American patriots: 'I love America with all her mess'
By Melissa Abbey, CNN
(CNN) - Juanita Jones Abernathy, a civil rights activist and close friend of Martin Luther King Jr., has suffered many racial injustices in her time. But that hasn't diminished her patriotism.
"I love America with all her mess," she says, laughing.
For Abernathy, patriotism is an unconditional love: a dedication to the nation's best interest, regardless of how she has been wronged.
But definitions of American patriotism are as diverse as Americans.
Political philosopher and Northeastern University professor Stephen Nathanson explores the subject in his book "Patriotism, Morality, and Peace." He writes that patriotism is generally characterized by "special affection for one's own country; a sense of personal identification with the country; special concern for the well-being of the country; and willingness to sacrifice to promote the country's good."
As the nation reflects and celebrates Independence Day, CNN asked four Americans from different walks of life their definition of patriotism, and how it is reflected in their daily lives.
Three Asian-American families share a slice of life
by Melissa Abbey, CNN
The Pew Research Center recently released a comprehensive study profiling Asian-Americans in the United States and found them to be more highly educated and well-paid than any other immigrant group in the country.
Asians are also now coming to the United States in greater numbers than Hispanics and make up about 6% of the population.
The study is overwhelmingly positive - most Asian-Americans have at least a college degree and consider themselves hard-working - but it also showed immense diversity among the group.
There are more than 17 million Asian-Americans, and each has a unique story. Here, three immigrant families in the Atlanta area share a slice of their lives. FULL POST
About In America
What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.
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