Preview

What It Means to Love One's Country

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
781 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
What It Means to Love One's Country
1

My View on What It Means to Love One’s Country

Patriotism, according to Merriam Webster, is defined as “devotion or love for one’s country.” I believe this definition does not capture the true essence of the meaning of patriotism. This definition would be outstanding if there were no other conditions factored in this complex equation, but it seems that patriotism is a double-edged sword. The word patriotism strikes a lot of mixed emotions in people all over the United States. Some people describe themselves as involved patriots because they fly their American flag outside in their yards, when others see the word patriotism as disgusting and the seed of racism. Patriotism has spread like wildfire throughout the nation. Since the tragedy of September 11th, the country has regained extreme patriotism and it is what has united our country together since the tragic events. Patriotism is what gives moms and dads all over America the strength to send their children out to defend America and is a passion that lives in the hearts of people all over the world. This passion provides many different beliefs due to the diversity of people around the world. Most people would agree that
2
patriotism is a love for their country and that patriotism provides them with the courage to defend it. Patriotism is undoubtedly important and society should bring this feeling to each of us from early childhood. I also believe that patriotism starts with the love to the family and one can bring the most to his country by being able to protect, respect and value family and relationships that can be built in it. Different people have different reasons why they are patriotic and how they choose to be so. Often, the more people love their country, the more they hate every one who is not of their country. One example of this as stated by Michael Parenti in the essay “What Does It Mean to Love One’s Country”, is “perhaps love of country means loving the American ‘people’

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    “Patriotism is a love and a duty, a love of country expressed in good citizenship.” (Act. 1.2) Although, patriotism may have several different meanings it all comes together to the same meaning. To stand against injustice and the rights of all and not just one’s own interests.” This means to think about others and not just yourself. Also standing up for what is right on the outside world. In fact, all these points will bring all of us Americans together.…

    • 488 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The term patriotism means to love your country or have pride in your nation, and this is exactly how people felt at the very start of the war. Many say that patriotism was fueling the war and the millions of troops fighting in it. In the movie, the young boys and Paul Baumer…

    • 735 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    As a former president once said " And so, my fellow Americans ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country". Patriotism is found in every country, but it's the occupants of that country that have patriotism towards their own. This loyalty is seen in both "How to Tell a True War Story" and "Soldiers Home". Patriotism to me is one's natural right to show pride in being an American. Patriotism exists on different levels when taking into consideration people's perspective on war.…

    • 1143 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    As you are reading this paper, you might think that patriotism in America is displayed when citizens join the military in order to defend their nation. It is quite easy to feel a sense of patriotism when serving in the military in defense of the nation. But, Americans that do not serve in the military, are no less patriotic? There are other ways in which Americans demonstrate their patriotism. Americans demonstrate patriotism in times of crisis and disaster such as during the Iran hostage crisis.…

    • 708 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Rough Draft Of Patriotism

    • 298 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Patriotism is the love, compassion, and pride of the country and its people. How on shows how he/she feels about their countries views and decisions. A person who cares about his/her country and the push for ones views on the country.…

    • 298 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Nationalism is from the people. Patriotism is the act of one individual for their country. When given these two points, we can clearly believe that one is part of the other. Faith within the nationalism can cause things like hatred within the nations, like the quote from the source; “Nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.” When nationalism is one’s identity, and a part of one’s nation, the way an individual thinks about other countries, becomes the way they treat the other countries. Even though nationalism is an aspiration common to the whole of a nation, patriotism is the devoted love, support, and defence of one’s country/nation. The way one individual acts can either be patriotic, or nationalistic. Even stronger than nationalism, is the ability to prevail. This ability is often associated with patriotism. One should embrace the perspective on nationalism reflected in “Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first” as it applies to the First World War in 1914.…

    • 464 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    John Mccain Symbolism

    • 189 Words
    • 1 Page

    Patriotism symbolizes the grave devotion, pride, loyalty, and love one shows for his or her’s country. It’s not just about igniting fireworks or having cookouts; it should be expressed each and every day we stand on our country’s grounds. In the passage John Mccain wrote, Mccain mentions about his friend Mike sowing on the American flag again on the inside of his shirt, because he knew it was important to everyone there with him. That shows so much pride he has for America. Mike didn’t care if he was beaten for disobeying the Vietnamese because he refuses to let his country down, and would probably take another beating just for the same reason. In current day America, a lot of Americans are retaliating against their country. There is a lot…

    • 189 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    America has always been an extremely patriotic nation. The manner in which we became a nation is a source of pride for many Americans. We fought for our freedom in the Revolutionary War, after courageously standing up to the tyrannical British government. Over the years, we have triumphed over many social injustices and have finally created a democratic nation in which all are free and equal. That history is reflected in all of us, in our laws, customs and attitudes. Most American children are taught very young that they are lucky to be Americans, and are raised to learn the reasons why they should be very proud of that fact.…

    • 1965 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Ask an Individual what the word “Patriotism” means and the individual might define the term as someone being loyal. Yes, that is the correct. Now ask them what and individual has to be loyal to, to be considered a patriot. I can almost guarantee that at least one out of ten questioned individuals will bring up a war or something related to a war. While an individual fighting for our free country can be considered a patriot, we must be aware that they are not the only patriots.…

    • 509 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Patriotism is being willing to die or sacrifice your personal comforts for your country. Many Founding Fathers died or donated most of their wealth to the war efforts of the American Revolution. Phillip Livingston was the wealthiest man in America in 1776, but lost every shilling by signing the Declaration. The British forced his family to leave his estate and he died two years later. Being willing to die or sacrifice your comforts for your country is being fatherly to your country.…

    • 318 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Patriotism is an emotional attachment to a nation which an individual recognizes as their homeland. Singing the national anthem and reciting the pledge of allegiance are two forms of patriotism. These two icons represent our American Flag as we face and stand up while we recite the anthem. Former Vice President Dan Quayle said, “This proud display of, and devotion to, the symbol of our nation is uniquely. It is how we reaffirm the fact that we are indeed “one nation” and that whatever our other differences, there are core values Americans hold in common: a belief in dignity of the individual…” (Vice President Quayle, Our Flag). Former Vice President Quayle further explains how our flag symbolizes America as “one nation.” Independence Day is also another sign of patriotism. The day we declared independence from Great Britain (July 4, 1776), is a day celebrated by almost all Americans. American citizens are very prideful of the fact that we overcame the war with Great Britain in 1776. Imagine how the American’s reacted when a British soldier could live in their house and must be fed whenever they want, also known as the Quartering Act. The unfairness of it all caused an uprising and America definitely did not want to be bossed around by the British. Although others may say standing and saying the pledge of allegiance is something we don’t have to, it is still something that keeps us patriotic to our country. Imagine all the things America has done to keep us where we are at right now. We have many privileges than most countries and it is something to be proud…

    • 1200 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The final aspect of a patriot is pride for their country. This pride is taught in history classrooms all around the United States, in homes of this country’s people, and is held in the hearts of those who truly love “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Proud patriots range from the sweet, Vietnam veteran who wears his service cap proudly to the little girl who waves her flag on Independence Day. If one is truly proud of their country, it will be evident to those around…

    • 475 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Patriotism can be compared to the structure of a building. It keeps the building standing tall and strong. Without it the building would crumble. When we think of patriotism we think of America. Patriotism is a love and devotion to one's country, so it is not limited to only America. Marquis de La Fayette was a French patriot who served as a general for France yet received no pay. He is just as much a patriot as our George Washington or Poland`s Kazimierz Pułaski. They all did things to serve their country whether it be serving with no pay, being a general, or even becoming the first American president. Many people believe that they are patriotic. But, what truly makes one patriotic? In the late 18th century Americans personified patriotism.…

    • 263 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    I asked those around me what patriotism means to them. The most common answer I received was the love of one’s country. But what does that really mean? I received all types of examples. Displaying our country’s flag at your home or in your business was patriotic. Observing national holidays such as Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. Standing and removing your hat during the National Anthem and taking the time to thank Veterans and service personal for their self-sacrifice.…

    • 313 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    People love America because it’s a chance to be free and be able to look forward to many other chances. It’s a place where you can look forward each day and feel great to be wherever you are. When you become part of America you don’t fear what’s coming to you because you have so much freedom and the government won’t be able to tell you what to do. Loving America more makes the country stronger and more people will come visit or stay. It’s a good environment for anyone to stay in and you won’t be…

    • 691 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays