American Patriotism is Misunderstood

It means different things to different people. For some people patriotism inspires us to do right by our fellow man, feel pride in the ideals set forth by our country’s founders, and is a common bond between proud Americans. For others (especially these days) patriotism is a negative thing that represents everything WRONG with America. For the latter, patriotism is looked at as ‘all that is evil in America’ or a blind allegiance to a misguided country. This is the great misunderstanding!!

I was sent this video today by my wife and I thought I’d share. This is the kind of video that makes ME reflect on what America is; the way it was designed to be; before we strayed from our path. I’m glad to see the American values I was taught as a child are still alive in some areas…..



(Video Explanation) The kids in the video performed the ceremony of colors. They did so NOT because they were told to or because they are brainwashed. These kids did so innocently on their own because it’s what they know….it’s their environment….it’s their PATRIOTISM. They are paying respect to America’s ‘colors’ as their parents do.

COLORS At commands ashore and aboard ships of the Navy not under way, the ceremonial hoisting and lowering of the national flag at 0800 and sunset are known as morning and evening colors. Every Navy shore command, and every ship not under way, performs the ceremony of colors twice a day. You will render honors as follows:
• If you are in ranks, you will be called to attention or order arms.
• If you are in uniform but not in ranks, face the colors and give the hand salute.
• If you are driving a vehicle, stop and sit at attention but do not salute.
• If you are a passenger in a boat, remain at attention, seated or standing. The boat officer or coxswain salutes for the boat.
• If you are in civilian clothes or athletic uniform, face the colors at attention and salute by placing your right hand over your heart.

Aboard Navy ships or naval shore activities, when the national ensign is hoisted and lowered or half-masted for any occasion, the motions of the senior officer present are followed. Five minutes before morning and evening colors, the PREPARATIVE

link

So much is happening in America today and it’s easy for us American’s to get caught up in the negativity….I’m as guilty as anyone. It’s necessary for all of us to get our bearings straight every once in a while and remember what our country stands for. Patriotism shouldn’t be viewed as a dumb belief held by right-wing extremists. Patriotism knows no color, economic status, religion, affiliation, or geographic location. Patriotism is pride in what America IS rather than what the hijackers of this country are working hard to MAKE IT.

Maybe we Americans can all learn something from the innocent gesture of kids and reflect on what patriotism really is.

What’s your take on patriotism??

Semper Fi!

reply to post by seabag

Well, for one I don't see how patriotism (in its truest sense) has anything to do with what we are seeing in the video. IMHO what we are seeing in the video is training, drilling and indoctrination of very young children. Others mileage may vary considerably though.

Originally posted by seabag
The kids in the video performed the ceremony of colors. They did so NOT because they were told to or because they are brainwashed.

We're allowed to have differing opinions here, and thats mine.

To me, a non-american, they look very brainwashed indeed.
You'd also think the same if this video was of North Korean, Chinese or ( insert other country name here's) kids.
"Brainwashed" would be the very first word you'd think of.
But you dont, because they're your own. Thats the only difference.


Edit - to the poster above, yes "indoctrination" is a good word to use here.

Originally posted by LightSpeedDriver
reply to post by seabag

 

Well, for one I don't see how patriotism (in its truest sense) has anything to do with what we are seeing in the video. IMHO what we are seeing in the video is training, drilling and indoctrination of very young children. Others mileage may vary considerably though.

Not much mileage here!

The video shows children doing something spontaneous and unprovoked that demonstrates patriotism. For those who understand pride of country (patriotism) the video depicts something special and innocent.

If you don’t get it then I don’t know what to tell you.

That looks like the base housing on Parris Island. Very cool to see that some kids can still at least show some respect for our country. These kids are not brainwashed or indoctorinated in any way. They are showing respect that was taught to them by their parents and the families they live around. This is common practice to see on military housing neighborhoods. Just because our country is ruled by morons doesn't make it evil to be patriotic.

Semper Fi

reply to post by alfa1

We're allowed to have differing opinions here, and thats mine.

To me, a non-american, they look very brainwashed indeed.
You'd also think the same if this video was of North Korean, Chinese or ( insert other country name here's) kids.
"Brainwashed" would be the very first word you'd think of.
But you dont, because they're your own. Thats the only difference.

I totally understand your point!

The difference is the behavior in the video wasn’t taught…it was learned. In communist countries it’s TAUGHT and forced. These kids did this on their own.

They look pretty brainwashed to me. Looks like something out of North Korea. I never got why schools forced children to site the pledge of allegiance. It always creeped me out, I stopped saying it in the 8th grade.

reply to post by RealSpoke

They look pretty brainwashed to me.

Like the title states…Patriotism is Misunderstood.

Looks like something out of North Korea. I never got why schools forced children to site the pledge of allegiance. It always creeped me out, I stopped saying it in the 8th grade.

I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe you should read some American history and look at the positives of our countries past rather than reading the media headlines or drinking the new culture Kool-Aid??? There's a lot to be proud of!

Just sayin’

reply to post by seabag

Well, firstly being able to recognise a particular song (melody?) and react to it in a certain way other than by dancing or putting fingers in ears is not a particularly child-like thing to do in a non-ceremonial type setting. I mean, they are kids, all playing happily away in the playground and then TA-DA....I could understand maybe if it was the call to dinner, wash hands, etc but it is just a pointless display of nothing much at all. You asked for opinions, there are many on ATS.

As for taught vs learnt. They had to see it somewhere and know "what to do" but I'll leave that one alone.

I would like to hear why you think standing still while listening to a piece of music is in any way patriotic though. I mean, what does it achieve? Social harmony? Nope. Financial stability? Nope. A feel good exercise? Hmmm....
ETA And I'm not trying to rain on a parade or insult anyone's children. They looked like they were having a great time till the music started.

reply to post by seabag


Thanks for taking the time to put this thread together. It's nice to see this and be reminded of times where adults might have been seen to do this as well. Back before Patriotism was made to be somehow dirty or a bad quality to lay claim to.

If only it were more than kids and their innocence we saw doing this... Oh well. It's an uplifting little video and appreciated! S/F

reply to post by seabag


1. Pledging allegiance has nothing to do with pride
2. I've been a history nerd for years, probably why I had enough political consciousness to stop saying the pledge in the 8th grade
3. Pride is stupid, I had no choice to be born here, it was a geographical accident
4. The pledge was written by a Christian socialist
5. I'm not pledging allegiance to a country that tortures people, has awful foreign policy, and doesn't think twice to invade another country
6. Taking pride in something that you didn't accomplish is non-nonsensical

reply to post by LightSpeedDriver

Well, firstly being able to recognise a particular song (melody?) and react to it in a certain way other than by dancing or putting fingers in ears is not a particularly child-like thing to do in a non-ceremonial type setting. I mean, they are kids, all playing happily away in the playground and then TA-DA....I could understand maybe if it was the call to dinner, wash hands, etc but it is just a pointless display of nothing much at all. You asked for opinions, there are many on ATS.

Thanks for the post! It’s a pointless display for those who don’t understand…YES. ‘Colors’ is standing at attention as the flag (a symbol of our country) is raised and lowered. Think of it as a ‘moment of silence’ for someone who has departed. Is a ‘moment of silence’ “nothing much at all” to you?

As for taught vs learned.They had to see it somewhere and know "what to do" but I'll leave that one alone.

I think you just described 'learned' behavior…that’s different than ‘taught’.

I would like to hear why you think standing still while listening to a piece of music is in any way patriotic though. I mean, what does it achieve? Social harmony? Nope. Financial stability? Nope. A feel good exercise? Hmmm....

Paying respect! Many American’s struggled, fought, and died to give us our independence and freedom. Many more serve this country today to preserve those freedoms. It’s a show of respect, sir/Ma’am, for our country and those who have sacrificed to make it great. It’s not meant to solve the country’s problems.

"Learned" behavior is still taught, it makes no difference. They are taught the action by conscious observation.

Originally posted by seabag


(Video Explanation) The kids in the video performed the ceremony of colors. They did so NOT because they were told to or because they are brainwashed. These kids did so innocently on their own because it’s what they know….it’s their environment….it’s their PATRIOTISM. They are paying respect to America’s ‘colors’ as their parents do.

Umm, they are kids emulating what they see.

I think one can argue thats brainwashing.

Your speculation into the intent, is just that.

reply to post by seabag

I hear and disagree with just about everything you say but can also see that there is little to be gained for either of us in further discussion so I will just wish you well with your thread and politely bow out.

reply to post by RealSpoke

1. Pledging allegiance has nothing to do with pride

Opinion!

2. I've been a history nerd for years, probably why I had enough political consciousness to stop saying the pledge in the 8th grade

Your prerogative!

3. Pride is stupid, I had no choice to be born here, it was a geographical accident.

Opinion!

4. The pledge was written by a Christian socialist

????

5. I'm not pledging allegiance to a country that tortures people, has awful foreign policy, and doesn't think twice to invade another country.

The ‘country’ doesn’t do anything like that. You are describing the policies of certain administrations. You can’t seem to differentiate between ‘people’ and a ‘country’.

6. Taking pride in something that you didn't accomplish is non-nonsensical

Opinion!

And maybe you hit the nail on the head. I take it you’ve never served this country in any way (based on your apparent young age and lack of patriotism)??? Patriotism is about the collective not the individual. Maybe if you served the collective once rather than your own interests you’d have a different outlook. Maybe you'd understand what there is to be proud of with regard to the US of A.

Just sayin’

reply to post by LightSpeedDriver

I hear and disagree with just about everything you say but can also see that there is little to be gained for either of us in further discussion so I will just wish you well with your thread and politely bow out.

Cheers, and thanks for the input!

You’re a self-described “Englishman in the Netherlands” so I don’t expect you to understand American patriotism….it’s a cultural thing. No worries!

Originally posted by seabag


You’re a self-described “Englishman in the Netherlands” so I don’t expect you to understand American patriotism….it’s a cultural thing. No worries!

How is American Patriotism different than any other form of Patriotism?

reply to post by stanguilles7

Umm, they are kids emulating what they see.

I think one can argue thats brainwashing.

Your speculation into the intent, is just that

You’re either being intellectually dishonest or you’re intellectually challenged.

Do you see uniforms and organization in the video I posted in the OP??

You’re trolling, sir. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of stars but your lack of logic won’t fly with me.

reply to post by seabag

That was kind of my point too, though probably less well stated. These are children in their free-time, not on some processional march. And there is patriotism in England, unfortunately way too much. They say things like "Oh, we gave the world so much (often with a "with our inventions" added at the end) and "we brought civillisation to these far-flung places" and other untrue things. Maybe the English's memory of military indoctrination is a little fresher *images of Hitler Youth flash across the screen* than the American's although to be fair, it's rarely more than a few "steps" away at all times.