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It doesn’t matter where someone is from, they always have a sense of pride and belonging when they hear the word – patriotism. Even though the term is related to love your country, it has often been associated with propaganda, fascism, alienation of others based on color, creed, region, and so on.
There are many dimensions to the term, but no one has managed to settle others on a unanimous one. It induces pride and put someone on a pedestal where others could see the “patriot”.
In recent times, the term has attracted a lot of criticism, especially during Capitol Riots on January 6.
In this patriotism essay, we’ll go and shed light on what being a patriot is and how people define patriotism based on ideas and acts.
What does Patriotism Mean to You
A noun is anything that denotes a place, thing, person, or idea. Out of all the things on this list, the latter one is the most potent. Everything else can perish in the sands of time but an idea can persevere if it has all the other aspects of a noun – a place, person, or thing!
Defining and determining the meaning of the word patriotism can be hard. Still, there are some attributes when exhibited by individuals can help scholars in explaining what patriotism can look like.
Origin of the word – Patriot
The word patriot is not a true English word. It was inducted into the language from Greek. In its parent language, the main term was “patriots” meaning “of one’s father”. When it comes to tracing the history of the word in English, the French lent it in the form of “patriote” meaning “fellow countryman” or “compatriot”.
There is no denying that the subject of many studies regarding “patriot” and what patriotism means is more about its contextual meanings than its literal ones. Most of the time, the term carries a tinge of politics.
For instance, during the 17th century, what means to be a true patriot is anyone who agreed to the current government and abided by the rules and regulations. Later, during the times of uprising and mutiny, it was changed from someone who was against tyranny and the status quo.
Patriots in America vs. England During Revolution
As discussed in the previous section, the definition of the word and what patriotism means can be different based on different points of view and nationalities. During the American Revolution, Americans considered themselves patriots while the English thought of them to be petty miscreants who tool up arms against their country and King.
In modern dictionaries, the word “patriot” often denotes someone who is a part of a resistance group against tyranny.
Patriotism As Propaganda
In simple terms, the term points to true patriotism meaning someone who is a nationalist and nativist who cares about the country and motherland and shows the same love to his fellows. In contrast to this, the propaganda machine often considers patriotism to stand by your country against foreign elements, even when they were benign.
Historians have traced the roots of patriotism in terms of Far-Right politics back to the mid-1800s. People started branding them as “us” or “them”. This mindset continued to penetrate in the new century. With the “America First” narrative on the horizon, the meaning of the word has been transformed completely – from a pride-inducing notion to taboo.
Patriotism as Taboo
There is nothing inherently wrong with doing good for your country and then expecting something good in return. These days, citizens pay taxes, abide by all the rules and regulations, and do not take part in any activity that could undermine the country. In return, they can expect amenities, security of life, and possessions in the country.
But with living beings in a country, they need to show what true patriotism means, which is respect for the country and fellow countrymen, as well as that of other countries, no matter the color, creed, culture, etc.
Patriotism in Recent Times
The term secured a lot of traction and criticism during the tenure of Donald Trump as the president of the US. He belonged to the Republican Party and fanned propaganda schemes and plans through this Twitter handle. His daughter Ivanka Trump was also active in calling out opponents as “traitors” and called a rally that stormed Capitol Hill “patriots”.
Former President Trump also abused the term by calling out his rally attendees “great patriots” even though they caused vandalism in the form of damage to public lives and property in the name of false patriotism.
Patriotism in Pop Culture – Red, Blue, White
The major instances of “true patriotism” could be witnessed in movies and tv shows where American forces would clash with Nazi Germany or Fascist Italy to secure freedom. The images produced a special feeling in the viewers and the messages were hailed as a national duty.
During the cold war era, everything or anyone who belonged to Eastern Europe or USSR was considered a traitor. Those who fought against them were branded as heroes and true patriots.
Even the idea of being good and fighting against what is evil can be considered “patriotism” and “being American”. There are ample instances of that in movies and tv shows.
The idea of colors and the American flag as a symbol or insignia of “patriotism” recently surfaced in Captain America movies. The protagonist is a war veteran with super-human capabilities, weapons, and ideal army values.
He is compassionate and sacrificial toward other fellow humans. The colors of America or patriotism are reflected through his suit, a latex bodysuit made from three colors – red, blue, and white.
Black & Brown as True Patriots
Since 2015s, incidents have occurred where people of color who happened to be minorities in many states were subjected to unequal treatment from law enforcement. There were cases when African-Americans were beaten and even murdered at the hands of the very people who were supposed to protect them.
Among sparking controversies and riots, this led to a new definition of a true patriot. In that context, a patriot is someone who does not show respect to the flag and anthem of America because the flag and the country have wronged the people.
Many star athletes, singers, and movie stars joined the movement that touched its zenith during Black Lives Matter (BLM) rallies. They started bending knees during the national anthem instead of standing with pride.
Now, they are of the view that blue, white, and red represent the inherent anti-minority or racist colors of America. The minorities contested that black, brown, yellow, etc., all colors belong to America.
FAQs
What is The Meaning of True Patriotism?
True patriotism is very hard to define. In simple terms, patriotism is about having love for one’s country, devotion to making it better, and courage to defend it against foreign and internal aggression.
The origin of patriotism can be traced to common religion, language, culture, etc. In the modern world, patriotism is mostly about doing your civic duties and then expecting the protection and freedom of working, living, etc., in your country.
Political Scientists have chalked out five ways that someone can show patriotism in this day and age and for future generations:
- Participating in the electoral process
- Giving opportunities to the veterans
- Showing utmost respect to the Stars & Stripes on Independence day
- Supporting national heritage, causes, and culture
- Serving on a jury for the justice to be served
- Standing up for the national anthem
What is The Purpose of Patriotism?
There is a clear distinction between citizenship and patriotism. While citizenship is granted by birth or through naturalization which requires specific criteria. In contrast to this, patriotism is about the values, aims, and ambitions of a country and how an individual can play his or her part in achieving those ambitions.
Nations with patriotic citizens can flourish easily and quickly. They have a sense of unity that is hard to defeat. In addition to this, they are more resistant to foreign attacks and can endure personal loss for the greater good.
When the idea is cultivated by a majority of people in a country, it becomes strong and serves better in exchange for its citizen.
How to Start A Patriotism Essay?
A patriotism essay can be started just like any other essay on any other topic. The best way to take off is by describing the word in literal and contextual terms. After that, the overview of the notion in a historical context can be a great idea.
After that, the writer can analyze the underlying changes in the idea and its sociopolitical aspects in both regional and international contexts about who is a true patriot.
For the best guidance, refer to the starting of this article. It has used all the guidelines written above in a masterful way.