First, an explanation. You may be wondering about this blog's title. Well, it's somewhat punny in 3 ways. First, seeing as my name is Kaden, my sisters like to call me "'den". Second, I've also been called a "piano ninja" by at least two people, and I quite like it :) and thirdly, I'm white...which is not a racial slur, but rather an observation that most ninjas you hear about are Asian. So, there you go. It's at least a little creative, no?
Anyway...on to the point of the post.
Recently, I came across this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po7k5O9LtBo&feature=player_embedded
(watch it if you want to know what I'm talking about).
...and it got me thinking a little bit (shocker, there). What is it about our country that we love so much? Is it the freedom, and the principles that it's built upon, that we love? Surely, we enjoy these blessings...though we probably don't appreciate them as we should. But what about people who live in those countries that don't ensure the freedoms we have? National pride is not just an American phenomenon, after all. Perhaps...we, as human beings, just feel more comfortable when we know that there are others around us who will work with us, side with us, protect us.
But it isn't just our country that we support. We may have school pride, or team pride, or even just good ol' hometown pride. These are all things that help contribute to one's identity. But what's the point of it all?
Without support, an institution cannot stand. And allow me to quote Lincoln; a house divided cannot stand. (70% of all people think of Abraham Lincoln during an awkward silence...not really, but now you will. The statistic is growing!!)
So you may ask, why should an institution remain standing? There are some that should probably go away...because they do harm to others. But the majority of important institutions are somewhat beneficial, no? A country should protect the rights of its citizens from those who are ill-intentioned. A town can bring friends and neighbors. A school should educate. A team should provide fellowship. A family should provide a loving home. We are socially-oriented beings, are we not? We get enjoyment from the companionship of others. So what's to stop us from supporting those around us so they can get a bit of enjoyment out of life, too?
And though we may not actually know everyone in a group to which we belong...it doesn't mean we can't be influential to them.
I commend that little boy in the video for standing up and supporting his country. If only everyone had that sort of dedication, I think we could make some social progress.
And you may not disagree with something, but it doesn't mean you're right. It doesn't mean they're right either. However, there is always some degree of coexistence to be found with those we differ from. Don't just support something because you want the other side to lose; support it because it's what you believe in.
Uphold your standards. Cherish your country. Get to know those new neighbors. Strengthen your family. And root for your team :) because without companionship...without brotherhood...without integrity, life almost just isn't worth it. And you are just another mouth to feed.
Adjö.
[Swedish is a cool language]
p.s. go BYU!
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