Positive Patriotism Series Vol.1 Defining Patriotism

This article, the first in a series of six planned articles will exam the current state of patriotism in America through the prism of families and community, politics, industry, education, and sports-entertainment. The intent is to understand where we are, how we got here, and provide specific alternatives to improve our national self-consciousness.

Patriotism is the natural byproduct of what Teddy Roosevelt called “Americanism”, the idea of America. However, today the concept of patriotism has been distorted and mangled. Of course, the distortion includes altering deep, heartfelt devotion for one’s own country into elitism, or some dark form of nationalism with tones of racism. These trends are ominous, the perversion goes far beyond a healthy skepticism of government but reflects rather a dramatic shift in the core beliefs of American citizens.    

In a poll conducted last year by Gallup, only 47 percent of all Americans declared themselves “extremely proud” of their nationality—the first time in 18 years in which the poll has been conducted that fewer than half of the respondents expressed those levels of national pride. Only fifteen years ago, less than one generation, this number stood at 70 percent. Similarly, Pew Research Center found that 36% of 18- to 29-year-old Americans think other countries are greater than the United States — the highest share of any age group ever recorded.

Historically, patriotism, as an idea, has been generally self-evident, however, recently, defining patriotism has become confused, ambiguous and even contested. So, in this first article, I thought it helpful to clearly, specifically, and with detailed examples define patriotism.

Starting with a definition, according to the Webster Dictionary, patriotism is simple “a feeling of love for his or her country and supports its authority and interests.” But what does this really mean in practice? First, understand patriotism as values Americans cherish such as honesty, loyalty, sacrifice, kindness, and duty. Patriotism is demonstrated through symbols. For example, by acknowledging the national anthem, saluting the flag, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, or simply helping a neighbor in need all reflect patriotic acts. Patriotism is also the ideas of what America stands for, its history, and the sacrifices of those to create and keep it. 

America’s founders by risking their own lives and prosperity provide the unchanging and timeless examples of patriotism for our nation. As time passes and our nation progresses, we lean on their thoughts and deeds as a guide. It’s worth reflecting on a select few famous Americans during their contemporary challenges which continue to inspire today.

Nathan Hale, an intelligence officer during the American Revolution, was captured on September 21, 1776, by British forces while attempting to return to his regiment, having penetrated British lines on Long Island, New York. Hale was hanged the following day as a spy. He’s last words were, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”. At the time, by all observers, an insignificant moment, another rebel caught and dispensed through British common law.   

Abraham Lincoln went against contemporary thinking with his Emancipation Proclamation when he freed the slaves. This was a decision, with significant risk, affected the economic situation of millions of Americans. When it comes to defining patriotism, at a critical moment, embracing what’s right, moral, and just is often what’s required.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, remembered for his speech in Washington where he proclaimed, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” We all recognize, as a self-governed people, we are not perfect and each of us have a responsibility to help achieve these “self-evident truths”. A corner stone of the common believe that all Americans are equal and that each are judge not by the color of their skin but rather the content of their character.

Though many more exist, these few examples of words and deeds reflect on the ideas of American patriotism. Most importantly, we as citizens, looking back on these events recognize them as patriotic. So, patriotism is the love of country manifested in pride. Pride in the values, ideals, actions, and yes symbols America represents.

America, the most unique human experiment of self-determination in the history of man, sits precariously at a point of national reflection. Once commonly accepted beliefs of Americanism, have been eroded by swelling tribalism and group identity fueled by political bickering and societal victimization.  

We need a robust effort to reverse this unhealthy trend by emphasizing embracing our shared history and culture rather than our differences. Patriotism supersedes political parties or political ideologies. Let’s use our patriotic past to remember why we have a shared culture, to heal our national psyche, and move forward together. There is much to be done. 

The views in this article are the author’s and do not reflect the views of the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense.

Sources:

1.    Andrew A. Michta , The America Interest; Rebuild American Patriotism, 24 July 2019

2.    Megan McArdle, The Washington Post, America needs more patriots, 3 July, 2018

3.    Gallup Poll, July 2019