by Joshua Mccracken

Created on: May 29, 2009   Last Updated: May 31, 2009

The Princeton University Wordnet system defines patriotism as "love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it". Patriotism is often expressed through fashion and fashion accessories, writing, poetry, activism, and a desire to serve one's country. Contrary to popular belief, patriotism isn't usually something that you can see. Occasionally Americans don the colors of our flag, red, white, and blue either on shirts, dresses, skirts, underwear, purses, cell phone cases, and even vehicles.

Do younger Americans care about patriotism? The question isn't very clear. That answer depends entirely on the age group. Firstly, in order for an American to care about patriotism they must be patriotic. You can't care about patriotism without being a patriot. Younger Americans who are still in the beginning to middle of grade school may celebrate holidays such as the 4th of July or wear patriotic clothing and if you ask one who is old enough to speak if they are patriotic they will almost certainly answer yes

Patriotism is a commitment to doing the right thing for the right reasons and serving one's country's best interests. Many of the younger Americans who are still in grade school don't care about patriotism because they're too young to understand it. During those school years the world is much smaller as energies are focused largely on education, friends, romance, and appeasing the parental units. Most children don't have to worry about survival because, of course, their parents take care of them. Until such time as the child learns to become more responsible they aren't patriotic and they don't care about patriotism. Patriotism is taking responsibility for one's self and one's country. Is that not what love and devotion for our country is?

As the educational system evolves, the classroom is becoming increasingly focused on political issues and current events. The result is that many Americans are becoming more patriotic at much younger ages than before. Patriotism is not a fad and no one is born patriotic. Patriotism is something that is learned and there are few who go through life without ever learning it.

Patriotism is demonstrated more in our actions than our words of appearances. A willingness to get involved with the community and work toward improving ourselves and the world around us is very patriotic. In 2008 record numbers of young voters turned out to vote for change as the Obama campaign reached it's climax. They voted because they are patriotic, because they love America and they want what is best for us. The acts of getting involved in our system of government by voting, serving the country as a part of our armed forces, becoming involved in charities, or becoming a civil servant are all patriotic.

As Americans reach college age, many of them begin to understand that important social problems that affect one of us actually affect all of us. They begin to understand that international political conflicts have the potential to touch each and every single one of our lives, for better or for worse.. They see that we are all born American and we will always be Americans no matter where we are and Americans must stick together to keep America safe, to work for a better future for ourselves and our families, and to defend the weak when they cannot defend themselves. It's our responsibility because if we don't do it who else will? Who else has the means? If that isn't caring about patriotism then I have no idea what is.

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