Students define patriotism

Patriotism. It has become such a controversial term in recent years. Whether someone lacks it, has too much of it, or just does not show it, patriotism is constantly debate. Three Eagles shared their perspectives on the topic.

What is patriotism to you?
Sam White: Patriotism is the love of the United States, the support of its troops, its government and the respect of the flag.

T.J. Redington: It’s not so much loving your country, as a lot of people think it is. I think it’s more about loving your community. It’s about helping the people around you, and them helping you to build a better community.

Gabrielle Goodwin: Its showing appreciation to your country.

Do you believe the patriotism is on the rise?

Sam White: I feel like it’s been on the decline for more than a few years. I feel as if it is slowly starting to climb its way up. It’s a good thing [that its coming back]. People have lost their way with the morals of the country and its atrocious. It’s a great thing that people’s morals are coming back up and the love of their country is coming back up.

T.J. Redington: I think it might be somewhat on the decline.

Gabrielle Goodwin: Decline.

Is it a good thing that it’s changing?

Sam White: In other countries, we are viewed as fat pigs that have no respect for each other. When our morals come back we will be viewed as a powerhouse in the world that helps people.

T.J. Redington: I don’t know if that’s a bad or good thing, as long as people are helping people out. I suppose we do need [patriotism]. As long as it doesn’t get too out of hand it’s a good thing to love the people around you, the community around you is more positive as a whole.

Gabrielle Goodwin: It depends. I feel like more people are looking into their government and saying, “Hey this isn’t right,” instead of supporting it without a doubt. But then again not showing respect for your country is not good for our country.

Does the millennial generation have patriotism?

Sam White: Millennials are less patriotic because they are used to getting what they want and when they get out into the real world, they are going to realize that the government isn’t going to give them what they want.

T.J. Redington: I wouldn’t say that they are less patriotic, I’d say they’re patriotic in a different sense. There more active. That’s kind of what America was founded on, being politically active and the millennial generation is politically active. We have so many outlets that we can get our voice out and they’re trying to make a difference.

Gabrielle Goodwin: [No]. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. For most people who are extremely patriotic, it was the generation before us that had a reason. They had wars, outbursts and other things like that. [The wars of the millennial generation] aren’t in the media as much as terrorism.

What are the consequences of patriotism in the millennial generation?

Sam White: As an overall generation, I feel like there won’t be as many people in the military and our national defense will go down. The people who get elected into office will not be as involved as prior generation.

T.J. Redington: I think people are more informed in this generation about what’s going on. A while ago it was a lot harder to learn what was going on in the world because news travelled so slowly. But now with Internet and cell phones, people are able to get political and social information out.

Gabrielle Goodwin: It’s kind of like instead of the Fourth of July being about #America and more about getting together with people and blowing off fireworks. Things like Veterans Day, Columbus Day, and government holidays are less celebrated. Like we forgot Pearl Harbor Day at our school. We may have been busy but we forgot it. So, I feel like we should be more patriotic but we have our reasons for not being patriotic.