How Patriotism Has Shaped American Culture

One of the things the United States is known for best is its rampant patriotism. Whether its 1930 or the present day, one thing remains the same Americans love their country. During special periods of time however, events happen that make Americas already fiery patriotism burn brighter. Many years ago during the period of time known as the “Red Scare” the United States mistrust of all things communist and anarchist led to very nationalistic feelings among the populace. After the 2001 9/11 terrorist attacks the country the country was left shaken. The fear of terrorist made the American rally behind their military and country even more than before.

Patriotism is one’s devotion to their country. Americans are patriotic individuals. American patriotism is demonstrated through the many American holidays celebrated, such as Independence day, which is celebrated on every fourth day of July. During this holiday, Americans display their love for the country by embracing the American flag, and wearing red, white, and blue. Fireworks spectaculars are funded by the citizens of America, so Americans can view them every July 4th. An American is a person that shows love for their country.

American Patriotism can be defined in different ways. When people think of the word patriotism, most often say "to love one 's country". That is true in some aspect, but being patriotic means much more than that. In the words of Mark Twain, he states, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” True patriotism is to support what 's best for this country and contribute in ways to help that can be beneficial for everyone. However, to a socialist, patriotism can be viewed within three main perspectives: the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspective.

Jensen presents two alternative definitions of patriotism in his speech. The first one suggests that patriotism is to

All Americans should find their opinion on patriotism and voice that opinion. There are many different views of patriotism and many will clash, but if we continue to talk and use our minds instead of our fists or guns, we can eventually come to a compromise of both ideas, which will best represent everyone’s opinions on patriotism. Through more clearly and fairly defined ideas of patriotism we can better understand the actions of our fellow Americans and avoid more unnecessary conflicts caused by extremist ideas being the only ideas heard.

Francis Scott Key sat across the from Fort McHenry the night after the town was bombarded by British militaries. (history.com) Looking upon the burning city in Maryland, he found himself deeply inspired by the flag that stood waving gracefully in the smoke filled sky. Galvanized by the sight Key wrote the poem that would soon stand alone in America and named the anthem that plays before every social event in America. The Star Spangled Banner was a tribute to all the fallen soldiers in the battles between the British and American troops that led to our independence. Francis Scott Key wrote, “Oh say does

When I was younger I felt like I knew what it meant to be patriotic in America, but as times change I feel like I have no clue what it means to be patriotic in America today. I believe I had a grasp on what it means to be patriotic because, I had grown up in Gallup New Mexico-known to be the most patriotic town in The United States of America. Then Earlier in my life I also had to deal with my brother, who went into a recruiter's office and signed up to be shipped off to Afghanistan the very next day. When he would visit he would have these lectures on how we should show our patriotism. He would eventually force my mother to put up the American flag in the front porch to show respect for the country and those who served it. As I got older

When the Founding fathers signed their names to the Declaration of Independence, they set forth a path of courage and strength for the United States. From that day on, Americans found ways to show their love for this country. Patriotism can be interpreted in different ways by different people, what makes a patriotic person is not whether they stand or kneel during the National Anthem, but how the perceive the United States and how to progress to a better future. That is what the American Flag stands for, a never-ending battle for freedom.

What is the definition of patriotism for America? This question can be answered in various ways, but is not always focused upon in daily life. Spanning from Colonial America up until today, this answer has fluctuated due to the happenings within the country. Although separated by time, many previous beliefs reflect similarly upon more modern occasions. Patrick Henry’s Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death speech provides ideas that can easily transpose to current events in present day America. In his speech, there is the one overruling idea, that of patriotism, and a few supporting points, such as individual liberty and interpretation of freedom.

Being patriotic is not the only aspect that defines what an American is. Although, it is one of the main concepts used in America that people use to define what it means to be an American. When people show patriotism, they show that they respect the country, and take pride in the country that they live in. Most people believe that there is more to patriotism than what people think there is. “Patriotism is a love and a duty, a love of country expressed in good citizenship,” (McCain).

Mark Twain once commentend that a patriot was, “the person who can holler the loudest without knowing what he is hollering about.”, implying that the majority of patriots do not know why they are patriotic. Americans are taught from birth to love the United States of America; if an American does not absolutely love America, then they must despise it, an act certainly shameful. Most Americans find themselves devoted before ever asking if the U.S. deserves devotion. Philosopher Carol Nicholson writes in her article, .Why I Am Not A Patriot, “Fixing love on an abstraction such as ‘country’ leads to...a recipe for intolerance, hate, and war.”. Devotion to a country is not wrong-a country could not grow unless its citizens had a degree of pride for it-the danger comes when people stop asking why, and not only stop questioning, but also believe their country is

Patriotism is defined as: “the quality of being patriotic; vigorous support for one's country”. While stereotypically actions of patriotism show extreme pride, some show patriotism in the vision of what a country should be. They simply want the equality that the greatest country on the face of the Earth should be able to provide. Equal opportunities, not necessarily equal outcomes, but everybody should have the same opportunities to be successful.

America to me is pride. I am proud to be an American because I get the rights to my freedom. I can get a good education and strive to do well in America. Showing pride for your country is like cheering on your local sports team. The fourth of July is a special day to show our pride because every American celebrates by dressing up in red, white, and blue.

To me, Patriotism means having a deep sense of pride, appreciation and loyalty for our country and our citizens. Growing up on a military base with two parents in the United States Air Force, I have a lot of experience with patriotism. It’s hard to describe the sense of security I felt growing up on a military base. Everyone on base has a heart for service. It was a place where people looked out for one another. When my mother was away for an extended period of time, someone would do my sister and my hair when we were little. If my dad was gone, someone would cut the grass or shovel the snow. Everyone shared a deep sense of loyalty to our country and to those defending it. We were all on the same team. Nowadays however, I feel that divisiveness

For my national heritage essay, I chose the topic what patriotism means to me. I hope this essay will help many realize how great America is. Also, I want this essay to inspire others to write about our country.