I can’t really speak for anyone else about their patriotism (or lack thereof). But I’m not going to be talking about it. What I’m talking about is the paradox that is America.

While the main theme about living in America is supposed to be about freedom of everything, I continually witness the push for conformity.

People talk about diversity, for instance. But if you only paint Barbie different colors and change the hair and a feature or two, it’s still Barbie. In an office setting, for instance, no matter the color, gender or whatever, everyone is expected to have the same “groupthink” mentality. Yes, there is a dress code, but there is also a behavior code and an expectation that everyone participate the way that the culture dictates. And – consciously or not – stereotypical behavior is encouraged.

What I mean is that you are not expected to be yourself while being yourself is encouraged. It’s just that the “yourself” that you display should be the one that everyone agrees with. Participation in extracurricular activities, supporting the same candidates for election, laughing at the same jokes, and living in the same types of communities – all expected (but of course not mandatory).

And for those “colorful” characters: the black woman has to roll her eyes and neck on occasion; the LGBTQ person has to be “work wife” or “work hubby” or “bestie”; the militant has to make protests; the comedian has to constantly be witty; etc., etc., etc. But they should also participate in extracurricular activities, support the same candidates, and laugh at the same jokes – or else (wink, wink).

Anyone who strays from what is expected or considered to be “American” is criticized or ostracized (and sometimes violently attacked). But the most hurtful act is when they are disenfranchised.

Let freedom ring?