A Plea to My Beloved United States
Michael Dean, chair of the Department of Music and director of vocal studies at UCLA, has trained many talented singers—from opera stars and pop icons to amateur vocalists—on how to sing the national anthem. He notes that even for the most trained voices, *The Star-Spangled Banner* is a difficult song. Its demanding vocal range, especially hitting the highest note on the word "free," strains the throat, symbolizing the physical and emotional effort required to truly embody the anthem’s meaning.
Being number one comes with its challenges. Many covet the top spot, and some openly or secretly wish for the downfall of the leader. There are always onlookers who take pleasure in seeing those at the top stumble, finding entertainment in their missteps. And then, there are the ungrateful critics, eager to tear down the one who has achieved greatness.
But the greatest tragedy occurs when the top-ranked individual begins to tear themselves apart with harsh self-judgment, even before the criticisms of others take hold.
My beloved United States of America,
Let’s stop making this tragic mistake! You deserve better!
Consider this: Who discovered electricity? Who invented the telephone? Who influenced global opinion on India's British rule, playing a key role in the country’s freedom struggle? Who challenged their own government and succeeded? Whose constitution is still considered one of the best ever written?
And let’s not forget the cultural impact of creations like *Harry Potter* (the movies) or the importance of Google in our daily lives. The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, hails from a South Indian state, just like me.
In my years of living, working, and traveling across Asia, Europe, and North America, I’ve only seen someone like Sundar Pichai rise to such heights in the United States. Despite its imperfections, the U.S. has been a global thought leader and visionary.
But America, being self-critical is vital!
Do we need to rely on others instead of addressing our own mistakes? Must we burden ourselves with guilt instead of joyfully building upon our strengths? Should we join the chorus of thankless critics instead of appreciating our accomplishments?
Let’s not forget to be grateful for what our forefathers and foremothers have done to build this nation. Let’s stop tearing ourselves down and start building each other up with love and honest effort.
America, recognize your contributions and heed my plea!
The greatest tragedy of all is when the top-ranked soul tears itself apart with self-judgment.
Stop being the one who makes this tragic mistake, my dearest United States of America! You deserve more!
I believe *The Star-Spangled Banner* is challenging to sing because it symbolizes the hard work it takes to build a nation like ours. So, on this day of your freedom, I wish for your rebirth as a truly free soul.
Let us rise, not in self-criticism, but in celebration of the enduring spirit that has built, and will continue to build, this great nation.
Citizen KK,
July 4, 2020
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