Patriotism and The American Flag Essay -- essays research papers

There is a lot controversy surrounding the thinking of nationalism and the iconography of the Ameri butt joint stagger in todays society. almost retrieve patriotism is simply the act of supporting the decisions of the leaders of the country. Others say, to be patriotic, tidy sum should be outspoken and voice their oppositions to what is going on in the government. Opinions also differ on the opinion of what the Ameri go off signalise represents. integrity opinion of the flags representation is that the flag represents our history, and the formerly mentioned idea of patriotism. Others believe the flag also represents our history as a nation, but these beliefs focus much more heavily on the negative aspects of our history such as slavery and other injustices carried out by our nation. These people often believe we should find a new iconography for our countrys ideas of patriotism. As Barbara Kingsolver states in And Our Flag Was Still There, Patriotism seems to be falling to whoever claims it loudest, and were left over(p) struggling to find a definition in a blaring of reaction (Pg. 1). Therefore, every Americans duty is to define patriotism amongst the clamor of reaction, retaking the American flags representation, and create a new icon for the flag.In times of war, such as these, the brilliance for everyone to know where they stand on the idea of patriotism so they can voice or enact their opinion to the government and the people most them in a more clear and fair fashion is multiplied. The idea of patriotism can often be an obscure one, and during times of heightened auspices patriotism is a more spoken upon subject. Discussing the many different views of what patriotism means is a key step in better defining patriotism for all people. Barbara Kingsolver says in her article, My patriotic duty is to recapture my flag from the men now waving it in the name of jingoism and censoring (Pg. 2). What she means by this is that the idea of patriotism is being morphed into something it is not. She believes patriotism should get ahead free speech and criticism of our leaders in times of vexed decisions. Instead, what is happening is patriotism is suggesting more fascist ideals than democratic ideals. Barbara believes her duty is to recapture the professedly meaning of patriotism and let everyone know what that meaning is. She wants everyone to recover open towards voicing t... ...ed to the Red Cross, the stars of film, theater and music who are victimisation their influences to raise money for recovery, and the small hands of schoolchildren collecting anything they think skill help the kids whove lost their moms or dads (Pg. 2). Although some of these suggestions are not distinct items, they definitely give me a sense of patriotism, and make me feel in force(p) about what is going on in our country today. These people and objects truly, in my opinion, represent patriotism. If we were somehow qualified to take these obje cts and ideas and put them into an icon of patriotism I know I would solute it, but until then, I will detect these peoples actions in my mind as what I believe to be true patriotism.The exploration of what patriotism is and what represents patriotism is an important one more people should embark upon. If Americans are to examine patriotisms true meaning, we will be able to abolish this faux patriotism, which is represented by intimidation, censorship, and majority rules attitudes or actions. This can be replaced by feelings and actions of caring, compassion, acceptance, rationality, and nonviolence, or in other words, patriotism.