The Fourth of July celebrations across America, filled with parades and fireworks, honor the courage of the 18th-century patriots who fought for independence. These events also pay tribute to the military and the sacrifices made to preserve the nation’s freedom. However, the concept of a “patriot” is complex and has evolved significantly over time. Today, the word carries varied definitions, influenced by political rhetoric, school curriculums, and even appropriation by extremist groups. Understanding What Is A Patriot requires examining its historical roots and contemporary interpretations.
The Original Patriots: Defining Love of Country
The term “patriot” originates from ancient Greece, but in American history, it fundamentally refers to someone who loves their country. The American Revolution provides the most common examples of patriots, such as Sam Adams and Benjamin Franklin. However, Nathaniel Sheidley, president and CEO of Revolutionary Spaces in Boston, notes that enslaved people advocating for abolition and Native Americans striving to maintain their sovereignty also considered themselves patriots.
Sheidley emphasizes that these individuals actively participated in the American Revolution, seeking to have their voices heard in the political process. The hallmark of patriotism during that era was “a sense of self-sacrifice, of caring more about one’s neighbors and fellow community members than one’s self.”
Parallel Tracks: Civic and Ethnic Nationalism
Historians argue that patriotism has always run parallel to civic and ethnic nationalism. Matthew Delmont, a historian at Dartmouth, explains that the definition of patriotism depends on the individual and their vision of the country. Opposition to the government and dissent have often characterized its interpretation.
Black military members who fought in World War II and advocated for civil rights upon their return saw their actions as patriotic. “Part of patriotism for them meant not just winning the war, but then coming home and trying to change America, trying to continue to fight for civil rights and to have actual freedom and democracy here in the United States,” Delmont said. In contrast, some white Americans equate patriotism with upholding a specific, often exclusive, vision of American identity.
The Evolving Definition: Appropriation and Extremism
Since the early 20th century, far-right and extremist groups have used American symbols and the term “patriot” to brand themselves. Mark Pitcavage, senior research fellow at the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism, points to the second Ku Klux Klan and their slogan “100% Americanism” as an early example.
By the 1990s, numerous anti-government and militia groups adopted the term, leading watchdog organizations to coin the term “Patriot movement.” While this extremist wave receded temporarily, it resurfaced with the election of Barack Obama, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
In recent years, right-wing groups have increasingly used the label “patriot” while opposing election processes, LGBTQ+ rights, vaccines, immigration, and diversity programs. Former President Donald Trump also frequently refers to his supporters as “patriots.”
White Nationalist Groups and the Camouflage of Patriotism
Kurt Braddock, an American University professor and researcher, notes that the term “patriot” serves as a powerful branding tool due to its positive associations with the Revolutionary War. However, white supremacist groups, like Patriot Front, use patriotism as a camouflage to mask their racist and bigoted values. While some genuinely believe they are fighting against tyranny, their interpretation of the Constitution is often selective.
Gaines Foster, a historian at Louisiana State University, contrasts this with a civic nationalism where being American is defined by belief in democracy, equality, and opportunity. The January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol exemplifies a shift away from commitment to democracy towards a notion of a “right of revolt,” redefining patriotism.
Patriotism and Conspiracy Theories: A Hot Button Issue
Bob Evnen, Nebraska’s secretary of state, who once championed a policy requiring the Pledge of Allegiance in schools, now faces accusations of lacking patriotism from fellow Republicans due to his disagreement with election conspiracy theories. He views patriotism as unity around “the idea of liberty and freedom and of self-governance” and finds the current debate divisive and unreasonable.
Patriotism in Schools: Shaping Young Minds
In Idaho, Governor Brad Little and Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield introduced a new “patriotic” history curriculum for public schools, emphasizing the need to “cultivate a respect and love of your country.” Developed by conservative author Bill Bennett, the curriculum aims to counteract what he sees as an “anti-American ideology” in education.
However, Democratic state Rep. Chris Mathias argues that history lessons should encompass both the positive and negative aspects of American history, including uncomfortable truths. He cautions against equating blind devotion with true patriotism.
Conclusion: Defining Patriotism in a Divided Nation
The definition of what is a patriot is far from simple. It encompasses historical ideals of self-sacrifice and love of country but has also been co-opted and redefined by various groups, including extremists and those pushing specific political agendas. As the nation continues to grapple with its identity, understanding the evolving meaning of patriotism is crucial for fostering constructive dialogue and preserving the values of liberty, freedom, and self-governance. It is essential to distinguish between genuine devotion to American ideals and the use of patriotism as a tool for division and exclusion.
