Patriotism in the United States
The patriotism in the United States must be understood in the context of a composed mainly of immigrants society. In this way it differs from corresponding phenomena in European nation states . In this context, patriotism also or mainly fulfills the function of facilitating integration for people from different cultures, some of which are hostile to one another.
Symbols of patriotism in the USA
flag
The stars and stripes are not only hoisted naturally on public buildings in the USA, but can also be found in many private properties or, as a sticker, on cars. How the flag is to be presented and how it must not be used is regulated in a federal law (National Flag Code, since June 14, 1923, which has since been celebrated as Flag Day ). For example, business owners are prohibited from displaying the flag in the shop window if they want to stand out from the competition as patriotic. The use of stars and stripes to decorate consumer goods is also subject to restrictions. When the flags of a state and the USA are presented together, the flag of the state may not hang higher than the national flag. The National Flag Code is not punishable.
Oath of allegiance
The oath is spoken in common in US schools before class. To do this, all stand up, turn to the flag, put their right hand on their hearts and speak the text together:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag
- of the United States of America
- and to the Republic for which it stands,
- one nation under God, indivisible,
- with liberty and justice for all.
- (I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and the Republic,
- for which it stands, a nation under God, indivisible, with freedom and justice for all.)
In 1945 the words "under god" were added. The fact that this addition was declared "unconstitutional" and unsuitable for use in public schools by a California court in 2002 met with widespread criticism.
The original text is by Francis Bellamy (1855–1931), a Christian socialist .
July 4th
July 4th as the day of the declaration of independence (1776) is celebrated across the country with parades, barbecues and fireworks.
National anthem
The national anthem is sung at public events such as a baseball game. Rules of conduct apply here that are also codified in the flag code.