Patriotism: Profound Quality, Social Personality, And Individuals

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 not blindly following ones country as some think. Patriotism is working to ensure you’re your country lives up to your moral and ethical values both at home and abroad. As well as being critical of your country when it does not live up to those standards. Patriotism as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary is “The quality of being patriotic; love of or devotion to one's country” (Oxford 2014). That’s it. It doesn’t say you have to take any specific action like flying the flag, serve in any function such as the armed forces or support any particular party for election. However; devotion is usually manifested in some type of behavior. In fact the definition is open to interpretation and subjective at best. True American

Patriotism is generally defined as loyalty and love for one's country. However, patriotism's definition varies depending on how "loyalty" and "country" are themselves defined. For example, Stephen Decatur's toast indicates a definition that allows for some types of political dissent. When Decatur stated, "Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong," the naval officer meant that dissention with regards to foreign policy can be injurious to national pride, identity, and military strategy. Hence, "in her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right." Yet, Decatur leaves open the possibility for political dissent with regards to domestic policies. If he were alive in the 20th century, for example, Decatur might have supported the Vietnam War while also supporting the Civil Rights movement.

Being a Patriot is something that a person is not born with, but is an option that we all can write in our present and even our future. Throughout the many years that I’ve attended Miramar High School, the definition of being a Patriot never came with a list classifications that discriminated anyone from being admired, honored, and even receiving the label of being a role model to many. Regardless of the admiration that a Patriot receives, a true Patriot doesn’t wallow in their admiration, but uses it to encourage their character to become a positive influence and fight for the righteous way. While reminiscing about the many people who I claim to be Patriots, I’ll have to state that the two main character traits to be a Patriot would have to be responsibility and tolerance.

There is much controversy surrounding the idea of patriotism and the iconography of the American flag in today’s society. Some believe patriotism is simply the act of supporting the decisions of the leaders of the country. Others say, to be patriotic, people should be outspoken and voice their oppositions to what is going on in the government. Opinions also differ on the idea of what the American flag represents. One opinion of the flags representation is that the flag represents our history, and the formerly mentioned idea of patriotism. Others believe the flag also represents our history as a nation, but these beliefs focus much more heavily on the negative aspects of our history; such as slavery and other injustices carried out by our

Many students always wonder why they have to take a history class. I myself have wondered this question many times, because history seems irrelevant to one’s education. In contrary, history is a vital subject to one’s education. It has been said numerous times that we take history so that we don’t repeat the same mistakes we have made in the past. Students retain different portions of information when learning something new. The recurring pattern that I have retained from sitting through numerous history classes, is the sense of patriotism. The American way of life has formed its own definition of patriotism from the Mayflower to 9/11 there has been a constant recurrence of patriotism.

America is great, strong, beautiful, and proud but I believe some things could be announced more often. In the America I Believe in we have patriotic respect to our country, equality, and freedom of speech without being judged.

Patriotism is a part of what it means to be an American. It is a true honor to

America has been established as an independent country for a little over two centuries now, growing stronger and wealthier with every passing year. One phenomenon that the majority of Americans now days don’t realize is that this country was founded and built up by foreigners. But when they landed on Plymouth Rock way back then, they had no idea that the unknown land they discovered would one day become one of the most significant countries to ever exist. Though everyone who is born into this country are considered Americans, what does it truly mean to be an American after they have lived on our homeland’s soil for roughly two decades? The main identifications of a true American are: they are patriotic, they contribute to society and their community, and that they are hardworking and innovative.

In the midst of the Space Race, Cold War, and Vietnam War people hoped that the 1960’s would bring a more optimistic time in America. The 1950’s drained America’s resources, from funding wars, containing communism, preventing inflation, competing for technological advancements, and trying to deal with the civil rights movement. Economically, politically and socially, America had enough on its plate. The 1960’s brought the election of President Kennedy was a light at the end of the tunnel. He brought aspirations of change, aimed to fight inequality, overcome injustice and help America get back on its feet. In spite of that, only a year into Kennedy’s term, major steel corporations went against the president 's requests for stable prices and drastically increased prices by 3.5 percent. Immediately President Kennedy addressed steel corporation CEOs and updated Americans about what happened and how it was not in public interest. With finesse he maneuvered through the topic, Kennedy flawlessly executed an us vs them argument while maintaining the American ideals of patriotism and unity. In “JFK Steel Speech”, President John F. Kennedy used pathos, logos and ethos to urge steel corporations to lower their prices by making American realize the steel corporation’s selfish acts and enraging Americans against the them.

Patriotism in the United States is simply part of the experience, and a great addition to the life of the american person. There’s Memorial Day, Independence Day (one can’t forget this holiday), Veteran’s Day, and so many others. This goes to say that patriotism definitely has its place; it creates a love for your country and the people that reside in it. However, there is a fine line between patriotism and nationalism. Patriotism becomes toxic when it becomes nationalism, at which time it can directly interfere with international relationships, progress, or world peace.

The Americans were Patriots because, they were people who wanted American colonies to gain independence from Britain. They wanted to do their own thing, and have their own laws. They wanted to break free from British government who they thought was unfair.

If the year were 1777 and I had to pick whose side I’d be on, I wouldn’t; I’d be neutral. Both the Patriots and Loyalists had their own flaws, and I wouldn’t side with either of them. I’ll stay in my own corner away from all the yelling and I’ll just... sleep? I don’t know, what did people do back then when they avoid violence, churn butter? Cry? I’ll cry.

I would have been a Patriot because they fought for against the acts that were stupid to them instead of just sitting back a doing nothing. They were the people to rebel. For example, the Tea act when the British East India Company was selling taxed tea for a lower price than the smuggled Dutch tea the patriots were drinking they got mad because when they bought the smuggled Dutch tea they were NOT paying for the duties. So they just did not buy it but it was hard because the government (Britain) shut down the Boston harbor to all shipments until the taxed tea was all paid for. A Patriot also stands for what they believe is right they don't worry about what might happen if they protest something.

One of the oldest and most recognized forms of group activity is participation in collective state identity. Pride in one’s nation is a phenomenon that can transcend race, gender, class, sexual orientation, physical proximity and many other social groupings. This topic development will explore the sociological concept of nationalism and patriotism in relation to group identity, beliefs and subsequent actions performed by members of specified nationality groups.