Patriotism In Gerard Huiskamp's 'Support Our Troops'

Numerous definitions of patriotism are used within society every day. Some people believe it is about the love and devotion for our country and others believe it has to do with symbols we obtain to show our appreciation for our country. After reading Gerard Huiskamp's, "'Support Our Troops!': The Social and Political Currency of Patriotism in the United States and Margaret A. Nash's "'How to Be Thankful for Being Free': Searching for a Convergence of Discourses on Teaching Patriotism, Citizenship, and United States History," my knowledge on patriotism has expanded. Each of these authors describes their view of patriotism and the way the world views it as well. Although both authors have different views on patriotism they have common interpretations

Huiskamp explains there are two different types of patriotism and different levels Americans express their patriotism. Gerard also touches on the military benefits both men and women seek. This paper by Huiskamp goes above and beyond explaining his view on many patriotic aspects of America and this essay will expand on those views. One point Huiskamp made that sparked my interest the most, was the relationship between patriotism and social class. He mentioned the military aspect of how lower class citizens are most likely to join the military than the upper class. "But this is precisely the problem in the US system, where invisible social privileges deny equal recognition in political practice, leading, indirectly, to a growing citizen divide which leaves working-class citizens carrying an undue burden of military service, as a mean to earn the recognition that should already be their due," Huiskamp stated. Gerard is basically explaining that the upper class is recognized easier for their political practice or other ways to be noticed by the world, while the lower class feels obligated to show their patriotism by joining the military. The citizens who join the military are either looking for recognition, needing the benefits offered, or just because they don't have any other options. I believe everyone in the military should be honored and recognized by the world, but they only are seen if they do something majorly heroic or they get injured severely. The upper class even back in the 1900's never had to serve because they could pay someone else to serve for them. The citizens are braver and should be honored more than the rich and wealthy in my eyes. The second point Huiskamp discussed that popped out at me was discussing the difference between the two types of patriotism. The first type of patriotism is deferential patriotism; this patriotism means the readiness to defend the