BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN SPEAKS OUT: 'CRITICAL PATRIOTISM' IS THE REAL DEAL
The Boss opens up about what true patriotism means to him in a brand-new PBS special—and it's all about holding America accountable.
Bruce Springsteen is getting real about what it takes to be a true patriot in America. During his recent PBS special, "Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song," the rock legend laid out his philosophy on patriotism, and it's way more nuanced than flag-waving.
"I believe in critical patriotism," Springsteen explained, according to Variety. The Boss says that real patriotism means looking America square in the face—flaws and all—and pushing both the government AND your fellow citizens to do better. It's not about blind loyalty; it's about tough love.
The special finds Springsteen diving deep into what it means to be an American and what he's observed throughout his decades of songwriting and touring. This marks another chapter in the legendary musician's ongoing conversation about the country's values, values he's been exploring through his music for years.
The full special is now available for PBS fans to tune into, giving viewers a chance to hear straight from Springsteen's mouth exactly what drives his political and social thinking.
Sources · Variety