Humble Patriotism: The inclusive and collective pride found in the nature of National Parks
By Jennifer Ladino, Associate Professor of English, University of Idaho For many Americans the physical grandeur of parks like Grand Teton, Yosemite and Yellowstone inspires patriotic pride. Twenty-first-century patriotism is a touchy subject, increasingly claimed by America’s conservative right. But the national park system is designed to be democratic – protecting lands that belong to the public for all to enjoy – and politically neutral. The parks are spaces where love of country can be shared by all. But some sites send more complex messages. In my new book, Memorials Matter: Emotion, Environment, and Public Memory at American Historical...
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