Fourth of July in the neighborhood was a blast. There was an outdoor potluck picnic where tables sagged under the weight of the traditional potato salad, cornbread and ribs.
And tabbouleh, masala, tamales, bratwurst, falafel, sushi, couscous, pad thai, anjera, jicama, gazpacho and beignets. Board games such as Macala (Filipino) and Whist (British) were available, and someone set out a croquet set along with the softball equipment. Later there were the usual fireworks, a Chinese invention.
The U.S. is a collage of cultures. That's why an authentic celebration of American values has to be big enough to encompass all who have made it their home and whose contributions have raised the quality of living here.
For some readers, living outside the lines sometimes means challenging assumptions about what constitutes patriotism. Even in the most tolerant times, words like "American," "God" "Christian," "family" and "values" are loaded. They're often used to intimidate us into feigning agreement with the speaker or writer, or make us think that the only real Americans are those who fit a restrictive profile.
The next time you're feeling like this, step outside and take a look around your neighborhood. Chances are excellent that you'll see the homes and businesses of neighbors who come from a multitude of backgrounds and hold beliefs that run the spectrum. And you'll realize that in your "outsideness" you've got plenty of company.
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