“America is undergoing serious soul wrenching changes at the same time soul searching. Recently, there have been shocking setbacks to long established order: Huge monetary contributions to elections that tilts the scales of justice; denying women the right to choose; reversing affirmative action in college admissions, thereby denying the opportunity to right the wrings of the past. It can be turbulent, seemingly disorderly and chaotic at times, viewed by Americans and the world alike, but Americans are resilient, persevere and strive for a better tomorrow. Eventually, the individual and national spirit prevail and society tries to right the wrongs.”

Despite its flaws, Americanism continues to be the envy of the world as it remains an unrivaled beacon of freedom, championing the cause of freedom, justice and liberty throughout the world, as well as the foundation of hope, aspirations, rewards and progress

Americanism is a unique historical, political and social phenomenon embedded in the founding principles of the Republic as duly recorded in its Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and subsequently, in the US Constitution signed on September 17, 1787, with the underlying covenant: The land of liberty, equality, freedom from injustices, freedom of the press, separation of religion and government, good governance with transparency and accountability, and the pursuit of happiness with equal justice under the law.

Independence Day in America is a time of national celebration for becoming an independent nation, discarding the yoke of colonialism and foreign rule, forging a new nation of peoples from many countries, religious beliefs, cultures, languages and walks of life, all living together in peaceful coexistence, striving for success and happiness today and a better tomorrow, individually and collectively as a country. Americans share in this jubilation annually in a show of national pride, a deep sense of belonging.

The celebration of USA independence is also of historic significance to the rapidly growing Indian American community who have benefited enormously from the Luce-Celler Immigration Act of 1946 signed into law on 3rd July 1946 by President Harry Truman granting naturalization rights to Filipinos and Asian Indians. The Immigration Act of 1946 also “allowed Filipino Americans and Indian Americans to naturalize and become United States citizens”. Upon becoming US citizens, the new Americans could own homes and farmland, and petition for family unification. This reversed the Naturalization Act of 1870 which had denied Asians the right to gain US citizenship.Unmatched economic and military strength, technological prowess and national resiliency define the pre-eminent position of United States in the world, while the US engages in wars and conflicts at enormous human and financial costs, defending democracy, fledgling nations and its own economic interests, as well as exporting US technology, manufacturing expertise and US brand of music, foods and entertainment for economic gain. At times, economic interests dictate geo-political alliances, ignoring human rights and freedom of the press abuses. Despite its flaws, Americanism continues to be the envy of the world as it remains an unrivaled beacon of freedom, championing the cause of freedom, justice and liberty throughout the world, as well as the foundation of hope, aspirations, rewards and progress. National pride and optimism have always been, and continue to be, hallmarks of Americanism. The “can do” attitude is a reminder of the many accomplishments that dominate world economics, military position and high technology.

Americanism also pays homage and honors those Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the United States during its many wars and conflicts. From Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia, USA) to Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial France), US Memorial Day is a national holiday, observed annually in somber remembrance with wreath laying ceremonies, nationwide parades, concerts and fireworks. The many cemeteries and unmarked tombs the world over are a reminder of the lengths to which the USA has gone to wage war and defend its interests.

America is a nation that is always adapting in innovating ways to sustain its democracy amidst ever changing demographics with new immigrants and their children taking their places in this amazing experiment of nation building and personal upliftment. There is outspoken and visible opposition to increased migration from many segments of American society, while not acknowledging that migration adds to the vitality and sustained advancement of the country. Example: There are over 30 major US companies whose CEOs are of Indian origin. Immigrants from other countries flourish and achieve significantly more than would have been possible in their countries of origin. Americanism provides a welcome environment for competitiveness, equal opportunity, meritorious rewards, and freedom to explore possibilities despite risks. Americanism also gradually acknowledges the positive influence of major cultural phenomena such as Lunar New Year, Eid-ul-Fitr, Yoga and Diwali, the latter celebrated in the White House and becoming a New York City school holiday. Notwithstanding, Americanism is replete with its own history of subjugating and depriving Native Americans (from inception at Plymouth and continuing) and Afro-Americans (as slaves from 1619 to 1865) in brutal and inhuman ways. It must be noted that indentured Chinese labor was used in inhuman ways to build the trans-continental railroads, while Japanese Americans were illegally placed in internment camps during World War II. Despite the Civil War and the 1865 end of slavery declaration and the Civil Rights Act of 1965, the struggle continues to bring about equality and social justice by stalwarts such as: The late Dr Martin Luther King Jr, the late John Lewis, President Barak Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, Medgar Evers, Rosa Parks, W.E.B. Du Bois, George Mason, Julian Bond, Maya Angelou, Arthur Ashe, Thurgood Marshall, Supreme Court Justices Thurgood Marshall and Ketanji Brown Jackson, and many, many others.

This sad history has long lasting consequences because the wrongs inflicted on Native Americans and Afro-Americans continue to suppress and diminish the potentials, aspirations and progress among a significant population of Americans. While Americanism is strong and resilient, its democracy can also be put at risk (as exemplified on January 6, 2021) if resoluteness and constant vigilance are not in place. America is undergoing serious soul wrenching changes at the same time soul searching. Recently, there have been shocking setbacks to long established order: Huge monetary contributions to elections that tilts the scales of justice; denying women the right to choose; reversing affirmative action in college admissions, thereby denying the opportunity to right the wrings of the past. It can be turbulent, seemingly disorderly and chaotic at times, viewed by Americans and the world alike, but Americans are resilient, persevere and strive for a better tomorrow. Eventually, the individual and national spirit prevail and society tries to right the wrongs.

Americanism, now, continues its journey of a nation trying to find itself in a new world order, adapting and innovating, at times soul searching, yet strong and vigilant, amidst rapidly changing internal demographics, and a very different world than when America became a country.

( Author is President, Indian Diaspora Council Int’l and Exec Vice President of Queens Civic Congress)