A pseudo-unity?
Indeed, as the USA is based on a two-party system. The population must choose for a precise side. This fact already splits the country. Even if both parties defend a strict patriotism by enhancing it in the population, some use this argument more than others.
In fact, all Americans love their country. However, some value patriotism more than others. I general, a huge majority of the population supports their country. Although all Americans have many differences, this feeling of patriotism is shared among the states.
What are the reasons behind this pseudo-unity? What makes the USA well-known for patriotism, and what makes the country so divided at the same time?
Patriotism as a factor of unity
Americans are very attached to their traditions and their history. Moreover, they are taught at a young age a national myth, enhanced by recent history. In fact, the American white knight figure of WW2, and the self-given role of “Police of the world” is in the mind of every American. Periods like the Cold War and the current rise of Asian and Mideastern nations are also added. Opposed to the American domination, the American patriotism is more than ever used as a rally symbol in the USA.
This strong feeling could be explained by many reasons. First, this patriotism is used by all politicians and shown as the ultimate symbol of love for the country, as well as other values like freedom. Given that Americans are surrounded by many historical symbols. Therefore, they are eager to celebrate them. As an example, the national day of the USA, the 4th of July is a date almost all Americans celebrate by organizing big meals with their neighbours. Then, right after sunset, fireworks are launched all over the country. They are a symbol of love for the Independence Day. In addition, the love for the flag is everywhere: on clothes, stores and houses.
Simply, Americanism is a way of living; a way of thinking destined to all Americans. It is fed by other values and symbols. The relation with the army is quite singular for instance. In fact, the US Army holds a total of 954,875 soldiers, with 452,689 active-duty personnel, 325,218 Army National Guard personnel and 176,968 Army Reserve personnel. Soldiers are considered heroes. They are congratulated for serving their country. Indeed, it is considered as one of the biggest honors. The army also begins to recruit as soon as high school. It can in fact be considered as a factor of the widespread patriotism in America, especially when the USA are deployed on many fronts across the world, fighting terrorism and rebel groups. They are therefore seen as a shield against those whom values are against USA’s.
In the mind of Americans, the USA is the country of freedom and of the “American dream”. In fact, this vision is so popular among the population that the word “freedom” has become the definition of the USA. This love for the word freedom comes from Norman Rockwell, in 1942. He painted four paintings, each being one kind of freedom, representing the USA. Those paintings had so much success that they are still remembered today. This definition of freedom was reinforced during the rest of the 20th century. During that time, the USA was seen as the « white knight » facing authoritarian regimes. This was especially true during the Cold War and after the first Gulf war in 1991.
Patriotism as a factor of the society’s division
Nowadays, other issues and stakes are in front scene and are considered more important than patriotism and a united country. Americans are more preoccupied by subjects like immigration, the poor leadership from the government and the high cost of life (to check the statistics: Statista). In general, some Americans are more worried about social issues. Indeed, recent events like the overturn of Roe v. Wade, or the rising number of poor and homeless people in the USA are worrying to them. This shows that the American society is evolving and patriotism is considered less important than before.
However, patriotism remains a link between the population, even if they are split on many other subjects. Indeed, the election that took place in November has shown perfectly how the American division works. The country is based on a two-party system, making the division even clearer. Many subjects divide the population such as gun laws, immigration and other social stakes. But where does patriotism have an influence? Well, it takes part in the debates when the argument of patriotism is used by both the Democrats and the Republicans to discredit the other. In fact, both sides have a different view of patriotism because they put different subjects under the light. They use their own definition on patriotism.
In a farfetched opposition, both parties love their country for many mutual reasons but fight about the rest, which are the main subjects of division in the USA.
Level of patriotism among adults in the United States from 2013 to 2024
Conclusion
Patriotism in the USA is more than a social principle. It is a pure definition of what the country is. It means that Americans are divided for many reasons but are mainly attached to their country. Patriotism is in fact a huge matter in the American society, but a society implies that it ends up by evolving. That is why questions about more important matters have risen since the last decades. Patriotism is in fact one the single link in a divided country.
