Per definition, patriotism is the pride of and devotion to one’s homeland. However, explaining the concept comprehensively is rather complicated. Patriotism and one’s idea of it depends heavily on the country it is displayed in, as well as on the country’s historic and geopolitical background; some patriots may put more emphasis on politics, while others focus on the geographic qualities of their mother country. In other countries, patriotism does not play an important role, or is even frowned upon.
Military and veterans
American patriotism is rooted in conservative values which include honor, loyalty, and bravery. Americans serving in the military and fighting in a war are regarded highly. Joining the army is a reasonable choice for Americans to display their patriotism, but also a way to ensure financial stability.
Veterans are respected, though in reality, they often struggle to find their place in society after returning from war. Most veterans live in the northern part of the United States, where
unemployment rates are higher, and conservative voters are predominant.
The most patriotic holiday
Independence Day, or the
Fourth of July, is probably the most patriotic holiday for Americans. It is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the United States declared its independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Although it is not officially connected to the military, it often includes the displaying of the American flag and respective merchandise, parades and political speeches but also fireworks and lots of food. Most Americans
celebrate Independence Day with a cookout or a barbecue.
Gun ownership in America
When talking about patriotism, gun control is a topic which often comes up, especially since it has become the subject of controversial discussion. Since the right to
bear arms is stated in the Constitution, many Americans feel it is their given right to own guns, while others consider controlling guns and gun ownership to be more important. One popular representative of the right to bear arms is the National Rifle Association (NRA), which supports
gun ownership for everyone in the United States without restrictions and stresses the importance of self-defense. After several
school shootings and killings without probable cause of civilians by the police, the topics of
gun control and gun possession are now more fervently discussed than ever.
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