Patriotism, often dubbed the ‘noble idea’ by Napoleon or regarded as the ‘last refuge of the scoundrel’ as Samuel Johnson put it, is not unique to the United States. High rates of patriotic sentiment are also observed in countries like India, Australia, South Korea, and a surprisingly strong showing from Canada, particularly influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about annexation and tariffs.
The United States, however, remains the stronghold of patriotism. According to a 2021 YouGov survey, half of Americans consider their country the best in the world.
Yet, one of the most profound elements contributing to the division in the United States today is patriotism itself.
As the nation prepares for the July 4th celebration of the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the phenomenon known as the ‘Patriotism Paradox’ becomes increasingly evident.
On one side, a substantial number of Americans express their patriotism through chants of ‘USA! USA! USA!’, a slogan that recently echoed during President Donald Trump’s visit to U.S. Steel’s Irvin Works in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, where he announced a significant tariff increase on steel.
Conversely, another faction finds such displays of patriotic fervor to be cloying and, at times, embarrassing.
Furthermore, some Americans view President Trump as the embodiment of patriotism, while others, recalling his five deferments of military service, consider him a traitor to the principles that define the nation’s core values.
There exists a divide where one group believes the country has the right to act without error, while another critiques this mindset as a primary factor contributing to America’s prevailing issues.
Debates surrounding patriotism extend further; some feel it necessitates minimizing the conversation around slavery and applying a smoothing approach to capitalism, while others argue that true patriotism requires a candid examination of the nation’s past.
The idea of patriotism also varies regarding foreign policy, with some believing it means a withdrawal from global responsibilities, whereas others argue America’s values necessitate an active role on the world stage.
Recent military actions have sparked contentious discussions, where one group rallies in support of the President’s actions against Iran while another questions the legality and wisdom of such military engagements.
Amidst these tensions, the notion of constitutional authority is also at the forefront. Some believe it is an acceptable time to test the boundaries of executive power, while others argue the very essence of the crisis lies in a president who transcends constitutional limits.
In his farewell address delivered in 1989, Ronald Reagan called for an ‘informed patriotism’ based on knowledge and thoughtful discussion, emphasizing the need for conversations about what it means to be an American around the dinner table.
However, the current conversations in American homes seem more akin to food fights than enlightening discussions.
Although patriotism is a recurring theme in President Trump’s rhetoric, a decline in its appreciation among Americans is apparent.
In 1998, seven out of ten Americans considered patriotism extremely important; however, a Wall Street Journal poll from the previous year indicated that only four in ten held that view today.
This decline in patriotic sentiment coincides with the fact that John Trumbull’s famous but historically inaccurate painting, depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is associated with a long-standing tradition of American patriotism.
Interestingly, Trumbull’s artistic representation has undergone multiple restorations over time, reflecting broader changes in the nation’s sense of identity and pride.
Traditionally, July 4th was a time for nationwide celebration, marking a quintessentially American observance steeped in reflections on past achievements and optimistic forecasts for future prosperity, revitalizing Lincoln’s notion of an ‘electric cord’.
This occasion has been celebrated through various forms of media, whether in 19th-century daguerreotypes, mid-20th-century photographs, or modern-day smartphone images.
The fourth of July was embodied by parades, festive barbecues, and impassioned speeches praising the virtues of the nation’s founders and Revolutionary soldiers, while also acknowledging the struggles to uphold the principle that ‘all men are created equal’, as well as the efforts to redeem the country’s ‘promissory note’ as articulated by the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.
Yet, this year’s Independence Day celebrations arrive amidst a national atmosphere characterized by a significant decrease in pride among Americans.
According to a Gallup poll from the previous year, 67% of respondents reported feeling extremely or very proud of their American identity, a stark contrast to 91% in 2004.
Although the country saw muted celebrations during the Civil War, World Wars, and the Vietnam conflict, the circumstances then were far less fraught than they appear to be today.
This year, the divisions are evident on the surface, reflecting deepening rifts within the national fabric.
A part of these tensions can be traced back to the White House, where hiring guidelines have called for ‘Recruiting Patriotic Americans for Federal Service’.
This statement aligns loyalty to President Trump with definitive expressions of patriotism, as one memo referred to ‘patriotic Americans’ seven times.
President Trump has buttressed an ‘America First’ ideology, reinforcing a view of the U.S. as inherently superior and largely devoid of moral and political flaws compared to other nations.
As Brenda Hafera of the Heritage Foundation notes, past generations reflected a dedication to commitments larger than themselves, emphasizing the importance of resilience, grace, and compassion.
Conversely, dwelling on grievances detracts from a sense of unity and collective strength.
The current landscape is further complicated by those who stand in opposition to Trump, viewing him as a violator of the nation’s core values while simultaneously neglecting to address systemic issues such as racism and economic disparity.
Historian Laura Beers from American University posits that Trump has employed nationalism not to unite but to divide, arguing that his interpretation of patriotism sanitizes the contentious parts of American history.
Peter Hatemi, a political scientist at Penn State University, argues that while Trump does not change patriotism itself, he reflects a nation already fractured, positing that patriotism has devolved into a facade for self-interest.
Many Americans, regardless of their political leanings, express concern over the growing divisions exacerbated by these discussions regarding patriotism.
Matthew Smith, a historian and new U.S. citizen, remarks that rather than focusing on where American ancestors came from, a shared history rooted in the Constitution should be what unifies people.
He laments the loss of that common bond and asserts that current expressions of patriotism have become sources of division instead of unity.
Reflecting on events two years after the September 11 attacks, the John F. Kennedy Library sought to explore the concept of patriotism through a panel guided by Caroline Kennedy’s ‘A Patriot’s Handbook’, amid rising fears regarding civil liberties following the introduction of the Patriot Act.
Kennedy asserted that America’s uniqueness stems from its foundations in ideas, affirming that despite historical missteps, the longevity of the Constitution underscores the power of those ideals.
Citings of Thomas Jefferson’s inaugural address echoed the need for unity in diversity, a timeless message about finding common ground amidst differing opinions.
The view of patriots varies across the U.S., from defenders of the nation to skeptics questioning prevailing narratives about American identity.
In the MAGA (Make America Great Again) context, patriotism is often positioned against internationalism and attempts to diversify perspectives about American identity.
On the legal front, President Trump’s administration sought to enhance its deportation methods, echoing the tough stance on immigration that has underpinned his administration’s policies.
The tension surrounding patriotism emphasizes a crucial lesson: even as it serves as a calling for unity, it can simultaneously highlight and exacerbate divisions.
Historian David McCullough, in a 1995 address, advocated for a patriotism grounded in historical understanding rather than mere bombastic displays of loyalty.
A balanced perspective, as articulated by Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, represents a way forward, asserting that pride in one’s country should motivate accountability and reform rather than blind allegiance to its flaws.
Patriotism, she suggests, should inspire citizens to correct wrongs and strive for a better nation, reflecting the tireless efforts of those before us who fought for social justice and equality.
Thus, patriotism might be redefined by a commitment to make the nation better, not just through critical analysis of its flaws, but by reaffirming the values that can unite all Americans.
image source from：theglobeandmail
