Tuesday, October 9

Patriotism




So, I feel like this could mean a few different things. And if this is how we're going to continue to portray patriotism, then I am probably going to be upset about it.

Or, if the photographer/people who selected this photograph were making a joke, I doubt many people who saw this got it.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

too small- can't read it

Sipwine said...

Hmm.. I wonder if it is a joke.

~Kris said...

What do the words say?

Sean said...

what's upsetting about it? it's not saying that you have to join the military to be patriotic. it's saying that true patriotism isn't just waving the flag at the fourth of july, or during the olympics when we're cleaning house.

the quote is:

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." - Adlai E. Stevenson

doesn't say you have to support iraq, doesn't say you have to always agree with your elected officials. just says that patriotism is a lifetime of dedication to your country. why wouldn't that picture be a fitting example to go with that? military members aren't the only ones who dedicate a lifetime of service to their country, but they're one of the most identifiable for such a poster, aren't they?

Anonymous said...

I don't see anything upsetting about it, either...
I don't think it's any kind of a joke...maybe TAB thought it meant that they'd be there forever, that's not what it was supposed to say.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ripsy said...

TAB, maybe you just have a poor sense of irony?

Miss Devylish said...

I don't think it's offensive in the way it's meant.. but what's obvious is the first thought of patriotism is you must be dedicated to your country like the military, be in the military, or something to that effect. There's no other vision of what that word means. What I can see could be offensive to anyone is that the picture is clearly of soldiers. Currently, they're still dying en masse because we're in the middle of a pretty nasty war, ugly on all sides, and the death rate should be upsetting to everyone.

magickat said...

Well, in it's small way it is art... and as art is supposed to do, it is getting your readers talking about their interpretation of it. Was it a joke this poster? I don't think so. It looks like one of those "motivational" posters you see in offices and such.

But I have to agree... I don't care for the imagery with the quote below it. Although my image of patriotism is far different then soldiers lined up for battle.

A. Marigold said...

It would make me uncomfortable if I thought the person who put it together thought the only way you could be a patriot was if you were in the military or supported war. Is that what you were getting at, TAB?

Moderator said...

I would probably have something very relevant to say about this poster if I could read the fine print.

Patricia said...

Hello from Canada. We generally aren't as passionate about patriotism as Americans are. Looking at the picture means to me that someone is willing to take a stand for what they believe in. Military personnel are giving their lives for patriotism and as that is the ultimate sacrifice it is acceptable that this is one person's view of patriotism. That Canada should be so supportive of the concept.