Happy Fourth of July

The millions of Americans who displayed a flag, watched a parade and fireworks were participating in one of America’s leading characteristics – patriotism.

• Pew Research reported in their 25-year values comparison (1987 to 2012) that, in spite of increased partisan polarization, the percentage of Americans claiming to be very “patriotic” has remained consistently high – 89% in 2012 (never below 85% in over 25 years).
• In a 2006 study from the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) authored by Tom Smith, Director of the General Social Survey, America was the leading country out of 33 in pride of national accomplishments and second in national pride. National pride questions: “I would rather be a citizen of my country than any other country in the world,” and “Generally speaking, my country is a better country than most countries.” National pride in accomplishments, such as in science and technology, the arts, sports and political influence in the world.
• But in international and national studies, there are differences over time and among demographic groups. Nations recently experiencing terrorist attacks or that are in ascendance or decline based on their economic conditions and globalization can have significant variations in national pride.

Among Americans, 81 percent say they are either “extremely proud” (54%) or “very proud” (27%) to be an American. There is variation in the percentage saying they are “extremely proud,” with the height of 70 percent after the 9/11 terrorist attack declining to a more common mid-50 percent level from 2007 through today.

• Demographic differences include age, region and partisanship, with lesser percentages of young Americans, Westerners and Democrats stating they are “extremely proud.”