frankly, an ability to trust, you know, in his fellow, you know, white countrymen in a way that I, for instance, you know, and the vast majority of black people I know never really could.” quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/feb/ta-nehisi-coates-733_ability_grew-up-in-hawaii-that-gave-barack-obama_75931.jpg)
