Citizenship and Patriotism

A Call to National Action

The “new” American patriotism that has emerged since 9/11 is reminiscent of the spirit of America that was created after the Pearl Harbor attacks. The sneak attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, brought about a spirit of national unity and patriotism among Americans. Nearly 60 years later, [Page 334]that same spirit was revitalized as the nation mourned and joined together in the apocalyptic aftermath of 9/11. The essence of the patriotic unity is predicated upon the fact that both attacks took place on American soil and were aimed at Americans. Thus, the target was not contained to the focal points of the attacks but reached further to encompass America as a whole. This led to an urgency of patriotism and social solidarity that was more nationally based than globally based. The constant discourse about valor, honor, heroism, duty, and American pride was illustrated by the out-pouring of tangible and commoditized patriotic items. Everywhere, flags, songs, ribbons, bumper stickers, and T-shirts highlighted the rise of patriotism. This spectacle of patriotism could be viewed as a new focus of national interest aimed at unifying the country. This devout patriotism resulted in a rise of racism.

Pinpointing an “enemy among us” furthered the newly erupted patriotism: the Japanese during Pearl Harbor and Arab Americans since 9/11. Increased nationalism, combined with a “marked” foe, led to new intolerance and racism. How combative Americans acted toward the enemy could now be used to measure patriotism. The large number of civilian casualties exacerbated the hatred aimed at the enemy exotics. The anger, fear, and racial prejudice associated with Pearl Harbor led to more than 100,000 people of Japanese origin being held in internment camps on the West Coast. Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, allowed for military commanders to designate areas from which any or all persons may be excluded.

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