Summary

Deval Patrick begins his TED Talk “A different understanding of American patriotism” by stating that he is worried about US democracy. He goes on to explain that some political leaders want to divide the country and weaken democracy by their actions. People are more likely to be divided now because of recent events. These events made them question whether the US lived up to its principles about equal rights for all. 

Patrick goes on to define himself as a patriot, and he explains why. He describes his underprivileged childhood but adds that his grandmother insisted that the family was broke and not poor, because broke is a temporary condition. Patrick grew up to become a lawyer and a public official, and he sees himself as a symbol of his grandmother’s faith in America. 

However, Patrick recognizes that patriotism does not come easy for a Black American. This is b...