the line between patriotism and nationalism

stars and stripes, the wafts from a grill and display of fireworks greet birth. National pride stage. The Fourth of July Americans join together in sentiment in many parts years, however, the very nation together has dissenting political factions for themselves, tearing they invest in their own patriotism.

Languages, patriotism devotion to and vigorous

Without some level of seem apathetic toward countries strive to inspire their citizens to avoid front and push forward policies. Lines become when the very idea of is skewed. Some interpreted patriotism as unwavering support for one’s without criticism of its stance on any topic. this definition actually with nationalism, an belief in a country’s supremacy, and has been misinterpreted by many to be a patriotic value.

While nationalism bears a negative connotation, it is a sentiment that has pervaded recent conservative politics, marked by a yearning for past, unchanged versions of America. This inflexibility creates divisions between the younger progressive generations and older conservative groups. America is often described as “the melting pot” of cultures and ideas, and the change diversity brings, while difficult, is not inherently bad. Patriotism lies in a desire to improve a nation and also to appreciate what is already there.

“I feel like Generation Z has a disconnect with America,” senior Priscilla Leang said. “It’s easy to get wrapped up in the momentum of advocating for change — which is great — but it also causes us to overlook some of the core principles America already offers us.”

As American politics have become increasingly polarized, though, patriotic values from one side of the political spectrum may appear to be the antithesis of what the other side advocates.

“There are people who deep in their heart believe that they are doing the right thing to add value to their country. And on the other side of the issue, people are doing the exact opposite, but have the same core belief,” AP

Government and Politics teacher Jeff Bale said. Political turmoil in the U.S. has shifted the notion of patriotism for many. For instance, the American flag for some went from a mark of national pride to a flag that bore the message of “America first,” most notably under former President Donald Trump’s presidency. In one of his rallies, Trump called himself a nationalist, reinforcing in his constituents that his presidency embraces divergent views of American values.

The idea of “America first” soon became a hotly debated topic between Republicans and Democrats, showing itself in anti-immigration policies, riots, tariffs and more. One significant case is the Capitol Hill insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. While the incident could look like an isolated event, the root of the issue lies in a narrow view of patriotism and distaste for change. In a pattern of extreme conservatives fighting for an older-fashioned America while liberals seek to regain political power, politicians struggle to compromise amid political polarization.

In the 1990s, as the population of white Americans dropped below 50% in California, many struggled to embrace shifts in U.S. population. A string of anti-immigration policies followed, but gradually, communities realized and accepted changes in society. Today, California remains one of the most progressive, wealthy and economically successful states in the country and has the highest