Do you know that the red in our
American flag is hardiness and valor? It is our strength in battle and war
along with our ability to endure it. Are you aware that white is pure
intentions and high ideals? This color was chosen to represent our nation’s
desire to humbly succeed. Have you been taught that blue is vigilance, perseverance,
and justice? Our nation is cautious in our battles, yet we are determined for
justice. Did you know any of these meanings? For most United States citizens, the
answer is probably “no”. However, in some cases there may be a few who can
answer “yes”. As Sarah Powell so clearly points out in the Partly Cloudy Patriot, our nation has forgotten what it truly
means to be patriotic. We do not even know the meaning behind our flag or the
fourth of July. Being patriotic is more than just waving a flag made in China. Patriotism is not watching fireworks, eating a hot dog, or sitting
for the Pledge of Allegiance. Behind our nation as well as our patriotism stand
our soldiers. They deserve our patriotism. Thus, Patriotism is standing for the National Anthem silently to
show respect for our country. It is walking up to the person in the army
uniform, shaking their hand, and saying “thank you for everything you have done
for our country”. I believe our nation’s true patriotism can be brought back if we all learn
the meaning behind it.
I really like your introduction and the creative way in which you colored the words to make the font match. I agree that most Americans do not know what their country stands for, but I disagree that saying thank you and standing in during the National Anthem is how Sarah Vowell defined patriotism. I think her definition of patriotism was more geared towards an individual's right to decide how they express their devotion to their country and to what degree, not just blindly showing patriotism in those conventional ways.
ReplyDelete