A Different Understanding of American Patriotism

Explore a thought-provoking 16-minute TED talk by Deval Patrick, lawyer, Harvard professor, and former governor of Massachusetts, as he delves into the concept of American patriotism. Examine the fundamental values and civic ideals that Patrick believes make the United States unique, while critically analyzing how the country has deviated from these principles. Discover Patrick's call for a collective patriotism free from cynicism and fatalism, emphasizing the urgent need to reset national aspirations to preserve democracy. Gain insights into the speaker's perspective on the relationship between goodness and greatness in American democracy, and consider how this understanding can shape the future of the nation.