Merriam-Webster’s definition of patriotism is painfully broad. It is described as “love for or devotion to one’s country.” This widely-encompassing scope makes it hard to visualize what patriotism looks like.
In the United States, enlisting in the military and honoring service members are regarded as the most common ways to show patriotism. Flying an American flag, celebrating Independence Day, or wearing a piece of clothing with the American Flag printed on it are all also considered acceptable forms of devotion. But these actions only fit patriotism on the surface level.
The Balance, a website that pertains to economics and finance, has a better description of patriotism: “Patriotism is love of country and pride in the values and ideals it represents… But patriotism is more than just an emotion.
“For patriots, that means actively participating in what makes the nation successful. This includes voting, community events, and defending the nation against enemies. In a democracy, it also means having rational discussions about the issues facing the country and the best ways to solve them.”
This alternative definition describes actions that show how far one is willing to go for their country. The main point that should be taken is that to be patriotic, one should attempt to aid their nation or do something that shows what the ideals of the U.S. are. They should help the U.S. in a way that benefits as many people as possible.
A prime example of patriotism comes from Lt. Col. Alex Vindman. Earlier this year, he testified at impeachment proceedings about what he felt were unjustified and illegal actions by the president.
Another demonstration is the public service of Dr. Anthony Fauci. While he has only recently been put into the public spotlight, he has served six presidents and over 20 years in the government. He spent a significant part of his life aiding the country through infectious diseases.
The late Rep. John Lewis of Georgia is the definition of a patriot. In Lewis’ life, he marched in Selma, protested during the Civil Rights Movement and served in Congress for over 30 years. He was devoted to pushing American society to the ideals the nation should have followed since its conception.
There is the Black Lives Matter movement. For years, its champions have pushed for social changes wrongly deemed unneeded by those in power. This movement, while pushing for the reforms, has also led the country to question choices the U.S. has made such as keeping statues that represent Confederates.
What are examples of being “unpatriotic”? Criticizing those who silently protest during the national anthem. Calling for peaceful protestors to be shot because they call for change to a system you do not think is broken. Claiming that a senator who lost limbs while serving in the military is “unpatriotic,” “a coward” and a “moron.”
All of these examples of being unpatriotic are connected to visible symbols that are supposed to represent the country, such as the national anthem, the flag, the police and the Founding Fathers. Not what the symbols stand for, but the symbols themselves. This glorification does not push the U.S. to be better, nor does it aid in improving the lives of any American.
This type of patriotism goes against what the Founding Fathers wanted. They wanted criticism of the nation and for the ideals of the nation to be held higher than anything else. They did not want blind loyalty to the country.
Patriotism, as it is commonly defined today, is a mask. It allows for the faults of our society to be hidden behind a flurry of flags and go without being confronted. Real patriotism deals with these flaws in order to make our nation better. It is not holding our nation on a pedestal as if these flaws do not exist; it is actively participating in the change.
As former senator Carl Shurz stated in a congressional speech in 1872, “…my country is the great American Republic. My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right.”
