Recent Trends in American Patriotism
There’s been a noticeable decline in patriotism among young Americans in recent years, which is concerning for the nation’s future. However, there are signs that this shift may be reversing, particularly among Gen Z, especially young men, who are becoming increasingly conservative and more religious compared to millennials.
Factors Behind the Decline
A recent Gallup survey indicates that only 39% of U.S. adults feel “very proud” to be American, marking the lowest figure recorded. Another survey from the Wall Street Journal/NORC shows that only 38% of Americans consider patriotism “very important,” a drop from 70% in 1998. The implications of this decline in national pride are troubling.
This erosion of pride can be largely attributed to what young Americans are taught—or perhaps not taught. From classrooms to TikTok feeds, narratives that paint a negative picture of America seem to dominate. Social media often embraces radical ideologies while reducing American history to themes of slavery, racism, and sexism. There are many influencers, from celebrities to TikTok personalities, who present patriotism in outdated or even embarrassing lights.
The Importance of Patriotism
When people feel disconnected from their country, it tends to influence their civic engagement. Those who aren’t prideful often vote less, serve less, and contribute less to their communities, which can ultimately reduce national unity and shared goals. Unfortunately, a report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress reveals that only 13% of eighth graders were proficient in U.S. history in 2022, indicating a serious educational shortfall.
Signs of a Reversal?
President Reagan once cautioned that “freedom is merely a generation away from extinction,” echoing sentiments from Abraham Lincoln in 1838 about the need for vigilance in preserving our values.
Interestingly, there may be a shift happening. Data from the Tufts Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement suggests that 46% of young voters backed Donald Trump in 2024, a rise from 36% in 2020. This increase in support, particularly from young men, has been strongly influenced by new media rather than traditional outlets. While both Republican and Democrat groups express patriotism, Republicans tend to voice it more strongly. The same 2023 Gallup survey noted that 60% of Republicans felt extremely proud to be Americans, compared to just 29% of Democrats and 33% of independents.
This transition hints that cultural battles are being fought, and the landscape is changing. New forms of education and media are making inroads with the younger generation, challenging the established, often left-leaning, narratives that dominate academia and legacy media.
Countering the Trend
One organization making strides in reversing this trend is PragerU, which focuses on imparting American values through engaging educational content. They provide a variety of accessible resources, including videos and books, aimed at instilling a sense of patriotism and community service. For high school students and adults, there are numerous free videos like “Patriotism: Why We Need It?” and “Why I Love America.”
Additionally, there’s a fun initiative aimed at promoting patriotism among all ages through themed merchandise.
Building Pride from Early Ages
Patriotism should ideally start young. That’s why PragerU has developed resources for kids from kindergarten to eighth grade. These include engaging videos, worksheets, and creative projects designed to foster civic pride and responsibility early on. Titles like “Otto’s Story: Visit Arlington National Cemetery” and “Military Appreciation Wreath” aim to instill these values.
Time to Act
The decline in patriotism points to a potential crisis in national identity, but there’s still time to turn the tide. America’s founding ideals—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—are worth celebrating and teaching. The American dream of upward mobility through hard work and self-determination remains a compelling story. Unfortunately, if we neglect to pass this on to future generations, we may lose it altogether.
Now is the time for individual action, civic involvement, or even just sharing the truth. Everyone has a role in rekindling national pride and ensuring that our country’s legacy is one worth fighting for.
