Finding 'The Patriot' in my Egyptian soul
By Sarah Ali
January 12, 2005 | Being the only
foreign-raised child and half-breed American in my circle
of friends, I was encouraged to watch the movie The
Patriot. After being told that it would make me
appreciate more what my American forefather went through
to create this great country, I borrowed the movie from
a friend.
Among my friends and family I'm known for my attacks
on America, and accusations against the American people.
Not that I think America is a bad country, don't get
me wrong. I just have my own opinions towards the attitude
of the American government and people. Just so you know
what I'm talking about I guess I better let you know
what my opinion is, basically I think Americans are
egocentric and self-absorbed. They think they're really
the only important people on the planet. Americans truly
believe that the world would fall apart without the
U.S. presence in the global arena. True, the United
States is a very powerful country, but contrary to popular
belief they are not the only country that has
power.
Now back to The Patriot. This movie documents
the individual struggle one man and his family face
during the Revolutionary War. A hero of the fierce French
and Indian conflict in early American history, widower
Benjamin Martin, played by Academy Award-winning actor
Mel Gibson, is initially reluctant to get himself and
his family involved once again in a war. But when the
English army cause the series of deaths to close family
members, he is reminded of his life's purpose. Martin
realizes his failure to contribute to the cause would
further endanger all he holds dear. His son Gabriel,
played by Heath Ledger, encourages him to remember the
importance of freedom and helps him realize that the
only way it can be achieved is to fight for the nation's
independence from the British. Eventually they both
join together in leading the fierce militia of South
Carolinian farmers against the brutal English army.
While watching the movie, I felt true compassion for
this man who had lost so much and yet was still willing
to put what he had left at risk for the greater good.
Even though I had studied this event in my history classes
throughout my school years, this movie brought it to
a whole new reality. It was no longer another stupid
story in the American history books I'd read reluctantly
in my younger years.
I've never really had much interest in American history
because in comparison to my Egyptian heritage, it had
no chance in capturing my attention. Pharaohs, mummies,
and pyramids, every aspect of the thousands of years
Ancient Egyptian civilization dominated history just
seemed so much more exciting to me. However, I have
to admit, even though American history is only a couple
hundred years old, those couple hundred have been packed
with emotional times where brave men died by the thousands.
When reflected upon these events bring out the patriot
in all of us.
I must say, I am proud to be a half-breed American.
Proud that so many courageous men and women, who lived
before me, saw the greater benefit to being so devoted
to their country. Now it's not a surprise to me why
Americans act the way they do. With a history filled
with events like the Revolutionary War to be backed
up by, who could blame them.
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MS |