There are no records showcasing the extensive use of the word homeland and its use by the American people and government. Before President Bush used the word homeland during his September 20 th , 2001 speech, the word homeland had never been used in American culture in referring to the US nation. Presidents before Bush never used the word to refer to the United States during periods of world crisis. From that moment onwards, the desire to protect the homeland was also amplified by the people of the United States and its government, a department was established to ensure the safeguard of the country (homeland) against terrorism, and respond to any future attacks. Thesis Since 2001, the word homeland has nestled itself in American society and government policies, bringing forth sentiments and strong feelings of nationalism in defining what the homeland is and how it should be protected from inner and outside threats. What are the political and social implications of the word homeland and the use of it to protect the US nation and its interests? Defining the Homeland As explained by Kaplan (2003), the word homeland conveys a sense of native origins, of birthplace and birthright. It appeals to common bloodlines, ancient ancestry, and notions of racial and ethnic uniformity. Referring to the nation as home is commonplace and probably as old as the nation form itself (source). Yet although homeland has the ring of ancient loyalties, it is in fact a recent term in the American
September 11th catalyzed a major revival in the American public’s concern for domestic national security, which had dropped off following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The attacks, which were the first on American soil since Pearl Harbor, prompted American leaders to respond with swift and ambitious military action. At this time, the public perceived security of American territory against “terrorism”–an intentionally broad and emotionally charged term– as its chief national interest. Following the attack, President Bush announced the launch of a “global war on terror”, an international effort to combat terrorist groups and the nations that harbor them–prompting him to establish the Department of Homeland Security later that year.
For hundreds of years, people have been immigrating to the United States in search of freedom, better living and the fulfillment of the American dream. Being an American means to uphold values of independence, responsibility and freedom. Patriotism and unity are main agents for a nation's identity. These values have been forged by our forefathers, and still remain vibrant in the American culture from east through west. As we will see, the existing American identity has been influenced by many factors, such as the Frontier, the Melting Pot and the political thoughts on this nation.
While these authors are divided on the definition of “one nation” they all recognize the major issues that affect our nation today. Despite Brooks’ muddled representation of the socio-economic and political divide in the United States, the author made one important point – that despite the differences among the entire population, Americans share the “same love” for their nation (Brooks 541). The notion of loyalty to the country may be an idealistic one. However, it clearly represents what factor or element unites Americans as a people. Even outside the American context, people should no longer be categorized as part of Red or Blue America, but a part of a truly diverse country where differences are observed in “cohesive” communities (Brooks
Since its founding, America’s ever-changing nationalism has existed under the guise of liberty and justice for all. Analyzing a president’s inaugural address can give a snapshot of his nationalist sentiment through examination of recurring themes and symbols. By comparing inaugural addresses from across history, these themes become patterns that suggest constancy in American nationalism over time. Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and George W. Bush’s inaugural addresses exemplified this constancy. Each man imagined the nation as a group unified by long-standing roots in religious faith, despite the presence of people from diverse backgrounds. In addition, Lincoln prompted the nation to establish peace within and outside of the country,
This research paper will shed light on the issue of Homeland Security. For many countries including the United States, Terrorism and national security have always remained one of the biggest challenges. This research essay will critically analyze as to how the homeland security of the United States has dealt with the threat of future terrorist attacks since its inception in 2002.
America is home to a plethora of nationalities, cultures, religions and practices. The reason for this richness in different backgrounds is that since the day it was discovered by outsiders, the United States has always been open to immigrants. The Statue of Liberty, one of America’s greatest attractions, symbolizes America’s open arms to immigrants. So when America’s own symbol of freedom to immigrants stood in the waters and watched the catastrophe unravel the placidness of her surroundings by outsiders, it was a direct blow to not only the United States’ immigration policy, but also to the United States’ national security. On that unforgettable day, September 11, the United States, the world’s most richest and powerful nation,
The attack of 9 11, 01 caused the formation of the department of homeland security. What is the homeland security? Homeland Security is a unified, organized and concerted approach to protecting our nation from terrorist attack. This means that America’s weakness to terrorism will be reduced and in the event of such an attack, that damage would be minimized.
There is little doubt that the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York on September 11 drastically changed America’s sense of security in recent years. Yet the country is facing another kind of threat, one that is not entirely different than the dangers of terrorism at a global scale: domestic terrorism. At its core, domestic terrorism differs from any other type of terrorism in the sense that those who carry it out are citizens or permanent residents of a given country and who inflict violence and intimidation against their fellow citizens or permanent residents in the pursuit of political aims (Sharpe, 2000, p. 606). In that sense, domestic terrorism may also be called homegrown terrorism.
Immigration restrictions draw domestic attention on how to deal with increased cases of terrorism in the United States. In the short essay, “Safety through Immigration Control” by Mark Krikorian, he emphasizes the necessity of the controlling the numbers of immigrants entering the United States to prevent any homefront attacks. Another short essay, “Not Your Homeland” by Edwidge Danticat, complains about how immigrants face severe conditions when they are under suspicion of being terrorists. Although both authors recognize and address the United States’ immigration issues, Krikorian focuses on the process of tightening the immigration policies to restrict the mobility of terrorism in the United States, while Danticat calls for the need of attention to the immigrants who been mistreated under the immigration system.
America’s present global predominance does not render it immune from the danger of terrorism. To the country, U.S. preeminence makes the American homeland more appealing as a target, while America’s openness and freedom also make it more vulnerable. (“War on Terrorism”)
In this source analysis, the ideas of patriotism as a reflection will be analyzed via film and quote. Patriotism by definition is an emotional attachment to a nation which an individual recognizes as their homeland. This feeling of patriotism can lead members of the nation to fight for the rights of their nation, and that these citizens will do anything they can to achieve their desired goal. This idea of patriotism is displayed throughout Roland Emmerich’s movie, “The Patriot” and a quote from Barack Obama on what rights and freedoms are to every US citizen.
The efforts directed to the maintenance and increase of homeland security has significantly influenced the debate over federal-state relations, in which cooperation between the federal government and the state governments has increased in order to ensure security and protection against potential threats, such as terrorism. There have been numerous instances in American history of attempts to develop and increase and homeland security as a response to a certain occasion, such as the attacks on 9/11. Efforts directed to increasing homeland security often present a proposed cooperation between the two levels of government, in which both attempt to enact and enforce procedures and decisions that are directed to addressing a particular problem. However, this cooperation is often concluded with a
Moving forward, the nationalist sentiments did not stop after the Holocaust, but were furthered, and now captivated other nations in the world to support a Jewish state as well. Before the Holocaust, Jews knew there was a mass presence of anti-semitism throughout Europe, in which was a driving factor to establish a homeland. After the Holocaust Zionism continued to gain popularity. In the essay The Meaning of Homeland the author Amos Oz gives his own personal perspective on Israeli nationalism when claiming “being a Jew in the diaspora means that Auschwitz is meant for you. It is meant for you because you are a symbol, not an individual.” (237) By saying this he argues nationalism is a necessity because even if a Jew has nationalism for the
Standard dictionaries define patriotism as a “love for or devotion to one's country.” While this offers a succinct introduction to the notion of patriotism, a comprehensive account of the subject extends well beyond the scope of any singular definition. In his defense of “Modern Patriotism,” Stephen Nathanson addresses the hesitation that people face when forced to adopt or reject the “patriot” label. Indeed, the modern conception of a patriot carries implications of blind allegiance and excessive nationalism. Alternatively, “to say that one is not a patriot suggests that one lacks the loyalty appropriate to citizens.”
A long time ago the area now known as our home, the United States of America, got discovered. This unearthing of new ground eventually brought about hope for many individuals seeking a new and diverse life. By the mid to late 1800s America attracted many Europeans. These immigrants strived for an opportunity to make a living with great possibilities, and without negative government interference. Anyone would consider it an understatement to claim that America, during this time, contained great hope for the future of its inhabitance. After all, America’s founding purpose comes from one key element in general, freedom.