American Patriotism

Merriam Webster defines patriotism as: love for or devotion to one's country. Does this define American Patriotism? No. Merriam Webster’s definition defines patriotism for a country like China, Russia, UK and most countries around the world. This is the type of patriotism you have where people love their country because it’s where they are from and that alone. It is also the definition of countries where if you despised or went against the regime you would cease to exist. This also represents patriotism for a monarchy like the UK or Saudi Arabia. These countries have dual devotion to “King and Country.” Both these examples show Merriam Webster’s definition of patriotism but not American Patriotism.

American Patriotism requires a few things. First off, it needs to be a choice. The right to both support or despise your country has to exist. It isn’t about the country alone. It is about individuals but not certain individuals like a King or Queen or President. It is about what the country represents. What the country was founded on. It’s also about the land where it resides. The communities it represents. The values it upholds. Without these things you cannot have American Patriotism.

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