Patriotism and The American Flag Essay -- essays research papers

There is much controversy skirt the idea of nationalism and the mental imageography of the American swag in todays society. Some recollect patriotism is simply the act of supporting the decisions of the leading of the country. Others say, to be patriotic, slew should be outspoken and voice their oppositions to what is going on in the government. Opinions also differ on the idea of what the American flag represents. One 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 tension much much heavily on the negative aspects of our history such(prenominal) as slavery and other injustices carried out by our nation. These lot a lot 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 loudes t, and were left struggling to find a definition in a clamor of reaction (Pg. 1). Therefore, every Americans profession is to correct patriotism amongst the clamor of reaction, recapture the American flags representation, and farm a new icon for the flag.In multiplication of war, such as these, the importance 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 around them in a more clear and fair vogue is multiplied. The idea of patriotism can often be an obscure one, and during propagation of heightened security patriotism is a more spoken upon subject. Discussing the many dissimilar views of what patriotism means is a key step in separate 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 chauvinism and censorship (Pg. 2). What she means by this is that the idea of patriotism is b eing morphed into something it is not. She believes patriotism should encourage free speech and criticism of our leaders in times of difficult decisions. Instead, what is happening is patriotism is suggesting more fascist ideals than democratic ideals. Barbara believes her duty is to recapture the true mean of patriotism and let everyone know what that meaning is. She wants everyone to tonus open towards voicing t... ...ed to the Red Cross, the stars of film, theater and music who ar using their influences to raise money for recovery, and the small hands of schoolchildren collecting anything they hypothecate might help the kids whove lost their moms or dads (Pg. 2). Although some of these suggestions are not tangible items, they definitely give me a sense of patriotism, and make me feel good about what is going on in our country today. These people and objects truly, in my opinion, represent patriotism. If we were somehow able to take these objects and ideas and put them into a n icon of patriotism I know I would solute it, but until then, I go away keep 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.