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Politik

University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

2011, Prof. Ecklund

Mario K. ©
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Damien Cave:  American Patriotism


Damien Cave’s article entitled “The Spam Spoils of War” is something that any American can relate to.  The article definitely evoked memories for myself as I remembered watching the scenes of 9/11 on the morning news.

 He uses this example to illustrate his point about “the intimate relationship between crises and capitalism” (122).  Are many Americans “patriotic” in the true sense of the word?  Or are many disillusioned with the idea? 

If so, why?  The idea of patriotism is something that all Americans can relate to and is therefore something we can all critically analyze.  To understand this complex relationship we must look at America’s loss of “community” values and the overvaluing of personal identity in our society.

Within weeks following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, entrepreneurs everywhere began to capitalize on the event.  Shirts, coffee mugs, and Anthrax poisons are just some of the markets that evolved in the wake of the tragedy.

Most of this merchandise was anti-war, such as the iconic image of Osama Bin Laden behind a set of crosshairs, and was for many Americans a way of showing their support and devotion to their country.  For some, this was also a way of expressing their anger toward what happened.  This need for revenge, and for emotional connections, is part of our human nature and deep-rooted in our psyche.

However, our ways of showing patriotism today are far less meaningless than ever before.  The progression towards this can be seen as early as World War II with the use of iconic posters like Rosie the Riveter and Uncle Sam, and through the Vietnam War where t-shirts, bumper stickers, and buttons became commonplace for the public.  Instead of volunteering or donating to charities, many Americans find it more fulfilling to brandish a “Kill Osama” button and way easier too.  The American way of life revolves around convenience, and this need for convenience is reflected in our displays of patriotism.  The people caught in this cycle are left “running scared” in the search for the easiest way to show their support.

Today, while we still remain at war in two countries, the public displays of patriotism that were commonplace in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 have faded to only a few.  However, the remaining displays of patriotism today are far more meaningful than the ones immediately following 9/11.  They stay true to the phrase “We Will Never Forget” while, ironically, many of the Americans wearing those very shirts have done just the opposite.

         

Professor Ecklund

English 110

         

       


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