“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
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
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).
Overall, patriotism is seen by many as different things. There are some who There is nothing more American than citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest. An appropriate protest consists of using this right, but it must be done at the correct time and place. Conflictions occur when the protest is not respectful, or is targeted towards the wrong thing or group. In the future, hopefully people will realize that as Americans, it is our duty to stand up for what we believe in, and do so in an appropriate
When patriotism becomes the daily reciting of the Pledge, waving the flag and never looking beyond your own small piece of the world, we do harm to our own country and the cause of true liberty and true peace in the world.
Patriotism can be defined as devoted love, support, and defense against one’s country. John F. Kennedy, in his inaugural address stated, ‘‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’’ The soldiers at Iwo Jima were patriots that fought wars and lost men for our country. They were devoted to America and this is evident because the remaining soldiers raised the Flag in awareness. The citizens that died on September 11, 2001 were not soldiers, however, they did lose their lives for our country. That is why the firemen raised a flag in the wake of this horrible tragedy. Patriotism takes on many aspects and this is evident within the photographs from these two events. The raising of the flag at Iwo Jima
I’ll admit it, I’m American. I’m an American and I admit, I enjoy it very thoroughly. I enjoy having the right to a free education, choice in who rules over me (who rules, who cares? pun intended), and the right to walk around the streets at three a.m. because I can. But I do not consider myself patriotic, in any way, sense or fashion. The astounding number of Americans nowadays who consider themselves patriotic can overwhelm the small few who were there for America before 9/11. But just what can we do about the bandwagon patriotism and its abuse on middle-eastern oriented Americans; it’s manipulation of American’s gullibility for cheap trinkets, and the backing of leaders in a war we don’t belong in. I believe it’s time to instill more peaceful tactics in our country today. It’s time to stop calling ourselves Americans and start calling ourselves humans. So far America has lost more soldiers in Iraq since the war ended than we actually lost in the war itself and people of Middle Eastern decent have suffered more embarrassing attacks than most “average” Americans. Perhaps its time to reconsider the Patriot Act, because truth be told it’s not exactly what our true patriotic forefathers had in mind when they wrote that all men were created equal(despite the fact these men had slaves).
Patriotism for your country comes from your personal beliefs. It is when you really love and remain loyal to your country no matter the cost. The men and women that fought to defend the honor of our country are the true patriots. War is not supported by everyone, but these men still risk their lives to protect the freedom of the citizens that don’t believe in what they are fighting for. For them it is all about remain loyal to America, and standing up for what they believe in.
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.
“The good citizen and patriot knows happiness is greater than comfort, more sublime than pleasure,” conveyed John McCain in his essay, A Cause Greater Than Self. He wrote this article in year two thousand eight when TIME magazine asked presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama for their views on what patriotism means. They both sent in opinions: A Faith In Simple Dreams, by Barack Obama and A Cause Greater Than Self, by John McCain. Even though they wrote regarding the same topic, the way they approached it and the points they highlighted, barely overlapped.
Patriotism is defined as: “devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty.” Supporting your country in times of war is not the best way to define patriotism because patriotism should be shown at all times. This statement seems to give the idea that no matter the reason, if any reason you should support your government during times of war. Seeing that the government tends to get involved in wars that could have had good impact I agree with this statement. Yes, you should indeed support your government even if they are in the wrong that is a because in the end they are doing things to better our nation for future generations.
Nationalism is extreme loyalty and devotion to one particular nation, and many Americans are nationalistic about their country. But even though they are loyal to America, defining what it means to be a true American is tricky. Being American is one complex thing, but the concept of being American can not be fully grasped. What it means to be American may in fact be one of the biggest mysteries of all time. Indeed, discovering what it means to be a true American could possibly take an entire lifetime. One thing, however about all true Americans is certain: we are all alike in that each one of us is different from the Americans in important ways. We are diverse in our backgrounds, races, and religions. Nevertheless, we are exactly identical in the we feel toward our country, even though we express our pride in a million different ways.
... 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.
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