A 5 page argumentative essay that discusses how the words "patriotism" and "patriot" are defined in American culture. The writer argues that an examination of how "patriotism" is generally being used to promote war fever demonstrates that this brand of "patriotism" goes against the intent of the Constitution and should be properly labeled as "nationalism" and, therefore, constitutes a threat to the liberty and values that "patriotism" should be ready to protect. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Name of Research Paper File: D0_khpatism.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
do these words mean within the context of American history? An examination of how "patriotism" is generally being used to promote war fever demonstrates that this brand of "patriotism" goes
against the intent of the Constitution and should be properly labeled as "nationalism" and, therefore, constitutes a threat to the liberty and values that "patriotism" should be ready to protect.
Since the dire events of September 11, 2001, patriotism has been on "permanent exhibit in the United States" (Valelly 37). Presumably, American patriotism celebrates the ideals of liberty, equality
and the pursuit of happiness for all people. However, along side this civil tradition there has always been a more exclusive concept of what it meant to be "American," a
concept of racial nationalism, which defines "American" as white, or at least belonging to certain ethnic and religious groups (Valelly 37). In the last few months, as war
becomes imminent, it appears that the general public is equating "patriotism" with this latter definition. In March, 2003 two members of the House of Representatives, Republicans Louis McMahan and
Cary Condotta, refused to remain in the chamber during the invocation provided by Imam Mohamad Joban of the Islamic Center of Olympia(GOP 1008063n4674). Condotta was frank about his reasons, equating
his actions toward the Islamic faith with patriotism. Condotta stated, "Its an issue of patriotism...the Islamic religion is so.. part and parcel with the attack on America. I just
didnt want to be there, be part of that... My god is not Mohammed" (GOP 100806n4674). First of all, Condottas remarks show a shocking lack of knowledge concerning the Islamic
faith, which worships the God of the Old Testament, but also it is indicative of the ever-growing tendency to equate patriotism with intolerance. According to Gomes, even the president