American Patriot: Words Matter

As a Peace Corps volunteer I experienced first-hand living in a country where elections were rigged; criticism of the country’s president and government could lead to jail or death; the only legal newspaper was published by the country’s single political party; and dissenting views in the press or among the population were not allowed and were punished. Additionally, women and girls were considered property; rape and physical violence were commonplace; and yet women overwhelmingly provided the financial support for their families and were the economic engine of the country.

I returned with a fervent belief in and commitment to the American Experiment and the rights of women.

The idea for this quilt started in January 2017 at the first Women’s March. Inspired, I collected phrases and ideas that I saw at protests and online that spoke to me. As I complete this quilt, I have been listening to the funeral of Senator John McCain and reflecting on the two versions of America that have emerged: one of lies, fear, hatred, hypocrisy, racism and misogyny—and another -- what to me is the true America – a vision of always working towards hope, justice, freedom, truth, and opportunity for all.

I made this as a representation of what America is to me. I am an American. I am American Patriot.