A Reflection On Nationalism And Patriotism Essay

A Reflection On Nationalism And Patriotism Essay
A reflection on "Nationalism" and "Patriotism"
Over a hundred years ago, Ernest Renan (A French scholar) delivered a lecture based on his critique of 'What is a nation?' in Paris. It had been over a
decade since the Franco–Prussian war that resulted in the loss of Alsace– Lorraine (formally a part of the French Empire) on the basis of its German
speaking population (the language of the majority of the population in Alsace– Lorraine served as the basis of claim on which the German Nationalists
took over the territory as their own). This sort of a background provided a fertile foreground to nourish and develop his critique on the '"ethnographic"
definition of Nationhood'.1
His major argument under this critique was that a nation was something whose basic foundational stone was the 'willingness of people to live together'.
He went so far as to characterize nation as an "everyday plebiscite".
Although his theory/answer to the imposed question of 'what is a Nation' is still an account worth reading but the question itself suffers from
ambiguity and is problematic. Going by Renan, the question urges its readers to 'treat nations as "entities"'. When looked at closely, this understanding
of a nation, it becomes a bit to define.
If we were to ask the question on the workings of the category called nation, it raises a bit of turmoil in our everyday consolidated understanding of it
as an entity or community or even a collective force. This nudges us into the direction of thinking of
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Patriotism and Its Meaning Essay
Patriotism and Its Meaning
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States we are seeing many forms of Patriotism. I was suprised to find when
I researched this word that it had a negative feeling associated with it. I believe that patriotism is actively showing your support for your country,
standing up for what you believe in, and fighting for our individual free will and independence.
I am proud of my country and I am not ashamed to fly the American Flag. Many men and women have died to give me the freedoms that I take for
granted. I applaud their patriotism, and I thank them for giving me my way of life. I will support them in protecting my country. I will try to elect
officials who believe in...show more content...
I hope that you, as an American citizen will learn about your government and actively support it, by voting, writing your congressmen, and making a
difference for peace.
In standing up for what I believe in, I will not be ignorant of other people. I can be assertive in my beliefs without trying to impose them on my
fellow citizens. America stands for diversity and to have patriotism to her is to believe that all people have a right to believe in thier own system of
values. I do not agree with Emma Goldman, who stated: "Patriotism assumes that our globe is divided into little spots, each one surrounded by an iron
gate. Those who had the fortune of being born on some particular spot, consider themselves better, nobler, grander, more intelligent then the living
beings inhabited by any other spot. It is therefore, the duty of everyone living on that chosen spot to fight, kill and die in the attempt to impose his
superiority upon all others." On the contrary, patriotism stands for fighting for everyone to have the same freedom that I do.
We did not ask for terrorist to attack our country, but it is our duty to defend her, not blindly as people would say we do, but earnestly keeping the
good of all in mind. Richard Maybury, author of Early Warning Report, wrote: "The only thing I would be willing to die for is my home and family;
I would do what ever it takes to repel an invader, to protect my homeland. When I am deciding what I think of a U.S. military operation in

Julius Caesar Patriotism
Alluding to Shakespeare's Julius Caesar likewise anticipates Hally and Sam's relationship. In the play, Julius Caesar's closest companion, Brutus, battles
amongst fellowship and patriotism. Brutus essentially deceives Caesar since he trusts that Rome would be better without Caesar's oppressive ruling.
Similar to Brutus, Hally figuratively stabs Sam in the back causing the demise of their friendship. This contention between friendship versus patriotism
is parallel to Hally's contention of friendship versus apartheid. Hally battles to love Sam as a companion and even a father figure. However, his
surroundings is always reminding him about the uniqueness amongst blacks and whites.

Patriotism Essay
The recent terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have caused confusion on the topic of patriotism. The best way to start
understanding patriotism is to simply define it. Patriotism is a person's level of loyalty toward their country. Displays of true patriotism are prominent
in times of despair, such as wars and terrorist attacks. However, many people have discrepancies on what displays of patriotism really are. Some people
believe that showing patriotism can be accomplished by waving the flag and singing the national anthem. Others believe that a person must be much
more involved in a cause to show patriotism. It is true that waving a flag doesn't accomplish much. Although this action displays good intentions, it
...show more content...
But different men often see the same subject in different lights" (Henry, 88). The people that believe they have done enough by waving a flag and
singing the national anthem have failed to form their own opinions of patriotism. If the United States has a government controlled by the people, then
the strength of the country depends on the level of loyalty among the people. So by performing only the easiest tasks to show support for the country,
these people are causing the country to become less powerful. Basing a country on laziness could be paralleled to basing a document on lies.
Finally, the most obvious fault on the side that claims waving a flag is patriotism is the fact that very few people actually did this before the
terrorist attacks. This so called patriotism transformed from a dormant state into a state of overabundance in only a few days time. This observation
alone is evidence of the invalidity of waving a flag and singing the national anthem. Additionally, some people have enough disrespect for our country
to take advantage of fellow citizens during this time of confusion by selling cheap American flags at twenty dollars each. These people are playing
jump rope with the line between patriotism and treason as if patriotism isn't a serious subject. Sadly, the people who failed to realize their own false
patriotism were also the ones being scammed by companies.
Clearly,

Definition Essay On Patriotism
Patriotism can be seen as many different ways, loyalty, honesty, love, everybody has their own understanding of patriotism and how they define it.
To me patriotism is standing up for what one believes no matter what, and never losing hope in what you believe. In the essay written by McCain, his
friend Mike stayed faithful to America and even after being beat he sewed another flag. Mike did not give up on his country, that is patriotism to me.
Staying loyal, and never giving up no matter the circumstances or what others may think about what you believe in. People do not only have to show
patriotism to their countries but to other things as well. Patriotism comes from one's own will to show they are not afraid to fight for what they believe

Reflection About Patriotism
The colors red, white, and blue have become a staple of freedom within this country, ensuring the colors consume every room they enter and earn a
loud chant of boastful pride. A large portion of my family, namely the older people, are more right
–leaning than they are left. With their opinions
growing more prominent as the 2016 election peaked, I gained insight in how my family functions. Both the older and newer generations began to
express feelings, and for some it was unexpected. While some Americans can be loyal to their community, want to help others with their simplest
of problems, and ensure that every individual has an amazing life, there will always be those who take things to an extreme and sadly; those
people are the ones who speak the loudest. There's this strong sense of patriotism and pride in America that mimics devotion or worshipping of the
country. When people go to a public sporting event, or even a public school, the National Anthem is played and people are expected to stand up and
sing along with it, as a form of expressing pride in the country. Houses proudly display the American flag on a flagpole in their yard all over, and it is
almost impossible to drive in a subdivision or street without seeing one. While it seems patriotic to most it can seem borderline nationalistic to other
countries. Once America breaches the border on patriotism and nationalism, the country is facing a large issue with how it displays pride in its country.
Without getting

What Does Patriotism Mean To Me Essay
As of now, the country is continually modifying itself due to the upcoming generations and the changes around the world. In fact, it is shaping its
attention to the needs of the people and for this reason, patriotism is shown due to the approach the leaders of this country have taken towards the
circumstances that arise from time to time. In fact, patriotism is often shown because of how an individual comes into a concurrence and opts to love
their country for what they have accomplished.
As previously stated, patriotism occurs when one is proud of what the country's current achievements have been. As well, it implies that as an individual
you view the accomplishments and failures of the country to see how it has taken the matter of the circumstances into their hands to able themselves to
perform better for the future ahead. For instance, throughout the history of the United States of America, we can observe how treaties have been
established with neighboring...show more content...
since then I have been able to witness the embracing arms of my country, the United States of America, which has truly been a blessing to my
family and me. Actually the moment my parents decided to move to a foreign country in search for a greater future, that would benefit their
families, they met with the opportunities that would in the end make them succeed. Their success is visible by now having settled down with a
family that admires them for their sacrifices and endurance. For this reason, as a family, we gather up and thank God for the wonderful privilege
He has given us to live in this country that has been a grand blessing to us and has made all of us grow in different aspects. For example, because of
the diversity that exists, it makes us open our minds to different ideals of others and have now conformed those of our own, which has led us to be
gracious and proud of the great change it has had over the

Essay: Patriotism
Patriotism is generally defined as loyalty and love for one's country. However, patriotism's definition varies depending on how "loyalty" and "country"
are themselves defined. For example, Stephen Decatur's toast indicates a definition that allows for some types of political dissent. When Decatur stated,
"Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong," the naval officer meant that
dissention with regards to foreign policy can be injurious to national pride, identity, and military strategy. Hence, "in her intercourse with foreign
nations may she always be in the right." Yet, Decatur leaves open the possibility for political dissent with regards to domestic policies. If he were alive
in the 20th century, for example, Decatur might have supported the Vietnam War while also supporting the Civil Rights movement.
However, patriotism can also involve political dissent with regards to foreign policy. A country that was built on principles of freedom of expression
necessitates a type of patriotism that welcomes anti–war protests and protests against foreign policies that may be considered injurious to the public
welfare. From Vietnam to Iraq, the United States military campaigns have raised questions about what constitutes patriotism, and what does not. During
the Bush Administration, questions about patriotism became more fervent. As Gitlin points out, patriotism has been too often and too closely linked to

Why Should We Have Patriotism?
Patriotism There are many problems that this country is faced with. It has a high debt and not to mention many poor that are living on the streets. There
is one problem that stands out the most throughout the whole country though. The country that was founded on patriotism has barely any people in it
that has patriotism any more. We should have patriotism because it is our history, many people die for this country, and it is what our country runs on.
The first reason we should have patriotism is because it is our history. When our founding fathers came together as people to make the constitution one
thing that made it work so well for them was their love of the thought of patriotism. So they had a thought of making a country completely relying on
patriotism. So what we have to do is to keep that patriotism alive in the country. That, although, is just the first reason we should have patriotism....show
more content...
They go overseas and live far away from their families just so they can fight a war that some kid don't even know how it started. They go out every
day just to make sure that we are safe and most people just don't give a whoot if anything happens to them at all. They make the ultimate sacrifice and
not many people really care at all if they live or if they die. There is still one more reason that we should still have patriotism though. We should have
patriotism because that is what this country runs on. This country is so unique because of the simple fact that we run on patriotism. If we lost that
unique factor of our country then we wouldn't be the United States anymore, we would just be some other continent on this Earth. It is one of the
reasons that we are the United States and not the divided states as well. That is why we need patriotism in this

What Does Patriotism Mean To Me Essay
To me, patriotism is immense love for one's country. It is the support, respect, and admiration for our country. Patriotism is a love so great for your
county, you are willing to fight for what you believe in. Patriotism is having all these qualities as well as also having a connection so deep, you
question and challenge it. Real Patriotism is questioning all past and present situations that have created the country we know and love today to help
you understand the true meaning of the freedom we have on a deeper level.

Essay On Patriotism
Service Shows More than Patriotism The healthcare reform debate has been on the minds of many Americans in recent years. Democrats have
worked to put Obamacare in place in 2009 and want to fix issues using the existing platform. Many Republicans are currently working to repeal and
replace Obamacare with Trumpcare. The healthcare debate has come to a standstill in Congress as deep party lines persist. In August 2017, following
the fights over the universal healthcare debate, TCA Regional News reported that Democrat Amy McGrath is running for Congress in the state of
Kentucky against Republican Andy Barr in 2018 (Yeager). McGrath felt led to run due to Barr's support of repealing the Affordable Care Act and due
to the lessons she learned at...show more content...
This is another image used to demonstrate the American army's protection and promote patriotism. The value of patriotism is seen throughout military
and American flag images in the advertisement. The value of nontraditional gender roles is subtly seen through the auditory and visual illustrations in
the advertisement. Amy McGrath explains that in a previous experience of hers, her local Congressman wrote to her that he believed that women
should not be allowed to serve in combat as the image of the letter appears on screen with the parts mentioned highlighted. McGrath explains that she
persisted and joined the Naval Academy anyway. This appeals to nontraditional gender roles because it persuades the viewers that McGrath is
different because she is a woman who broke the mold in a male–dominated area. McGrath is also seen with having short hair and wearing a dark
bomber jacket, white button–up, and loose pants. McGrath is noticeably not wearing much make–up and has simple earrings and a wedding band. By
wearing non–feminine clothes, McGrath appeals to value of nontraditional gender roles. McGrath is shown to walking with her husband and young
children down a grassy hill. McGrath is seen in a bright pink shirt and khaki dress pants while holding her husband's hand. Her husband is wearing a
blue button–up shirt and dark dress pants while holding their toddler. Twin preschooler boys, dressed in the same blue polo and khaki shorts, run and
play in front of their parents.

What Patriotism Means To Me
Patriotism to me For my national heritage essay, I chose the topic what patriotism means to me. I hope this essay will help many realize how great
America is. Also, I want this essay to inspire others to write about our country. First of all, the definition of patriotism is a love for ones country. In my
context that means, saying the pledge, singing the national anthem, supporting troops, and speaking out. First up, saying the pledge. Saying the pledge
is a part of patriotism because you are respecting your country by placing your hand over your heart and respecting our government, our nation or
union, and our God. Second is singing the National Anthem, also know as the Star Spangled Banner. This is another very important part of

Persuasive Essay On Patriotism
In a country full of immigrants with different backgrounds, a strong sense of patriotism unifies our nation. Throughout the country, in businesses,
schools, sporting events and other situations, American citizens are required to honor our country by playing the National Anthem, saying the Pledge
of Allegiance or displaying a flag. Because of this nationwide patriotism, it is to be expected that arguments have arisen over the National Football
League players who kneel while the National Anthem plays before their games. By quietly opposing police brutality and cruelty in the United States,
NFL players are justified in their demonstrations since their protests are constitutional and legal. This act of kneeling, caught the attention of many
influential people, including the President, Donald Trump. After the president repeatedly tweeted how the players who kneel are contemptible, many
other NFL players, coaches and even some team owners began kneeling, holding hands, or raising a fist while the Star Spangled Banner plays. The
President's job is to appoint federal officials, enforce the law, improve government policies, and strengthen the national budget. Where in that job
description does it state that they should be concerned with NFL rules and policies and how they are acted upon? Although they did not get much
attention until after the president became involved, these protests first began when in 2016, Colin Kaepernick shocked the nation by sitting while the
National Anthem

Patriotism: United States Air Force
To me, Patriotism means having a deep sense of pride, appreciation and loyalty for our country and our citizens. Growing up on a military base with
two parents in the United States Air Force, I have a lot of experience with patriotism. It's hard to describe the sense of security I felt growing up on a
military base. Everyone on base has a heart for service. It was a place where people looked out for one another. When my mother was away for an
extended period of time, someone would do my sister and my hair when we were little. If my dad was gone, someone would cut the grass or shovel
the snow. Everyone shared a deep sense of loyalty to our country and to those defending it. We were all on the same team. Nowadays however, I feel
that divisiveness

A Discussion Of Patriotism In The United States
What is Patriotism? Well, different people have different opinions about what patriotism is. For instance, Adlai Stevenson believes that, "Patriotism is
not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." But Charles de Gaulle believes that, "Patriotism is
when love of your own people comes first." You can see, Patriotism is a subject that can differ, but also coincide in definitions. Patriotism can be
viewed almost everywhere, when school students perform the "Flag Salute", or during the beginning of a football game when a person sings the
national anthem as others remember fallen patriots, and salute the flag. To me, Patriotism means to love and be willing to do almost anything for your
country,

Argumentative Essay On Patriotism
To stand or not stand? That is the question regarding the recent controversy with the National Football League. Many football players have protested
against America's oppression of African Americans and other minorities by linking arms with their peers, and kneeling while the National Anthem ,
The Star Spangled Banner, played in the arenas. Those who oppose this form of protest, feel as though by not standing with hand over heart, the
players are disrespecting our country and the veterans who fought for it. They have also called those who are protesting "bad Americans". Both
sides have their own ideas of "America the Beautiful", and has their own idea of what patriotism is. What exactly is patriotism? What does a "bad
American" look like? Maybe with a little more understanding of what patriotism is, we can begin to unravel the meaning of a "good American". Only
by doing so can we start to weigh in on what is right and wrong within this controversy This type of protest has been going on years before Colin
Kaepernick decided to sit down during the national anthem in August 2016. The African American gold and bronze medalists of the 1968 Olympics,
raised their fists during the national anthem becuase they wanted to stand up against the oppression of minorities and human rights. On the website
Politifacts, Louis Jacobson wrote that, in March 1996, Mahmoud Abdul–Rauf, who converted to Islam, "said he did not believe in nationalistic
ideologies, according to the New York

Patriotism And Racism Essay
Patriotism in history class can and does contribute acts of racism in our society. By not covering the histories of oppressed people in depth and with
the respect it deserves, those who are privileged do not understand what is happening when they see minorities protesting injustice or advocating for
civil rights. This leads to feelings of anger and hate towards minorities, and even acts of retaliation. Racism has always been an issue in American
society, but perhaps today it is more important than ever. Increased acts of racism are being reported, and white supremacists and neo–Nazis are
becoming more emboldened. Some even feel as if they are the targets of discrimination, as evidenced by the appropriation of the statement 'Black
...show more content...
[...] Opposing this form of patriotism is 'democratic patriotism' in which students are taught to laud the principles– like liberty and justice–on which the
US government is founded. (2015, p.264–265)
Both approaches to patriotizing history are not appropriate for history curriculums, and contradict the historiographic methods used to examine history.
Traditional patriotism in the history curriculum is not nearly as prevalent as it used to be in the past, but has made a recent comeback in our society.
This form of patriotism blatantly suppresses questioning, which stamps out any form of critical thinking that a student would normally use to analyze
historical events. Questioning the past is an essential part of historical analysis, and without it a history class turns into a nationalistic brain washing
session. Kissling, when studying Rugg and Krueger's elementary school textbooks notes that even while they had patriotic overtones the textbooks
were still criticized by some at the time for not being patriotic enough, showing how forced patriotism was back in the 1930's. (2015, p.271) This is the
kind patriotism today is taught in places like North Korea. What is more prevalent in American society today is democratic patriotism. While much
more inclusive that traditional patriotism, democratic

The Importance Of Being A Patriot
I would have been a Patriot because they fought for against the acts that were stupid to them instead of just sitting back a doing nothing. They were
the people to rebel. For example, the Tea act when the British East India Company was selling taxed tea for a lower price than the smuggled Dutch tea
the patriots were drinking they got mad because when they bought the smuggled Dutch tea they were NOT paying for the duties. So they just did not
buy it but it was hard because the government (Britain) shut down the Boston harbor to all shipments until the taxed tea was all paid for. A Patriot also
stands for what they believe is right they don't worry about what might happen if they protest something.

What It Means To Be A Patriot
Original I thought the word Patriot meant the football time, and little about the military. I didn't know it meant for the love and devotion of one's
country. The way today's assignment changed my view on it. Was how far is someone willing to go to continuously show their love and
appreciation to their country. That when showing there love to their country by sewing a flag into her shirt is one thing, but to willing full get beat
so others can say the pledge. Is very eye opening to show how great it is to be an America. We have it good despite what many of us think. Honestly
if America was crap then why would there be so many people risking their lives to get here. What I'm basically saying here is that the word Patriot ,
and the passage.

A Reflection On Nationalism And Patriotism Essay

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A Reflection On Nationalism And Patriotism Essay