Civics

Have you ever been to a Fourth of July party? Or have you stood to recite the pledge of allegiance before a football game? If you have, then you’ve participated in an American ritual. A ritual is a way of behaving in a particular situation. Rituals are repetitive by nature and often become deeply ingrained in culture. Some Americans see these rituals as fun habits or traditions, but frankly, they are much more than a simple habit. Many Americans tend to lose sight of the importance of these holidays and habits that have been overshadowed by visuals and the comfort that these holidays can bring.

The American creed is expressed in many ways; rituals and symbols are just one of the patriotic examples of our country's loyalty to its founding meaning. While the true meaning of these traditions stems from important events that took place or from important people in history, many people get caught up in the festivities and the benefits of these holidays. An example is Martin Luther King Jr day. Many people just see it as a day off work or school, but his impact on the civil rights movement and cultural flip of the Black American community has the tendency to be greatly overshadowed. While Martin Lurther King Jr day doesn't have a huge amount of traditions nationwide, people have still found a way to overshadow it for their own benefit. Another example of the true meaning of holidays being overshadowed is Christmas. Consumerism America has gotten so caught up with the rituals and traditions that the true meaning of this great holiday, the birth of Jesus Christ, has gotten overshadowed by the self indulgence of food, presents, and lights. While there is not anything wrong with enjoying these things, we mustn't lose sight of the true meanings. 

On a new note, symbols and words also hold a great deal of importance in the culture of our great American nation. One example is military uniforms, as these represent the sacrifice that brave men and women have made in support and defense of our nation. The idea of military service has a special place in the hearts of countless Americans. Free meals, drinks, and extra general benefits are some that they may receive in their everyday life. But tying back to the idea of the true meaning of symbols being overshadowed by self benefit and the idea of just feeling better about themselves, there are over 1.6 million homeless veterans in America. These men and women who have put their lives on the line for this country are being reduced to a cardboard box on the cold streets. Americans act like veterans are their top priority with their small donations and free coffees occasionally, but the overall picture is once they become homeless these veterans are seen as second class citizens no matter what they have given up or sacrificed for their country. These homeless Americans spend Veterans Day enjoying the fruits of their labors on the street while the average American may get a day off work.

But what about a symbol that brings American people together? The great American flag was created in 1777 and continues to remain a symbol of freedom and liberty across the globe. From everyone standing to recite the pledge before sporting events or graduations, to it being proudly displayed at the homes of millions of proud Americans, the flag is an essential part of the American creed. Americans see this as paying homage to the men and women that have sacrificed all for the benefit of our country and the citizens that reside in it.

Our great country is built on its rituals and traditions. Some of them bring us together, while others can tear us apart. These events play a key role in the continuous improvement of our nation and the people that call it home. While some Americans are slowly losing sight of the true meaning of these holidays, the American creed will live on. There will always be those that will keep alive the traditions that honor and respect those that have come before us and sacrificed all they had to give us a better future.