Patriotism: No Longer In Vogue?

As the nation celebrates Independence Day, surveys show Americans' patriotism is slowly, perhaps irreversibly, ebbing.  Fewer people than ever are "extremely proud" to be an American, a low in a 16-year trend of declining patriotism.  There are many theories on the downdraft but no consensus.

National polling organization Gallup published research two years ago that documented the precipitous drop.  In 2003 in the aftermath of 9/11, seven in 10 Americans professed to be "extremely" proud of their country.  By 2016, that number had nosedived to 52 percent.

The dip was most noticeable among young adults.  This group, aged 18 to 29, are the least patriotic with only 34 percent claiming to be "extremely proud" to be Americans, according to Gallup.  Young people experienced the largest decline since 2003: a slide of nearly 30 percentage points.

A 2017 national survey by Pew Research produced similar findings.  Among respondents younger than 30, only 12 percent believe America "stands above all other countries." That compares to 85 percent of the general public, the research discovered.

There are also sharp divisions between respondents with self-identified political affiliations.  For example, Pew's study uncovered that one in three "liberal" Democrats said there were other nations better than the United States.  Only 13 percent of liberals rate America the best above all others.

Gallup's poll underscored the same difference between liberals and conservatives.  Conservatives were among the most likely groups to claim to be "extremely proud" to be Americans.  More than 60 percent of conservatives viewed themselves as patriotic.

If there is a silver lining, a clear majority of Americans agree on one thing.  An Associated Press/NORC poll taken last year said 77 per cent of Americans are extremely or very proud of the country's armed forces.  But support for the military is not the same as patriotism.

Definitions of patriotism vary by source and personal beliefs, so there is no one, all encompassing description.  But for purposes of this treatise, in my opinion the words below appear more in line with most Americans perception of patriotism:

"Patriotism or national pride is the ideology of love and devotion to a homeland, and a sense of alliance with other citizens who share the same values."  Nothing in this definition suggests blind loyalty, uninformed fealty or star-spangled jingoism.  There is nothing nefarious about patriotism.

Yet a few public figures and politicians are calling patriotism a dog whistle for racism, anti-immigrant rhetoric, misogamy and injustice. They blame unflinching patriotism for wars, hunger, discrimination and every imaginable offense.  No wonder many Americans question their own patriotism.

The problem is the words some voices use to define patriotism.  These detractors claim patriotism muffles legitimate faultfinding, stifles public disagreement and insist the patriotic American flag is a symbol of hypocrisy.  Those who hold such views have twisted patriotism into something perverse.

Patriots throughout the nation's history have dissented, criticized and protested about a plethora of issues from English rule to the current president. Americans have always been a raucous tribe, but its citizens cling to the notion the country will act in keeping with its highest ideals. 

Today in the name of dissent Americans have witnessed a Congresswoman advocate public harassment of members of the current administration.  In light of the threat, it's no surprise that a recent poll reports growing numbers of Americans fear an open revolt or armed resistance.   

There is nothing red-white-and blue about clamoring for mob tactics.  Our rights do not include the abuse of the public forum to incite uncivil behavior.  Patriotism should be a clarion call for all Americans to unite behind their country, no matter who occupies the Oval Office.

An Englishmen Winston Churchill had an sober description of the country we love.  "You can always count on Americans to do the right thing--after they've tried everything else."  As Mr. Churchill suggests, our nation has its flaws, but no country has pursued virtue with as much zeal.

Patriotic Americans want what is best for their country, their fellow citizens and their world.  That is not something to be ridiculed and scoffed.  Patriotism is the glue that holds a country together.  If the bond is torn asunder, America will surrender not only its past but its future.