National Identity

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer maintains that national identity should take precedence over other possible identities in the United States, because the United States was founded on the principles of unity and trust, and because if the national identity is not front and foremost in most people's eyes, civil unrest would erupt threatening the safety of all people living in the country. The writer notes that the United States is the only nation in the World to create a national identity, partly because the United States welcomes as its own so many people from different nations, of different cultures, and people that speak different languages. The writer discusses that the national identity that belongs to the United States is not one that is exclusive, but rather inclusive of all others. This is one reason the United States is a model of freedom for people throughout the world. The writer maintains that the democratic principles that govern the nation offer people of all languages, ethnicities, races and cultures to enjoy democracy and freedom for all, so there is no need for the people living in American to associate with any other identity than "American".

From the Paper:

"The cause of a nation may vary from dispute to dispute, but historically people have always identified with others in their group, the group that shares a common identity. When you are a member of a national identity, you are often considered part of a team, the same team that will provide you with guidance, safety, information and education. A national identity is something all Americans have, although some people do not present themselves in a way that would allow others to recognize this. What distinguishes the United States from other countries is its history of being a "melting pot". What this means is many people from many different cultures and those that speak many different languages live in the United States. This is much unlike other countries, where people tend to share one common identity. People speak one language typically in other countries, as the primary language. The same can not be said for people living in countries other than United States. If people do not readily accept the concept of a national identity, there is too much risk that war, violence and the loss of democracy must follow. This is one of many reasons the national identity is so important to the livelihood of this country and of the American people living within its borders. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Angelou, Maya. "On the Pulse of Morning," New York Times, January 21 1993, p. A14.
• Huntington, Samuel. "The Crisis of National Identity". In, The Brief Bedford Reader, pp.330-35, by X.J. Kennedy, Dorothy M. Kennedy, and Jane E. Aaron. 2004
• Korostelina, Karina. "The Impact of National Identity on Conflict Behavior: Comparative Analysis of Two Ethnic Minorities in Crimea". International Journal of Comparative Sociology, 45.3-4, 2003: p.213.
• Martin, Scott C. "See America First: Tourism and National Identity 1880-1940". The Journal of Social History, 36.4, 2003: p.36.
• Newman, Rachel, "The Day the World Changed, I Did Too", Newsweek, 1 October 2001, p.9.

More papers on National Identity:

• Term Paper # 135045 : "Canadian National Identity"
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• Essay # 4469 : "A British National Identity"

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