America’s Symbols: Iconic or Ironic? There is a unique power that lies within the perceived feeling of solidarity that a group can experience in regards to their agreed upon icons or symbols. Icons and symbols are usually patriotic or spiritual, and are meant to embody the image of an idea or theory, as well as convey a prideful sentiment. Whether the icon is something as simple as a national food or bird, or something with more history and depth like the Statue of Liberty or the Liberty Bell, images and ideas are evoked by simply thinking about or seeing these iconic symbols. To understand icons it is essential to understand the difference between nationalism and patriotism, and to follow those definitions with application to what Americans …show more content…
Our iconography does derive from war but not from a desire to start wars as much as a desire to have representation of victory and unity. Roads to success are not smoothly paved, and do not come without hardships and sacrifices. Our icons are meant to remind those born here, as well as immigrating or visiting, that as a nation we will continue to succeed. Ishmael Reed writes, “Such blurring of cultural styles occurs in everyday life in the United States to a greater extent than anyone can imagine and is probably more prevalent than the sensational conflict between people of different backgrounds that is played up and often encouraged by the media (“America: The Multinational Society”). There in lies the problem in regards to interpretation of America’s icons; the media is allowed to use symbols like the Statue of Liberty or the American flag in any context they so desire. Those symbols, which are meant to evoke powerful, prideful sentiments, then become a tool used by fear mongers and warmongers to tell people what is patriotic and what is not, which then becomes a clear invasion upon free thought and speech. It is not that new icons or symbols are needed to accurately portray what America stands for, but rather for people to start respecting one another for the different ways in which these icons and symbols are interpreted. A truly successful democracy, an ideal that is a driving factor behind American politics and foreign affairs, allows for a body of free thinking individuals to unite, when necessary, to work together toward progress. It does not matter what symbolizes their unity, or how that symbol is interpreted, but simply that
At this time in my life I didn't realize the significance of these symbols, but as I have grown older I have realized the significance of what my grandfather did. I remember as a young child walking past the Vietnam Memorial happily looking for my grandfathers name only to find “Carl Taylor” was no where to be found. Today, I am now ecstatic that my grandfather was one of the lucky ones to not have his names etched in that granite for eternity. My grandfather is the finest man I know and is the only true father figure in my life, and I know he was spared for a reason. Much like that
It makes me proud when I see the American flag flying in the sky, makes us honor our heroes and sports stars, and it makes us remember the people who fought for the independence of our country. The flag flies tall and proud in so many places across America, the world, and even on the moon. Today, one hundred fifty million flags that are sold per year. The American flag brings together Americans as one united nation. “The American flag, Old Glory, standing tall and flying free over American soil for 228 years is the symbol of our beloved country.
Thus, the article questions various patriotic expressions, parsing the words for what they mean. Sloan begins his article by describing how patriotic expressions are plentiful in the US. He characterizes the
Using words to express opposition to the American government is generally accepted, but what about symbols or emblems? Does the right to free speech include a right to express views and communicate ideas via means other than literal speech? The Supreme Court was asked to decide this in the case of Stromberg v. California and they ruled that use of a flag to communicate ideas was, indeed, covered by the Constitutions protections for free speech. Stromberg v. California: Background It was once common for state and local governments to regulate peoples speech; not until 1925 did the Supreme Court begin applying First Amendment restrictions to them.
Americans are known around the world for their American spirit, notorious for the unsaid motto of, ‘My country, right or wrong’. However, America was not the only country known for its nationalistic ideals. If one were to take a trip back in time, they would find ancient Romans giving America a run for their money. While ancient Rome did not have a Fourth of July, one could argue that Americans are the modern-day ancient Romans in terms of patriotism. Modern Americans are quite similar to the ancient Romans in their love for their country.
Over the history of the United States, there have been endless speeches about the two ideas that this nation started off of, freedom and war. Two of these speeches come to mind when thinking about this relationship in regards to the 20th century, however. The two speeches, which both address the same ideas, speak about them in different ways. For example, the “Four Freedoms” Speech delivered by Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave this association the idea that freedom had to be preserved by being involved in an up and coming war, but the Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy stated something different and said that we can fight for liberty but not fight in another war. The truth about the two speeches, however, is that these speeches each have their
The Vietnam War drastically changed how Americans viewed their country. The US emerged from World War II as a world superpower and as a country where patriotism meant serving one’s country and following authority’s orders. However, in the 1960s, the discontent of many minority groups who believed that the “American Dream” was only obtainable by a select few, led to many social changes in the US. This discontent also fueled the many individuals who questioned what the US was doing fighting communism on the other side of the world. The Vietnam War divided American society at home on their views on national pride, police protection and justice, and trust in the US government, and also changed Americans view of their countries nobility.
I will start by discussing the religious symbolism that is in the United States military. This symbolism includes symbols that appear in emblems, on uniforms, pennants and flags as well as military dog tags and on headstones in military cemeteries. The history of government using headstones goes back before the Veterans Administration and the National Cemetery Administration were founded, they have roots that can be traced back to America's frontier days. Garrison commanders would take on the responsibility of burying their soldiers. However, it was not until the creation of the national army that was established at the beginning of the Civil War that army regulations assigned the national commanders of the military with the responsibility
Recently in The Jungle, Jurgis has sided with the socialists and after the most recent election, it appears that the ideas of socialism have spread all over the USA and more and more people are joining the cause. Similarly, in history class, people from other countries are coming to the USA, and leaving their respective countries. Both of these ideas revolve around a key symbol of American Identity, the symbol of equality in America. This symbol shapes how America treats its current and prospective citizens, so that we may maintain our just society. The socialists are utilizing this symbol in order to refine America from the oppressive system of Capitalism.
This seemingly harmless patriotic citation, symbol of national pride and even unity has caused many people
America was a vision that was thought up by politicians, artists and dreamers. These people believed that anything could be accomplished through the mind, God, and manpower. Even through so much opposition, our brave ancestors strived to establish a better life. They aimed to secure a structured future, and praise God in their own way. Our ancestors had the courage to travel miles away from the comforts and familiarities of home by crossing unknown oceans and lands, and to set out to create a new lifestyle in a land they had never known.
What the American Flag Means to Me I am proud to live in America. It makes me grateful for all the freedom we have compared to other countries. Every morning at West Middle School we say the pledge of allegiance, it gives me a special feeling, it gives me a happy feeling. Sometimes it makes me wants to give a big smile. When I see an American flag it makes me feel proud, respectful, and it reminds me of all the freedom I get.
Normally Henry is often afraid of what may happen next in the war, I just live life day by day, worried about things that are actually relevant to me. I feel that the american flag is excessive. We are all born as human beings, why does it matter what part of the world we’re from? We are all entitled to roam planet earth freely, but due to the fact that america has claimed a portion of land, as well as every other damn country,
While authors use symbols in their novels to help convey a message to their readers, people and organizations do the same in society today. Big organizations like the government try to portray their power and military strength, though sometimes they are just trying to portray a false sense of
The image also supports the core American values of freedom and democracy. The struggling soldiers and the battered flag show that an oppressive dictatorship, such as the Empire of Japan, will never be able to overcome the perseverance of the American