Patriotic Pilgrimage

One of America's greatest successes is its devotion from its citizens. American people are extremely diverse, and very polarised in their thinking. Intense arguments about religion and politics are common and dominate both the dinner table and the nightly news. Because of this most people are fiercely patriotic, and defend 'their' version of what it is to be American, vigorously. Devotion is encouraged, celebrated and even required.

US flags dominate everywhere. On buildings, down main streets, in offices and on peoples properties. They are both a form of decoration and a statement of intent. Each classroom is adorned with a flag, and the kids pledge allegiance, hand over heart each morning as they start school. Most sporting events start with the national anthem - again pledging hand over heart. These symbols of devotion coupled with daily and weekly rituals cement a strong collective identity.

From its declaration of independence roots and its inspired constitution. America has a idolised history of good triumphing over evil. The original 13 colonies first shaking off its British oppressors and then going on to victories over France, Spain and Native peoples in a significant claim over the New World. It makes an inspiring story and an important common thread that most wish to participate in.

Woven into this story are locations all over the States that celebrate America, Parks, Forests, Monuments, and also Dams. These government administered areas provide important internal tourism and champion the national cause and collective psyche. Scores of visitor center movies spout the same rhetoric, a national treasure preserved and protected - you should be proud of your country.

Some of these places have a sacred status, and pilgrimages are made each summer by millions of Americans as they share in the story. This past weekend I visited such a place, Mount Rushmore, touted as the 'shrine of democracy'.

Mt Rushmore is spectacular. A monument fit for an empire. The granite carved heads of four great American presidents rise from the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota. Their faces stand majestically poised, seeing out into a world they have personally altered. Sculpted by working class hands, a triumph over extreme weather, towering mountains and the harsh economic conditions of the Great Depression.

Here you participate in a fundamental American ideal. An America full of honest, decent God fearing men and women who do all that their country requires of them. It is an ethos that citizens cling on to, a past desperately needed right now. President hopefuls appeal to this longing, promising a revolution and return to government underpinned by good honest values, no more hijacked by corporate greed and corruption.

As you leave the boardwalk sufficiently inspired, hopeful that America can be great again. You can visit the gift store and buy a tee-shirt or a plastic Mt Rushmore replica. Those three comforting words imprinted on each item ........ God Bless America, Made in China.