“Patriotic protest” isn’t an original term. It has been around for a long time. The definition of patriotism is something we should be thinking about if we aren’t already. There are two (and possibly more definitions of patriotism). But whether we think about it or not, generally we subscribe to one of two versions.

THE DEFINITIONS OF PATRIOTISM

There is patriotic patriotism. Many folks have gotten behind this point of view. It’s the idea that if there is something wrong in society, it should be fixed. Look at parade and demonstration signs carefully. Occasionally you’ll see one that says, “Protest is patriotic.” Ask a random sampling of those attending the event, and chances are that the other definition of patriotism, “My country, right or wrong,” is more widespread during times of conflict and at Fourth of July ceremonies when militarism and forceful action is paraded into view.

DEFINING PATRIOTISM IS SPLITTING THIS NATION DOWN THE MIDDLE

It doesn’t have to be this way. Both positions can get confused and messy. People of varying and often opposite positions can be brought together or stand apart, depending on which perspective they favor.

Nationalism often finds comfort in “My country, right or wrong.” “Patriotic protest” can justify a wide range of positions as well. The point is that patriotism isn’t viewed the same way, and that our personal and internal positions often depend on numerous variables. Taking a position or acting to support one perspective or another on a specific issue usually has more than one reason behind it. Patriotism is one example.

PATRIOTIC PROTEST IS CALLED UPON OFTEN IN ISSUES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

One example is the women’s suffrage movement. In 1848, the drafters and supporters of the Declaration of Sentiments relied on the principle of “patriotic protest” when changing the wording of the Declaration of Independence to “all men and women are created equal.” The structure and wording of this document as an inspiration owes a great deal to “patriotic protest.”

Numerous thinkers and advocates of social justice over the decades and centuries have used the principles of “patriotic protest” as grounding for their arguments. Frederick Douglass is one example. There are also many specific examples in the gay rights movement, civil rights movement, contemporary rights issues, etc.

IN ESSENCE, PATRIOTISM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR JUSTIFYING MANY POINTS OF VIEW

Scratch the surface of women’s voting rights advocates and the same thing is true. But there are other issues and emotions involved. And patriotism as an argument has also been used as reasoning for those on the opposite side of fences to rationalize resistance to social change.

This is a discussion that takes up lots of space. So, stay tuned. We’re not done yet.

SuffrageCentennials.com has been publishing since 2013.

Suggestions for celebrations and special programs at Suffrage Centennials! on Vimeo.

Marguerite Kearns talks about her suffrage activist grandparents—Edna Kearns & Wilmer Kearns! on Vimeo.

Dear Friends,

I may be writing about the suffrage campaigning, but my new book has a special message for you. Are you collecting family stories, memorabilia, photos, and so on? Items like these are the most valuable gifts for future generations? And I include you when I suggest that my book has more interest than those interested in women’s issues.

SUNY Press (State of New York) is working hard to produce my book scheduled to be published in June 2021. I’ve discovered that the scheduling of events is the area where I’m to take full responsibility, according to one member of the production team.

Here’s where you come in. Do you know of an organization, program, educational program of other venue where my participation and presentation would be welcome? Contact me and I can follow through on your suggestion. I’m reachable at SUNYBookAuthor at gmail.com

Visit the web site: Unfinished-Revolution.com for details of the book, “An Unfinished Revolution.” This work is a model of something many people are doing as a gift to their own families. They’re archiving important events, photos, stories and more. My book is about how the early women’s rights movement impacted me, as well as four generations in my family. And it has broader implications about what you can do with your own family.

Get in touch. I’ll love to hear from you!

Hugs, Marguerite Kearns

SuffrageCentennials.com has been publishing since 2013. Our work continues.

Individual states celebrated their suffrage centennials first! on Vimeo.

SuffrageCentennials.com has followed the centennial trail from the local to the national level. We have been publishing since 2013.

by Marguerite Kearns

I’m still at the task of my passion——telling friends and others about the early women’s rights movement. It was uphill, decentralized, and promoted by volunteers. They did what they could within the circumstances of their own lives and the times. Some were just like us. Others reflected their own families, social and political agendas.

Now there are historic markers across the United States to point out the locations of where they lived and worked. Most were regular folks. The majority didn’t earn salaries and benefits. They represented a cross section of the nation. Today we build on their accomplishments, warts and blemishes.

Have you ever visited Seneca Falls, New York? You can sign up to hear about the special programs and ceremonies sponsored there.

We all have to start somewhere.

Suffrage Centennials has been publishing since 2013.

Contact the web site of the National Women’s History Alliance for more information.

Suffrage centennials didn’t come about by accident! on Vimeo.

March 8, 2021 is International Women’s Day. Are you raising your hand?

HISTORIC SUFFRAGE MARKER TO BE INSTALLED IN LONG BEACH, NY

A historic marker has been approved and will be part of the national Votes for Women Trail that has hundreds of historic markers now part of community history across the nation during 2020 and 2021. The historic marker funded by the Pomeroy Foundation commemorates the suffrage organizing work of Edna Buckman Kearns in Long Beach during 1913. It is planned for the Boardwalk at National Blvd.

Support An Unfinished Revolution, the book by Marguerite Kearns that goes into depth about how a movement for equal rights defined her family and generations before and after.

We’re promoting An Unfinished Revolution, scheduled for release on June 1, 2021, because it is an important example of what you can be doing to pass on important legacy stories in your own family. It can include a legacy letter, a legacy recipe, a family legacy cookbook,and more. An Unfinished Revolution is an example of how far anyone can take simple projects to the most complex. Here is what “lifestorican” Emma Fulenwider has to say.

Find out more about Emma on SuffrageCentennials.com

SuffrageCentennials.com has been publishing since 2013.