Proud of All the Wrong Things

I see it all over nowadays, but maybe it's been happening for years and I am just now noticing. People are very proud and they aren't afraid to show it via Facebook posts, bumper stickers, or just flat out saying so.

People are proud of a lot of different things, too. Some are proud to be gay. Others are proud to be straight. There are those who are proud of their race and/or ethnicity. Some are proud to be Democrats while others are loud and proud Republicans. Some people are proud to be Christian, Jewish, or Muslim, while others feel great pride in claiming atheism. On the road are visible displays of proud parents of middle school honors students and proud smart ass dog owners whose Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls are apparently smarter than the aforementioned honors students.

Yes, we are a society of very proud people. But at the end of the day, do you have something to actually be proud of? You didn't do anything special to become whatever ethnicity you may be; you were born that way by random chance. In other words, you don't get any credit there. In fact, what right do you have to be proud of virtually any of the attributes from the previous paragraph? What did you do to become a Republican? Spend five minutes registering to vote? And why should you get to feel proud to be a believer in a certain school of thought? Did you do something meaningful to the world?

Characteristics such as race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, political party affiliation, religious views, and even perceived intelligence are so superficial compared to ones that are actually important. Put together any combination of the above traits and you still don't have anything to be proud of. What really matters is what kind of person you are. Are you kind to strangers as well as family? Do you stick up for the little guy? Are you ethical or a cheater? Do you spend your free time helping others or sacked out on the couch watching TV? Imagine the day when the signs and banners advertising pride in superficial things were gone and replaced simply by "Proud to be a good person". Our world would be forever changed.