American Patriotism, Essay Example

American patriotism refers to a concept of life amongst the citizens of the United States of America. This concept consists of pride for the country, its history, and its unique culture. It all started with the American Revolutionary war. The war began in 1775 when the American people broke away from England in desire of their independence to start their own nation. With the American colony being led by General George Washington, the bloody war took lasted for eight years where General Cornwallis and the Kingdom of England finally surrendered in 1783. The aftermath of the war led to the signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787, where it was ratified the next year. The US Constitution represented as well as established the freedom and civil liberties for the new American nation and the American people who had won their independence from England.

Unfortunately, even in the newly established nation of the United States of America, slavery was still an issue. The freedom and civil liberties that the US Constitution governed did not apply to people of African descent. The African people living in America, referred to as African Americans, would not win their freedom until many years later. African-Americans were not viewed by Caucasians as human beings, but rather as disposable laborers that they could control, own, trade, abuse, and enslave for their own use. It was common for many African American slaves to be owned by a Caucasians slave owner, where slave owners would sell and trade slaves. This was one of the darkest and most horrific times in American history, and is does not at all represent any aspects of American Patriotism. The concept of slavery in America during this time contradicted everything which the US Constitution stood for.

The pivotal point in American history regarding the enslavement of African Americans took place at the dawn of the American Civil War. The American Civil war occurred from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War started for various controversial reasons such as the fight between over power between the US Government and the state as well as slavery. Southern US broke away from the US Government in desires for their own independence which would be referred to as the Confederate States. The South wanted to continue slavery while the Northern US or the Union, wanted to abolish it. When the war ended on May 9^th, 1865, with the Union victorious over the Confederate states, President Abraham Lincoln established the abolishment of slavery in the US. President Lincoln was assassinated just days after the Civil War and although slavery has been abolished in the country, African Americans still endured hardships of racism and unequal treatment.

This continued unequal treatment of African Americans led to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s. During this movement, the African American people, along with other Caucasian freedom activists who believed in the same rights and equality, fought for their equal rights through freedom walks, boycotts, protests, and even violent riots. Racial segregation was common before and during the Civil Rights Movement, and existed in schools, work environments, and even the US Military. African Americans were still discriminated, treated unfavorably, and even murdered in what are called hate crimes. The African American people would no longer stand for such treatment and this was an ambitious time that represented an important part of American patriotism. The Civil Rights Movement lasted until 1968. The conclusion of the Civil Rights Movement resulted in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair housing Act of 1968.

Regarding American patriotism outside of unequal treatment of Americans were other events that helped the nation to persevere and stand together as patriots. One of these major events was the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This military ambush attack occurred on December 7^th, 1941 in the midst of World War II. The Japanese military attacked the US Naval base in an attempt to prevent the US military from interfering with their operations planned against the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. This event led to casualties in the thousands including American civilians working and living on the island. Although this was another dark moment in American history, the American people did not let the unfortunate event keep them down. President Franklin Roosevelt continued to give the country hope in his speech the day after the attack stating “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.” American patriotism was ignited across the country as the US defended their nation by entering World War II shortly after the attack.

World War II, or WWII, occurred from 1939 through 1945, with the US participating from 1941 after the Pearl Harbor bombing. The result of the war led to an allied victory for the US and allying countries and also the formation of the United Nations, which the US was a primary part of. The US also assisted in stopping the genocide of the Jewish people by Adolf Hitler, which is a prime example of how the power of American Patriotism would be spread to other nations for the human rights and freedom of all people.

Another ambush attack similar to that of the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred on September 11^th, 2001. This day is referred to simply as “9/11” and is regarded as the most violent terrorist attack in American history. While the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor primarily target US military forces, the 9/11 attacks specifically targeted US civilians. The al-Qaeda, headed by Osama Bin Laden, perpetrated US territories leading to the attacks. The primary targets were the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the White House; though the attack on the White House was unsuccessful. These terrorist attacks resulted in thousands of deaths and backed the entire country into an unfavorable corner. The entire country temporarily shut down in fear of other terrorist strikes. Shortly after the terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush and administration declared the war on terrorism.

The war on terrorism is an ongoing war for the US and has led to both casualties and victories. American patriotism however, has never been stronger. Osama Bin Laden was neutralized in May of 2011 when he was infiltrated by the US Navy Special Forces team, the Navy Seals. Despite his death, the war on terrorism continues against the Islamic State where the US hopes to neutralize all militant war extremists that stand against human rights. American patriotism is strong across the country and has spread throughout the entire world. American patriotism has helped the American people get through the darkest times in history and keeps the country united and strong. It is because of patriotism that America had persevered through every war and unfavorable events. Patriotism serves as the blood for the country in the context of spiritual strength. The American people continue to demonstrate their patriotism in many ways across the country.

The American flag is the signature of the US and represents every part of patriotism that the country stands and continues to fight for. Many Americans participate in the demonstration of patriotism by displaying the American flag in their homes, at their work, schools, vehicles, and clothing attires. Such presentations of the American flag come in many forms where the red, white, and blue stars and stripes are either shown or worn with pride. Even business establishments show their patriotism through displaying the American flag at their business establishments as well as their advertisements. At just about every type of academic, sporting, and business event, the American flag is displayed to remind everybody of the patriotism that stands behind the freedom which allows for such events. In every city, town, and neighborhood, there is surely an American flag posted somewhere, demonstrating patriotism and reminding everybody of the historical times that gave birth to that patriotism.

American patriotism is commonly shown through appreciation of the US military troops. The US military troops are the reason that the US can appreciate and practice the freedom they have. It is because of the sacrifices made by the US military and their families that the American people have such freedom, rights, and liberties. The American people are protected by the US military and the show of patriotism demonstrates support for the troops. Appreciation for the US troops is presented in many ways. It is common for business in the civilian world to show their appreciation for the US troops by granting them favorable treatment such as military discounts on products and services. Many American civilians show their patriotism by thanking military troops in uniform for their service and sacrifices made for the country. The US military troops are heroes, and their patriotism is extended and reciprocated by the American people which they fight for.

Freedom is the most valuable part of American patriotism. Many countries throughout the world, even to this day, do not have any of the freedom rights that the US has. There are still countries in the world where slavery exists due to race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. Freedom in America is such an important part of patriotism because it is what makes the country unique and is the reason that the country is often referred to as the “land of the free and the home of the brave”. Freedom in America allows people of all race, religion, gender, and sexual preference the same rights and opportunities. No other country in the world has freedom amongst their people they way the US has it. This valued concept of life is all attributed to the patriotism which all Americans have stood for since the birth of the country.

This valued American freedom is both enforced and protected under the US Constitution. The US Constitution, signed by the founding fathers of America following the American revolutionary war, is what legally gives all American the rights, freedoms, and civil liberties that are still practiced to this day. There are various other federal documents that grant the American people the freedoms and rights they practice, but the US Constitution is the base of it all as it is regarded as the supreme law of the entire nation. The US Constitution was sought after through patriotism and represents while at the same time protecting that very same patriotism. There is no other document in the world like the US Constitution that relays patriotism across its nation of people, granting them the basic human rights which everyone in the world should be entitled to regardless of any differences in race, religion, or gender.

This US Constitution is enforced by the system of the US Government. The US Government has a system of law that grants everybody equal opportunities and rights. Although every individual US state has varying state laws, the US Government is the primary system of law which the country follows. One of the most important parts of the US Government legal system is the notion of “innocent until proven guilty”. This is an important part of freedom from a criminal aspect because other countries’ governments do not concern themselves with proof or a due process, but rather just throw around accusations and wrongfully punish people for crimes they may not have even committed. The US Government and its system is the reason that the American economy can operate in a stable manner consisting of all of the freedoms and rights established by the US Constitution.

American patriotism is very commonly demonstrated in pop culture across the country. Patriotism is practiced and appreciated through music, film, sports, clothing, food outlets, and social media. Sports events enjoy demonstrating their show of American patriotism to the US troops by acknowledging them to everyone and thanking them for their services. There are countless films in pop culture that are dedicated to extending their show of patriotism to the American people as well as other parts of the world. A prime example of a patriotic film in pop culture is the 2001 motion picture entitled “The Patriot” which presents a history of the American Revolutionary War and the patriotism that kept the country fighting. Music in pop culture is popular in presenting patriotism. Various clothing lines show their patriotism with designer clothing consisting of variations of the American flag. Food outlets often show their patriotism by treating US military troops at their establishments with royalty and appreciation. Patriotism is wide spread across multiple social media platforms with photos and videos that stand for patriotism, spreading the message to millions of people.

American patriotism has often led to pride. Pride can be both a good and a bad thing, all depending on the situation. Pride in American patriotism got the country through many rough times. The country of America as a whole has accomplished many things to be proud of. American patriotism is often worn and presented with the necessary pride that comes with it. Too much or excessive pride however, can make a nation vulnerable. A nation my refuse assistance or help from another nation due to having too much pride. While the act may appear to be patriotic, it can be a weakness. The US however, is aware that too much pride can serve as a weakness in their patriotic practice. Because America is aware of this, they know better than to carry too much pride. This makes the nation strong as they accept assistance from other countries when it is necessary. The US will often go out of its way to assist other countries as well in attempts to form alliances. This makes both of the given nations stronger as they stand together.

Patriotism in America is greatly demonstrated through the US federal holidays that occur every year in recognition of American patriotism and to celebrate and honor this history of every patriotic aspect of America. An important US federal holiday is Labor Day. Labor Day was established in 1887 by President Grover Cleveland in recognition and celebration of the American Labor movement. This US federal holiday is mostly dedicated to both the economic and social accomplishments of the American workers throughout history. This US holiday can be traced back as far as 1882 when a machinist named Matthew Maguire first proposed it. However, it is unclear if he was the first person to propose the holiday as some historians also believe that it was a man named Peter McGuire that same year. It is common for Labor Day celebrations to consist of street parades in many towns across the country.

Another patriotic holiday is that of the American Veterans Day. Veterans Day takes place every year on November 11^th. This unique holiday is one of the most patriotic holidays of the year because it specifically was established to honor those who served in the US military forces. A veteran in this context refers to anybody who served in any part of the US military forces, which is the reason for the title of the holiday. The first ever Veterans Day was celebrated back in 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson enacted it and proclaimed it as a holiday. The US military troops are the reason that America is the country it is. By enacting a holiday which is dedicated to their sacrifices, the American people are showing their appreciation for the patriotism that was carried by the military troops. Along with Memorial Day, this is probably the most patriotic holiday of the year.

Washington’s Birthday, otherwise known as President’s Day, is another US federal holiday that takes place every third Monday in the month of February. Although this US holiday was based off of President George Washington’s Birthday, it is intended to be a celebration in honor of all of the US presidents in throughout the country’s history. This holiday helps the country to celebrate their American patriotism by honoring and remembering all of the liberties which the country of America was built upon through the leadership of the US presidents.

There is a historical holiday which dates back as far as the foundation of America. This US holiday is known as Thanksgiving Day. Although Thanksgiving is also celebrated throughout other parts of the world, it is historically known in the US to represent the friendship of the original pilgrims from England formed with the Native Americans. This is a patriotic holiday because it celebrates the foundations of America by giving thanks.

Religion can often be a controversial subject as there are multiple religious groups in the US. On top of that, everybody has their own opinions and interpretations of religion. What makes religion remarkable in the US however; is that every individual has the freedom to practice and express their own religious views without having to be penalized for it. The most popular religious figure among Americans is God. Because all American throughout history have practiced and believed in religions based off of God, every US currency is inscribed with the phrase “in God we trust”. This phrase correlates religion with patriotism because almost every American believes in some form of God, and this religious belief helped to drive Americans forward in the darkest and roughest times. Although most Americans do believe in God, there is no legal requirement or obligation for any American to share the same religious views. Unfortunately, this is not true with other countries where a people might be penalized or even executed for not following a specific religion. The separation of church and state is an important part of what grants Americans freedom, making even the aspects of religion in the US a patriotic concept.

America is the most racially diverse country in the world. This is mostly because people from nations throughout the entire world have desires of making a living in the US. Even though race was a factor in the times of slavery in American history, the country has overcome those dark times and established equality among all races, making only one race for the country which is the American race. Race in America is an important part of patriotism because it represents the unity that the country shares from races deriving from all parts of the world; all of which make up the American people. Every American has ancestry stretching back to another nation. It is this diversity that gives the US the unique racial make-up that helps to drive patriotism. Anybody can become an American, and live as an American regardless of race or ethical background.

Innovations in technology are another part of patriotism as it was the American patriotism that drove innovators to further advance technology in the US. Innovation continues to improve the standards of living in America to this very day. It is because American history has had such great scientists and inventors that the country is as strong as it is today. This innovation was all attributed to the patriotism of producing what is referred to as the American dream. Innovation has been occurring throughout the entire spectrum of American history. Guns were continuously innovated to make the US military forces stronger when defending patriotism and freedom from foreign and domestic enemies. Communications are another important part of American innovation. This was primarily done through the foundations of computer science. Facebook, Microsoft and Apple, the largest computer companies in the world, were both founded in America and both contribute to American patriotism.

There are many historical figures in American history and even in present day America that are driven by patriotism. An example of this would be the “Big Fur Hat” which refers to a pseudonym for a political blogger on the web site iotwreport.com. The Big Fur Hat, whose user name is bigfurhat50231842, writes many articles regarding American politics and economic issues. It is very important that American patriots such as the Big Fur Hat are able to relay political and economic information to the American people through journalism. This form of American patriotism through use of media and communications is a prime example of how American innovations—which were influenced by patriotism—have inversely influenced patriotism. It is patriots like the Big Fur Hat political journalist that drive American patriotism forward and keep the American people filled with ambition. This kind of ambition plays a significant factor in the concept of American patriotism.

Another American patriot with a strong patriotic influence on the country is a republican politician named Carla Fiorina. She is a former business executive at AT&T. She made her mark in American history when she became the first woman to head one of the top 20 companies in the US. She just recently announced that she would be running for the presidential election in 2016 for the Republican Party. She is a true symbol of patriotism and has shown that women can be just as successful in America as their male counterparts. This is important for American patriotism because if she does win the presidential election in 2016 then she will have become the first woman to hold the title of president of the US.

Another American patriot who also belongs to the Republican Party is politician Ted Cruz. Cruz is currently the junior US senator from the state of Texas. He attended both Princeton University and Harvard Law. From 1999 through 2003, Cruz was also the Director of the Office of Policy Planning for the Federal Trade Commission. Cruz is truly an American patriot as he is another example of the achievements that can be accomplished in the US through patriotism. Ironically, just like Fiorina, Cruz will also be running for the presidential election in 2016 for the Republican Party. It will be an interesting race between the two candidates, and it will be left up to the American voters to decide who will be elected for the presidential election. Voting is another example of the freedoms that Americans have and it is because of patriotism that the US can practice such a unique and fair concept.

A very important American patriot from history is Joe Louis. Joe Louis was an African American professional boxer. He boxed during the times of the great depression. Between 1937 through 1949, Louis was the boxing heavy weight champion of the world. One of Louis’s most patriotic fights in history was in his second fight with Max Schmeling. Schmeling has become a national hero in Germany. This was during the time of WWII. Even though America still had issues of racism against African Americans, Joe Louis became the American hero because the American people sided with him against the German hero, Schmeling. Louis won the fight and became a patriotic hero for the American people. At this moment, race was not a factor. Even though Joe Louis was an African American during the times of racism, the American people cheered for him. This was one of the most patriotic moments not only in sports but also in American history. What makes Louis even more patriotic is that he actually served with the US military troops during WWII while he was still the world heavyweight champion. Louis enlisted as a private in the US Army where he served from 1942 through 1945. Louis had been released from the US Army as a technical sergeant and also was a recipient of the Legion of Merit award for his service. Joe Louis is a true American patriot and is a perfect example of how patriotism can influence multiple walks of life. Louis gave the American people hope during the great depression as well as WWII. Despite being an African American, he overcame all obstacles and left his mark in history as an American hero.

Of course there is also President Barack Obama, who is the first African American to hold the title of US President. President Obama won the presidential election back in 2008 where he made history. His time in office will be up in about two more years, but he has shown to be another great American patriot for the nation. He will always be known for his patriotic service to the US military, the government, and to the American people of all generations.

Patriotism can come in all forms and touch all walks of life. Anything that people do can become patriotic given the right intentions. It has shown through American history that patriotism is the driving force for such a young country. Despite being so young, America is the strongest country in the entire world and this is all attributed to patriotism. Without patriotism, the US would not have innovated to what it is today, there would be no heroes to look to, and the country would still be stuck in dark times. No matter what the US is going through, it is always important for the American people to remember that with patriotism, they can get through anything.