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In America, so many things have been going on that make me think about
nationalism. Nationalism: the belief that nations will benefit from acting
independently rather than collectively, emphasizing national rather than
international goals.
Today being the 4th of July, I've really been thinking about how lucky
we are that America is a free country and our responsibilities as citizens.
America is an independent country so the citizens have many right and
responsibilities. The rights:
When you disagree with your government about a law or a national movement,
you have the right to speak up or protest, as long as it does not interfere
with the law. When the U.S. went into war with Iraq, most everyone saw
people on the streets holding up signs like "No War" or "Support Our
Troops." That is an example of freedom of expression.
Freedom of religion
gives you the right to believe in any religion or no religion at all. At
the age of 18, when you are considered an adult, you can vote and run for
public office. Voting gives citizens the opportunity to choose who they
want to lead their city, state or country though times of crisis. Last, but
not least the right to be treated fairly by your government. The government
cannot limit your rights depending on your gender, race or religion. Some
people who helped achieve this right are well-known people like Susan B.
Anthony and Martian Luther King, Jr.
This get you thinking, we have a lot of
rights, don't we? However, our country cannot be great without
responsibilities the government relies on the citizens to fulfill:
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Follow the Law
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Respect others' Freedoms
We all know what it means to follow the laws of your communities.
Respecting others' freedoms means don't interfere with others' religion.
Also, do not interfere with others freedom of expression, like don't yell or
break up other peoples protests.
Now, we have all these rights because of one thing; nationalism. We have
nationalism because on July 4th, 1779 the Founders of the U.S. signed the
Declaration of Independence stating that the Thirteen Colonies would break free from Great
Britain and form an independent country!
Editor's Note: A very patriotic article, actingup9, and well done for that.
Now, is nationalism the same thing as patriotism? Is there a way to be one but
not the other?
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