Behavior: Changing Expressions of Patriotism

The approach of Memorial Day signals another media opportunity for hand-wringing over a supposed lack of patriotism, evidenced by low turnout at parades, grave-decorating, etc. Or might there be another interpretation?

Could it be, for instance, that younger generations of Americans simply don’t care for parades and graveyards?

Younger generations have been sensitized to death, violence and war. When television brought war into American living rooms some thirty to forty years ago, there was a horrified reaction. But for forty years, now, Americans have been seeing war on the news, and violence in their entertainment, and Memorial Day doesn’t capture a real feeling for many people who have never served or have known someone who served.

Might it be that the expressions of patriotism have changed?

Patriotism still exists, but there is more of a global feeling of wanting peace or not wanting peace, rather than a sense of one country against another for many people. Not everybody — but many people. In addition, there is so much inter-marriage and bi-racial reproduction that the face and the faces of America have changed to a more global look.

Don’t Gen X and Yers respond more to candlelight vigils (i.e., Virginia Tech), online “communities” and makeshift memorials at the scenes of fatal automobile accidents?

Yes — because these are more real to them than wars that take place in other countries. When tragedy, terrorism and death happen in our back yard, it’s easier for people to understand. When it happens overseas, it’s much harder to comprehend, trust and understand.

How can these preferences be reconciled with traditional observances like Memorial Day

Communication. When men and women who serve our country need are celebrated the same way our celebrity movie stars and heiresses, then American youth (and seniors) will have a better understanding of what their lives are like. There is no Real WOrld or other MTV reality show that takes place behind enemy lines or in basic training. If there were, there would be more understanding and interest in those who serve now and recently.