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

    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 is another vital character trait of an ideal American. A patriotic American feels his great responsibility for his country. He is very courageous and loyal, ready…

    • 243 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Patriots Pen

    • 407 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Patriotism is important to our country. Patriotism is a way of showing respect for our country. It’s protecting and serving our country. We are patriotic so we do not forget what made this country great.…

    • 407 Words
    • 2 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

    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
  • Good Essays

    Patriots or Traitors

    • 612 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Patriotism has always been a truly ambiguous term. The media portrays it with glory, while others describe it as “rebel” or “red-neck.” In addition, the fine line between patriot and traitor has always existed, as decisions and acts that have been made for the sake of so-called “patriotism” are called into question. The case of the Founding Fathers is also controversial. Before the Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty were still subjects of the English crown, and thus it can be argued that they were traitors. However, as history shows, the Founding Fathers were clearly patriots. Through their love of this country while trying to resolve issues without violence, their patriotism clearly defines this nation.…

    • 612 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The Era of Good Feelings

    • 562 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Although, I am discussing about compare and contrast the concepts of nationalism and patriotism. Nationalism is considered by respect of the nation, a feeling of national superiority, an uncritical acceptance of national, state, and political authorities, a control of unsure attitudes toward the nation, a preference to define one’s own group by criteria of descent, race, or cultural affiliation, and derogation of groups not considered to be part of the nation. Nationalism and patriotism both show the relationship of an individual towards his or her nation. The two are often confused and usually believed to mean the same thing. However, there is a huge difference between nationalism and patriotism. Nationalism means to give more importance to accord by way of a cultural background, including language and heritage. Patriotism refers to the love for a nation, with more importance on values and beliefs.…

    • 562 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Patriotism is in all our hearts. We may not always know it until the call comes upon us. Patriotism may be a disease, but it is one no man should have any intention of curing. It brings out compassion, courage, work ethics, and bravery in us…

    • 284 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In times 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 step 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 name of jingoism and censorship" (Pg. 2). What she means by this is that the idea of patriotism is being morphed into something it is not. She…

    • 1020 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    An Ideal American

    • 295 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Franklin D. Roosevelt explained the freedom of America best when he simply stated, “The winds that blow through the wide sky in these mountains, the winds that sweep from Canada to Mexico, from the Pacific to the Atlantic-have always blown on free men.” Patriotism does not mean you always agree with the decisions or the choices your government makes. In the words of Alexander Solzhenitsyn, “Patriotism means unqualified and unwavering love for the nation.” Patriotism is thinking that your country is the best place to live, through the good times and the bad.…

    • 295 Words
    • 2 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

    I believe Patriotism to be one of those words that you cannot stop at knowing the mere definition of. Patriotism isn’t something youknow or read about. It is something that you must feel. A word that engulfs your entire being and forces you to live you a certain way based on hundreds of years of the past.…

    • 517 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    To me I think patriotism means not only being willing to fight for our country, but trying to change it. Like Martin Luther King, Jr who had one of the biggest impacts in the U.S. He led the movement against segregation in the U.S. This is one of the greatest role models that show true patriotism.…

    • 324 Words
    • 2 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

    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