Essay

Andrew Stevens

Mrs. Anthony

English 101

23 February 2015

Patriotism

What would you define patriotism as? There are a lot of different beliefs on what the word patriotism actually means and how to express it. Patriotism is often confused and misunderstood as nationalism, but there is indeed is a difference. According to Merriam-Webster, nationalism, is a feeling that people have of being loyal to and proud of their country often with the belief that it is better and more important than other countries”   (“Nationalism”). Merriam-Webster defines patriotism as “ the love that people feel for their country” (“Patriotism”). Even with the definition, it is still controversial on what patriotism actually means. As time progresses I believe that more and more people are becoming unpatriotic.  I recently saw a picture that showed a Veteran’s Day parade and the only person standing up was a disabled veteran in a wheelchair. There are several things citizens can do to show their love for the land of opportunity. Some of the ways to display patriotism aren’t the most fun but it’s a great way to serve your country.

Our soldiers put their lives on the line just so we can have an easier life. Can you imagine what our lives would be without them? They are sent on extremely dangerous assignments and away from their loved ones for several months or even years at a time. With that bring said, the amount of people that don’t like or believe in showing patriotism seems a bit selfish. I believe that more and more people are becoming less patriotic every year. For example, although I am only 17 years old I remember saying the Pledge of Allegiance daily in elementary school. By the time high school rolled around it occurred once a week.

An easy way to show patriotism is to have an American flag flying or at least visible in homes and businesses (Schaeffer). Every Independence Day and Veterans Day, my family always has a flag flying. Another easy way of showing patriotism is voting in all elections (Schaeffer). Elections don’t happen often and voting is very important. Another important aspect of voting is doing research and knowing what is actually going on with your country. One of the most patriotic things someone can do in my opinion is join the military (Schaeffer). This of course is not going to be an option for everyone but it is definitely an act of bravery and selflessness. If it weren’t for these men and woman, people from all over the country would be drafted. I have several close friends that are joining the military, are in the military, or are veterans. I am nervous for those young people who are joining but it also makes me extremely proud of them. Patriotism strengthens people and brings them together. Every Independence day I think of my grandpa. Not because he past away on July 4^th but because he was the most patriotic man I knew.  My grandpa had his American flag flying every single day of the year. He always participated in the small town elections. He also fought for our country! He was the strongest man I know and I think it’s because of his love for the land of liberty.

A couple of other ideas are doing jury duty and staying current on political issues. Serving on a jury might not be fun, but most people believe that it’s a good way to serve your country (Schaeffer).  A lot people loathe going to jury duty. Think of going to jury duty like it’s a special opportunity to help our country. I am actually looking forward to jury duty when the day arrives.  As mentioned before, keeping up with the news and staying informed is another way to show your patriotism (Schaeffer). Staying informed up-to-date on current events is a way to better your country. It is extremely important to know what is going on in the world. Staying up to speed can be difficult when TV commercials are all about the latest trends and everything else to do with non-political issues. People vote based on what their parents think or who their favorite celebrity votes for.

Paying taxes and volunteering are a couple of other ways to show loyalty to your country (Schaeffer). Most people dread tax season and many state is unjust however, it is currently how our country operates. An article I came across states, “To put it another way, you can’t support the things the government does – like caring for the elderly, establishing justice, providing public education, fighting terrorism, and protecting the environment – and still maintain that the taxes that support those things are bad (Douglas). Volunteering on a political campaign is another way to show your love for the United States of America (Schaeffer). No matter which side you’re on, just contributing to the campaign is being an American. With that said it is also a way of showing patriotism through political protest. A lot of people say that it’s your right through the first amendment.

The last way to show patriotism that I’m sharing is definitely the most controversial way; this way is owning a gun (Schaeffer). Lately there has been a lot of conflict with what we should do with guns. In my opinion I think we should keep them to support our constitution. America runs by the constitution and having the right to bear arms our second amendment right. Many people have guns for hunting, trapshooting, and for protection. They believe that to keep and bear arms is in fact an act of patriotism.

I’ve stated many things that may not easy for some or enjoyable, however, I think American’s take the life we have here for granted. America is by no means perfect but because of our beliefs and the path that his been laid from our passed inspirational leaders, we do live in a country where men and woman are equal by law and everyone can be given them same opportunity if they work for it. I hope one day that schools and parents will teach the youth importance of showing patriotism. Our youth will one day be leading this country and that is a fact.

Works Cited

Douglas, Amy J. “Taxes are Good.” Government is Good. 2007. Web. 20 Feb. 2015.

“Nationalism.” Merriam-Webster Online.  Merriam-Webster, 2015. Web. 20 Feb. 2015.

“Patriotism.” Merriam-Webster Online.  Merriam-Webster, 2015. Web. 20 Feb. 2015.

Schaeffer, Caroline. “9 of the Most Patriotic Things You Can Do To Show Your American Pride.” iJReview. June. 2014. Web. 20 Feb. 2015.