“Ask not what your country can do for you; but what you can do for your country,” is a famous quote by John F. Kennedy. When I hear this quote it makes me think of patriotism, but then again, it makes me think what does patriotism really mean? Have you ever really thought about it? People through the ages have carried out both horrible and wonderful acts under the word of patriotism. So, how are we to define it then? The concept of patriotism is just as debated and relevant today as it was during the Civil War. If our nation is to survive its current challenges, the definition of a true patriot must be clear. The dictionary definition of patriotism is “the love or devotion for one’s country” (Patriotism). To other people, patriotism is the …show more content…
In times of war, the love we show for our country is outstanding. However, is patriotism falling down as it thrives? For example, in classrooms I see many students playing around while saying the Pledge of Allegiance and not taking it seriously. At sporting events, I often hear people talking during the National Anthem. When I see this for myself I question my definition of patriotism and I believe that it is very disrespectful to our ancestors. They fought hard for our freedom and if you consider yourself a patriot, such things as this should be in your heart to want to do. Nobody can make you but someone with patriotism would follow behind the lines of what is respectful and the actions it takes to be a true patriot to your country. Another example would be on the Fourth of July. Many people celebrate and like to pop fireworks but do half of the people really know why we celebrate and the true meaning behind Fourth of July? It’s the same for President’s Day and Veteran’s Day. Why do we really celebrate those and consider them holidays? Are you still patriotic if you follow the traditions but don’t really know what they represent? As many know the Fourth of July represents the time the Declaration of Independence was official. This is a big part of our country. Freedom and independence are the structures we live by. I believe that patriotism is a way to show that you care about the ones that fought for our …show more content…
Patriotism is not only loving and supporting your country but also trying you best to improve it. I believe that the word patriotism can be defined many ways. However, I believe that the dictionary definition does not do its justice. I believe that how others define it is the only true way to know what patriotism really means. Many men and women have worked to achieve the freedom and equality we have today. We should respect not only them but also what they have fought for. A way to do that is by showing your patriotism. Patriotism is in all our hearts but we have to find it first. The many definitions that we have in today’s century are all different. You must think to yourself what your true definition of patriotism means. “Patriotism demands the ability to feel shame as much as to feel pride,” a quote by Anne-Marie Slaughter. Although most people see the definition of patriotism as a good thing, it can also be shameful at the situation at hand. In conclusion, Americans know how to come together and unite for their country and show their true patriotism regardless of the
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers to the United States, was not a patriot but a mere loyalist to England before the dissolution between England and the colonies occurred. Sheila L. Skemp's The Making of a Patriot explores how Benjamin Franklin tried to stay loyal to the crown while taking interest in the colonies perception and their own representation in Parliament. While Ms. Skemp alludes to Franklin's loyalty, her main illustration is how the attack by Alexander Wedderburn during the Privy Council led to Franklin's disillusionment with the British crown and the greater interest in making the Thirteen Colonies their own nation. Her analysis of Franklin's history in Parliament and what occurred on the night that the council convened proves the change behind Franklin's beliefs and what lead to his involvement in the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution.
Working sort of opposite to patriotism is emulation. Emulation works by giving the audience a role model that they idolize, someone containing vast quantities of ethos in their eyes. This is the most positive of the three emotions intended to get the audience up. Inciting anger
Patriotism is defines as love and devotion to one's country, usually out of self devotion. Nationalism is an adulterated version of patriotism where aspirations for national independence in a country under foreign domination is forced upon the people by society, or an authoritative figure.
“Nationalism(n.) - loyalty or devotion to a nation, especially an attitude, feeling, or belief characterize by a sense of national consciousness” (The War of 1812 and the Rise of Nationalism 1). Nationalism was a crucial part of America’s success during the War of 1812; nationalism was reflected in the post-war period through increased national pride, emphasis on national issues, increase in power and scope of the national government, and a growing sense of American identity (The War of 1812 and the Rise of Nationalism 1). The first to arise which was the driving force behind American victories against the British was nationalism. This nationalism was expressed in four ways; patriotism, political, economical and cultural. American patriotism
In the Red Badge of Courage, the protagonist Henry, is a young boy who yearns to be a Great War hero, even though he has never experienced war himself. Anxious for battle, Henry wonders if he truly is courageous, and stories of soldiers running make him uncomfortable. He struggles with his fantasies of courage and glory, and the truth that he is about to experience. He ends up running away in his second battle.
In “What They Fought For”. James McPherson engages the reader with the general themes of what motivated the individual soldier to enter to fight in the Civil War. The book is divided into three chapters, giving the insight of many soldiers being divided by the border between the north and south. The lack of censorship at the time allows the reader to clearly see the insight of what these soldiers were trying to display. Although the soldiers are not equally represented by these few letters. There are still a lot of factors that could ultimately affected the overall believes of the soldiers. For example the opinion of the illiterate soldiers were not disclosed because they lacked the ability to write, the unskilled and farmers were also under
All over the world and in history, countries and nations have expressed pride towards their nations through spirit and have unified together as one. Nationalism is the force behind the unification, strength, and cooperation of these nations. First, nationalism is a powerful force that helps to unite all different people into a single nation. It is also important for nations to use nationalism to claim justified independence from one another. Finally, nationalism can be taken too far if it is used unjustly or incorrectly. Nationalism is important and necessary for beneficial political changes, but can become harmful and unproductive when used for a country’s personal agenda and lust for power.
For example, Mark Twain expressed his hatred by stating, “A patriot sets himself apart in his own country under his own flag, sneers at other nations and keeps an army of uniformed assassins on hand at heavy expense to grab slices of other people’s countries and keep them from grabbing slices of his. In the intervals between campaigns he washes the blood off his hands and works for ‘the universal brotherhood of man’ with his mouth.” Twain makes many valid points by bring up how patriotism encourages hatred and distrust for other countries, promoting war by having an army of assassins, and washing away wrongful violations within the country. Numerous Americans have shown similar controversy in regards to whether they should support patriotism. Despite the fact that patriotism can bring social culture and bonding together, it can ultimately become destructive and does more harm than
Simon Keller argues in his essay "Patriotism as Bad Faith" that patriotism is not a virtue but it is actually a vice. Keller begins by splitting the views on this philosophical debate into three different representations. The first being the "communitarian patriot", where patriotism is not only a valued virtue to someone's self but that it is actually an essential virtue. The second representation is a radical contradiction of the first, known as the "hard universalist. The hard Universalist sees patriotism as a vice instead of being any type of positive virtue. They think that everyone should be valued the same, and that there should be no favoritism. The third representation is the idea of the first two combined, to form what is called the "soft universalist." This view is understood as patriotism is allowed, and is not seen as a vice, but also that one has an obligation to the rest of the world, almost to try and treat them as a loyalty that you would have towards your own country. (p.112).
The exploration of what patriotism is and what represents patriotism is an important one more people should embark upon. If Americans are to examine patriotisms true meaning, we will be able to abolish this faux patriotism, which is represented by intimidation, censorship, and majority rules attitudes or actions. This can be replaced by feelings and actions of caring, compassion, acceptance, rationality, and nonviolence, or in other words, patriotism.
... and in doing so represent their country even more. Trying to be patriotic becomes hard for Brinker when his father wants him not to embarrass himself and do more for the country because Brinker feels that his father doesn?t understand that he is afraid to go to war. Brinker says", He and his crowd are responsible for it and we're going to fight it " (190). This quote shows how agitated Brinker is with his father for trying to tell him to accomplish more in a dangerous war, that Brinker wants nothing to do with, that can possibly lead to his own death. To sum up, patriotism is a necessity in going to war and representing the country because it shows feelings from the fighter to his or her country.
Taking my English writing instructor’s advice, one day during my lunch break from work; I went on a short trip to Faneuil Hall. This historical building blends in with other red brick buildings in Boston. Therefore, you might pass it by, if it were not for the painted red line representing the Freedom Trail and a statue of Samuel Adams in the middle of the plaza. Before entering the building, one might compare this moment with, as Walker Percy says.
In the United States we are constantly reminded to pay thanks to the men and women who work to protect our nation, and rightfully so, but sometimes the cost of doing so can outweigh the positive aspect. In the past week Arizona Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake published a report showing that the United States Department of Defense had been spent $6.8 million of their budget paying sports teams to promote the military. Anyone who has watched or attended a sports game is familiar with military appreciation, from having a veteran throw the first pitch to teams wearing camouflage uniforms. It has always seemed somewhat forced, as teams would always try to one-up each other to try and prove how patriotic they are. Now seeing that most of these
Nationalism is self identification with one’s country. Nationalism is similar to religion in that it gives a person their self worth and sense of community. One source describe nationalism as as a bond and “awareness shared by a group” who feel “attached to not only the land, but also the culture, language, and history the people share (Brown). Nationalism is accompanied by loyalty and devotion of the people to a nation. Nationalist find great gratification in their history and traditions. With this sometimes comes the feeling that their nation is special and set apart from other nations, creating an atmosphere of superiority. Furthermore, through out history, the idea of nationalism has been the driving force behind those wanting to overthrow governments that are thought to be oppressive