What keeps an immigrant going is faith in his new country. This might not always look like patriotism because it doesn’t take the familiar forms–Fourth of July picnics, the fluttering of the Stars and Stripes. Instead it’s likely to show itself in a quiet dedication to work, family and friends. But this is the oldest form of American patriotism–a belief that in this New World you can make your own new world.
Alone among the great civilizations, this country embodies the simple idea of making a better life. Other cultures celebrate military conquests, religious devotion and ideological grandeur. America celebrates the suburban home with a two-car garage. Jefferson’s phrase, “the pursuit of happiness,” is our distinctive contribution to humankind.
For the past decade Americans have hankered for great dramas and heroic causes. As of Sept. 11, we might just have one. The struggle against religious fanaticism and global terrorism is both honorable and necessary. We did not choose it, but it will make us recognize what we have lost. The boredom of peace, the banality of prosperity, the trivia of family life don’t seem all that bad in light of the events in New York and Washington.
The past decade has truly been one of happy times. There was an amazing spirit of ease, adventure and openness in the air. In the 20 years that I’ve lived in America, the country has become more receptive to people and ideas from all over the world.
In striking at the World Trade Center, where dozens of different nationalities, faiths, languages, foods and fashions all gathered together, the terrorists struck at what makes America unique. The mongrel mixture of the Trade Center offends Osama bin Laden and his band of puritans. That is why they cared little that hundreds of Muslims were killed. They were the wrong kind of Muslims–free in thought and deed.
The greatest victory for bin Laden, of course, would be if America lost faith in its openness. That is his goal. In the aftermath of the bombings people have become fearful and suspicious of people who “look different.” People with dark skin have been asked to get off planes, spit at and, in a few awful cases, shot dead.
But I have faith in my country. For every case that has been reported, there must have been thousands of dark-skinned people who did fly. (After all, how would the technology industry function if all Indians were grounded?) And every person of standing, from President Bush to Mayor Giuliani to the heads of the airlines involved, has spoken eloquently about the evil of targeting Arab-Americans or Muslims or anyone who looks different. If America is looking for a real challenge, this is it. The most difficult task for America is not rooting out a terrorist network. It is fighting this fight without losing faith in our own ideals.
