Patriotism and The American Flag Essay -- essays research papers

There is much controversy surrounding the idea of patriotism and the iconography of the American flag in todays society. Some believe patriotism is simply the act of supporting the decisions of the leaders of the country. Others say, to be patriotic, people should be free-spoken and voice their oppositions to what is leaving 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 taradiddle, and the at once 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 a great deal believe we should find a saucy 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 struggling to find a definition in a bawl of reaction (Pg. 1). Therefore, every Americans duty is to define patriotism amongst the clamor of reaction, recapture the American flags representation, and create a new icon for the flag.In clock 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 fashion is multiplied. The idea of patriotism can often be an obscure one, and during times of heightened security patriotism is a more spoken upon subject. Discussing the many different views of what patriotism means is a key mensuration 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 shit of jingoism and censorship (Pg. 2). What she means by this is that the idea of patriotism is being morphed into something i t 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 meaning of patriotism and let everyone know what that meaning is. She wants everyone to smell out open towards voicing t... ...ed to the Red Cross, the stars of film, theater and music who are using their influences to raise money for recovery, and the small hands of schoolchildren collecting anything they think might sponsor 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 an icon of patriotism I kno w I would solute it, but until then, I will 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 distinguished 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 bulk rules attitudes or actions. This can be replaced by feelings and actions of caring, compassion, acceptance, rationality, and nonviolence, or in other words, patriotism.