When on September 11th ruthless terrorists kidnapped civil airliners and steered them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, killing and injuring thousands of innocent people on the ground, it was for the first time after Pearl Harbor that Americans had been attacked on their home soil. The events caused all different kinds of feelings in U.S. citizens: anger, grief, anxiety, desperation. But first of all they resulted in patriotism. People wanted to show their loyalty to their country and demonstrate to foreign aggressors that their nation was strong. Many joined the armed forces in the wake of 9/11 and added to the chorus of voices that called for a war on terror, which was answered when in October 2001 American and British coalition troops invaded Afghanistan in search of Osama bin Laden and with an intention of destroying the al-Qaeda network.
In this term paper I will give an overview of the special form of patriotism in the United States of America, highlighting only what I believe are the most pertinent aspects to support my thesis that patriotism was and still is an important factor in American society. I will try to elaborate on how U.S. patriotism developed through history and explain why it is practiced in a near-religious fashion even today.
Table of Contents
0. Initial remarks
1. The American Creed
1.1 The forging of a nation
1.2 Sources of the Creed
1.3 Religion and the Creed
2. Patriotism Triumphant
2.1 The nature of patriotism
2.2 National symbols
3. A nation to live and die for
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the evolution and multifaceted nature of patriotism in the United States, arguing that it remains a fundamental and near-religious factor in American society. It investigates how historical principles, religious influence, and national symbols sustain American identity.
- The role of the "American Creed" in shaping national self-conception.
- The historical and religious roots of American patriotism.
- The symbolic function of national emblems in creating social cohesion.
- The link between patriotism and military service or sacrifice.
- The tension between national identity and cultural diversity.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 National symbols
The positive patriotic feelings (and feelings they are, because above all patriotism has to do with emotionality21) are reflected in the way symbols are used to express people's love for their country. The United States, as many other countries, has its own share of symbols: the Bald Eagle (as the heraldic animal of the U.S.) under whose “wings everything prospers,“ Liberty Bell, Uncle Sam, and, of course, the Star-Spangled Banner. These symbols occur in countless forms in public life: on bumper stickers, tee-shirts, as mural paintings on the facades of houses, on flags that are flown before public and private buildings, or wherever else such national emblems are deemed suitable. But why are they so popular? The rather obvious answer is given by Karen A. Cerulo: because “they create bonds between citizens.“22 Through the agency of symbols the complexity of nationality is reduced to sheer folklore on one hand. But on the other hand patriotic symbols enable people to demonstrate their common affiliation in public. They make people realize that they are part of a larger whole.
The symbol with the most cohesive power is, beyond the shade of a doubt, the flag of the United States. It has became the most cherished emblem of patriotism in America and one could even venture to say that it is the secular equivalent to the Christian cross23 (as many scholars do), being revered with a quasi-religious zeal. For this reason, the burning or desecration of the flag was forbidden for a long time, until in 1989 the Supreme Court decided in the Texas vs. Johnson case (491 U.S. 397) that even showing disrespect for the flag should be protected by the right to free speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution.24 Although it is no longer illegal to show your resentment for the flag and the nation it represents, the rejection of the country's value system that goes together with it would still be perceived by many as an act of heresy, which again shows the close connection between patriotism and religion.25
Summary of Chapters
0. Initial remarks: Discusses the surge of patriotism in the United States following the September 11th terrorist attacks and outlines the paper's thesis regarding the enduring importance of patriotism.
1. The American Creed: Explores the core principles of American society, their historical continuity, and how they define the nation's self-conception.
1.1 The forging of a nation: Analyzes the roots of the American Creed in early textbooks and the societal emphasis on liberty, equality, and individualism.
1.2 Sources of the Creed: Examines how Enlightenment ideas and Puritan influences shaped the American understanding of government and national identity.
1.3 Religion and the Creed: Investigates the interweaving of religious mythology and civil affairs, focusing on the U.S. as a "City upon a Hill."
2. Patriotism Triumphant: Examines the psychological and sociological dimensions of patriotism as a force for national unity.
2.1 The nature of patriotism: Explores how internal and external crises and the perception of "enemies" strengthen American patriotic resolve.
2.2 National symbols: Analyzes the role of emblems like the flag in creating emotional bonds and collective identity among citizens.
3. A nation to live and die for: Looks at military organizations and the societal idealization of soldiers as heroes to maintain national values.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of patriotism for national stability while advocating for a reflective approach that balances tradition with cultural diversity.
Keywords
Patriotism, American Creed, National Identity, United States, Civil Religion, National Symbols, American History, Political Philosophy, Citizenship, Military Service, Social Cohesion, Cultural Diversity, 9/11, Flag, Values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper provides an overview of patriotism in the United States, analyzing its historical development, its religious undertones, and its enduring role in shaping American identity and public life.
What are the primary thematic areas covered in this work?
Key themes include the "American Creed," the influence of religious mythology on national politics, the use of national symbols to foster social unity, and the idealization of military sacrifice.
What is the main objective or research question?
The primary goal is to support the thesis that patriotism is a critical, persistent factor in American society by explaining how it evolved historically and why it is currently practiced in a near-religious manner.
Which scientific approach does the author use?
The author uses a qualitative historical and socio-political analysis, drawing on literature from political science and history to interpret the development of American national self-conception.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body examines the components of the "American Creed," the relationship between church and state, the function of national symbols like the flag, and the role of military organizations in promoting patriotic dedication.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Keywords include Patriotism, American Creed, National Identity, Civil Religion, National Symbols, Political Philosophy, and Social Cohesion.
How does the author connect the 9/11 attacks to the concept of patriotism?
The author argues that the terrorist attacks of 9/11 caused a sudden, profound surge in patriotism, which served as a unifying response among citizens seeking to defend the nation's perceived strength and values.
Why is the "American Creed" considered so stable over time?
The author suggests the Creed is remarkably stable because it represents a foundational set of shared values—such as liberty and egalitarianism—that have served as a baseline for American society since its inception, despite historical challenges like the Civil War.
What is the significance of the "City upon a Hill" metaphor mentioned in the text?
It represents the American "mission" or belief in the nation as a worldwide paragon for freedom and morality, a concept rooted in Puritan history that continues to influence modern political rhetoric.
- Quote paper
- Tobias Rösch (Author), 2006, Patriotism in the United States, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/94329
