Throughout this year's Winter Olympics, there was a great deal of flag waving and cheering for the athletes of one's country. While this undercurrent of national pride is generally appropriate, its outward expression may be complicated by the behavior and policies of that country's leadership.
This phenomenon was surely experienced by many Americans (fans and athletes) this year. Proud of the skill, dedication and efforts of those who represented our country, we could not separate that emotion from the recoil induced by the actions and policies of the Trump Administration. For many, this complicated pride was especially evident during the performance of our National Anthem, which, for some of us, has always been too militaristic.
This mix of pride and discomfort may also affect other aspects of our life, including family, social and business relationships. Political, religious and philosophical differences often complicate those bonds as well.
