Patriotism and Youth in America

Patriotism is devotion to and vigorous support for one's country, while youth is the time of life when one is young. In the two articles written by Walter Thompson-Hernández and Jacqui Shine, these two topics are deeply investigated through the customs of Americans.

What makes a person patriotic? An exceptional way to show patriotism is to support others. Ways of doing this are to use teamwork and be encouraging to your neighbors. In this article, a photograph depicting a group of women making an American, states, “This flag is so big that it takes ten people to unfurl it across the floor of the production room, and even then it’s a tight squeeze.” This is a perfect example of patriotism, considering these women are not only working together but serving their country. Even though the women in the photo come from different ethnicities, they are still serving the country they commonly love.

Another example of being there for your country through patriotism is showing acceptance of other cultures in your community. No matter what nationality you are, you have the right to support the country of your choice. In the patriotism article, the writer investigates Lincoln High School; the largest and most diverse school in the city. In this school, teens coming from all different cultures share a love for America. One photograph in the article shows students walking up the steps, which have kind messages written up them. From the angle this photo is taken, you can only see the student’s legs. From here, everyone pretty much looks the same; you cannot see the clothes they are wearing, the way their hair is kept, or the looks of their faces. This symbolized that everyone is the same. Whatever culture they come from, they all share their love for America and that is what matters. Anyone from anywhere can love our country, and we must be grateful and support each other.

How do young people really think? One story in the youth article written by Walter Thompson-Hernández describes the never-ending obstacle of Saul Orozco, Mexican transborder. Saul has spent much of his like commuting across the US - Mexico border every day for work. Saul lives seven miles from the US border. He speaks of the difficulties of this lifestyle. “I can’t afford to rent an apartment here in San Diego,” he says. “I’m going to have to look for a place to rent in Tijuana.” He uses a SENTRI pass every day which allows him to temporarily enter.

To help people like Saul, students across the country are meeting online or in person, to talk about “unique identities formed by their circumstances.” This is a great method to relieving the worry in stress of these young adults. They work together and help each other through their similar problems. This is a great example of not just Americans but anyone involved with the country, uplifting each other and removing their burdens. To have someone in your age group understand and relate to your situation is extremely comforting.

Throughout both the Patriotism and Youth articles, Americans helping one another is greatly recognized. Having the support of your country is a very powerful trait. The impacts we leave on one another affect what is to come, and how Americans support each other now is improving our future.