Patriotism: American Pride

Patriotism: American Pride Michael Effinger University of Maryland University College GVPT 170 Professor Michael G. Caruso March 2011  “[A] patriot [is] the person who can holler the loudest without knowing what he is hollering about.” ~Mark Twain (American author and humorist) “[P]atriotism... is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”  ~Adlai Stevenson (US Ambassador to the UN, 1961-1965) “Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I'm not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be.” ~ John Wayne (American film actor) “When we argue about patriotism, we are arguing about who we are as a country, and more importantly, who we should be.” ~Barack Obama (44th President of the United States) The preceding quotes are from four American figures which display their feelings about their country. Their views cover the spectrum of political ideology, from left to right. The human emotions brought forth when Americans express their feelings about America and being American are varied and strong – these expressions are commonly known as patriotism. As defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, patriotism is the “devoted love, support and defense of one’s country”. Rooted in the ideal of “love for country”, this concept can take differing and sometimes adverse approaches in how this love is expressed. The question of how Americans love their country has always been at the forefront of public discussion, especially following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the nation’s current economic struggles, which are two of the most recent catalysts to intensify America’s passions on the question of national identity. The focus of this paper will be to discuss the varied interpretations, limitations and possibilities of various forms of how modern American patriotism is expressed. The emotions that an individual expresses for their country is an extension of that individual’s sense of their own national identity; which can be defined as the shared commonalities those citizens have. These commonalities can include culture, language, national symbols or history. America is very unique in terms of this concept since it has a relatively short history and is also the most diverse nation in the world (race, religion, and ethnicity). Unlike the centuries old societies of Europe and Asia, American citizens came, or were brought, to these shores – many still identify with a society or culture of another part of the world (Asian American, Italian American, African American). Even “Native” Americans, who were already here when the first Europeans and Africans arrived, embrace an “other” cultural identity. This in part has caused many social and political scholars to argue for a more narrowly defined “American Identity” and against multiculturalism and diversity, feeling that the latter is more of a liability than a source of strength (Shelton, 2010, p. 69). As such, it causes one to ask the question: What is the American Identity? Is it possible for a nation as large as the United States, with a wide ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity, and a mostly immigrated population to claim a united commonality? What is the common rally point that all Americans can come together in agreement on? For many, that rally point comes in the form of outward declarations of patriotism. These declarations can take many and varied forms, from military or public service, to displaying or wearing the American flag, to loudly chanting “USA – USA” at a sporting event, or regular active participation in political debate or analysis. Patriotism is one of the benchmarks by which Americans judge themselves – it is the standard by which many measure their “American-ness”. In its purest form, American patriotism seeks to uphold the beliefs of the framers of the Constitution: life, liberty and equality for all, while also maintaining a watchful and, at times, critical eye to the pursuit of these beliefs. [A] crucial component of most analyses of patriotism is that love of country interacts with the ability to be critical of it. The underlying assumption of political theory has been that one cannot love their country and be critical of it at the same time (S. Richey, 2010, p. 1). American patriotism is also considered to be an expression that is conceived and grown in the hearts and minds of the individual and not something that is dictated or “enforced” by the powers that be. Throughout this nation’s history there have been some Americans who have questioned the patriotism and loyalty of others. There have also been those who have claimed to be patriots but have followed courses of action that are considered by some to be un-patriotic. Many, including Constitutional framers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, have had their loyalties questioned. This has led to another heated debate: who or what determines Patriotism? Since there is no apparent standard or means of truly testing “how much love” someone has for their country this would seem like a moot point. It is important to note that most of the questioners and question-ees stand on opposing sides of the political spectrum, so that an individual’s brand of patriotism falls in line with their ideology. This practice is most common during political elections. A 2010 Georgia State University study on “Differentiating Styles of Patriotism in the United States” recognized four distinct manners in which individuals think in regards to their patriotic (or non-patriotic) feelings and identified how participants felt about America’s recent involvements in Iraq and Afghanistan. The research labeled and identified the four categories as: Constructive – recognized as someone who can express love of America while still questioning or criticizing America’s history, institutions and values; Nationalist – those who express love of America and consider it un-patriotic to critique or question anything it does or has done; Radicals – those who express no love for America and are extremely critical of it; and Disengaged – those Americans who neither express love for America nor have opinions on its history, actions or policies (S. Richey, 2010, p. 9). It also found that participants who fell into each of these categories were influenced more by their educational, ideological and religious backgrounds, while region and culture played a less significant role. It also found that the largest portion of the participants (53%) feel under the classification of Constructive, while the smallest (3%) could be labeled as Disengaged. The study then concluded, for example, that among the participants, those labeled as Constructive tended to be more liberal or identify with the Democratic Party, were more opposed to the war in Iraq and less opposed to the Afghanistan conflict. Similarly based in the ideal of “love for country”, the concept of nationalism rests on a philosophy which yields a more single-minded stance. Also, as defined by Merriam-Webster, nationalism is “a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests”. Like patriotism, nationalism (sometimes referred to as “Blind Patriotism”) takes varied forms and focuses on the narrow drives of the individual or group that expresses it (ex: Black Nationalists, Mexican Nationalists). Nationalist attitudes are also attributed with notions of exclusion and intolerance, and have been shown to increase during periods of war or other national emergency. “[N]ationalistic American identity…are related to less tolerance to cultural diversity, negative attitudes toward minority groups, and restricted criteria for identification as a “true” American” (Li and Brewer, 2004, p. 736). The study concluded that nationalist ideals were especially high shortly after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. During this time sentiments such as banning flag burning and re-instating the Pledge of Allegiance in all public schools increased. Patriotism, or sentiments like nationalism, also has a direct and immediate influence on American politics and policy. This is evidenced in the direct influence an emotionally charged organizations like the Tea Party had on the most recent Congressional elections, where more conservative politicians were swept into office on a wave of pro-conservative sentiment. The emotional sentiments of the public also played a part in America’s involvement in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Bush Administration, where the mood of the nation had a prominently “Post-9/11 pro-nationalist” bent. America has many symbolic images which solicit emotional responses: the colors – red, white and blue, the bald eagle and the Statue of Liberty are just a few examples. America’s primary national symbol is the American flag. As a national symbol, the American flag (also called the “Stars & Stripes”, “Old Glory” and “the Star Spangled-Banner”) is the most recognized, the most used and has been shown to invoke and prompt the most emotional response. “… [T]he act of displaying the flag is readily recognized as a statement affirming one’s allegiance to America and the American people…” (Kemmelmeier, 2008, p. 860). Shortly after 9/11, it was difficult to find a home, business, television commercial or automobile that did not display the flag. During the campaigns for the 2008 Presidential Elections, then candidate Barack Obama was harshly criticized for not wearing an American flag pin like many of his opponents. Though intending to reaffirm the sentiments of love for country, the use and display of the American flag has at times brought forth intense feelings of “America first” or even “American only”. The Kemmelmeier/Winter Studies yielded the following findings: [T]wo studies…did not find any evidence that the American flag aroused a sense of patriotism; rather, only nationalist views were increased in the presence of the flag, which cast the United States as superior and dominant to the remainder of the world…As the only remaining superpower, Americans routinely view their own country to be superior on a number of dimensions, including politics, economics, technology, and morality…In this sense, patriotic Americans who display the flag may indeed be sowing patriotism, but reaping nationalism (Kemmelmeir, 2008, p. 871). Expressions of patriotism are how Americans display their love, devotion and pride in America and being American. American Patriotism is as diverse, varied and complicated as America itself – there is no one definite manner or expression that all Americans will agree on. Their expressions and opinions are a direct result of their status in our society. As a result, conflict and debate will arise, causing some to even go so far as to question the patriotism of those they are opposed to. This expression may even take a more adverse form (nationalism) that will bring forth hyper-pro-American views that cause some to think America and Americans as superior to all other nations and nationalities. The American flag is the center stone of American symbols which has been shown to have the power and effect of bringing forth strong emotional responses, ranging from simple pride to nationalistic superiority. If we are to recognize the best possibilities of our nation and its place in a shrinking global society, it is this type of expression that “true” patriots should be most diligent to avoid. Just as parents’ compassion for their children can all too easily slide into an attitude that promotes the defeat of other people’s children, so too with patriotism: Compassion for our fellow Americans can too easily slide into an attitude that wants America to come out on top, defeating or subordinating other peoples or nations (Nussbaum, 2001, p. 11). Patriotic expression is part of being American – despite its many complexities it is how we are able to connect and unite. Or as the nation’s motto states: E Pluribus Unum – “out of many, one”. Love of country is our commonality.  References Kemmelmeier, M., & Winter, D. G. (2008). Sowing Patriotism, But Reaping Nationalism? Consequences of Exposure to the American Flag. Political Psychology, 29(6), 859-879. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9221.2008.00670.x Li, Q., & Brewer, M. B. (2004). What Does It Mean to Be an American? Patriotism, Nationalism, and American Identity After 9/11. Political Psychology, 25(5), 727-739. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9221.2004.00395.x Nussbaum, M. (2001). Can Patriotism Be Compassionate?. Nation, 273(20), 11-13. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Richey, S. (2010). Patriotism and Critical Thinking: Differentiating the Styles and Impacts of Patriotism in the United States. Conference Papers -- Southern Political Science Association, 1. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Shelton, J. E. (2010). E Pluribus Unum? How Racial, Ethnic, and Religious Group Memberships Impact Beliefs about American National Identity. Nationalism & Ethnic Politics, 16(1), 67-91. doi:10.1080/13537110903583344 Patriotism: American Pride 8