Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., has voiced concern over a recent Gallup poll indicating a record-low 17% of Americans reported being "very proud" of their country. The survey, which has tracked patriotism for 25 years, found this figure to be the lowest in that period.
Hageman stated in a recent floor speech that "our excitement for America has been dimmed by accusations of an unacceptable morality, our self-image tarnished by a novel self-flagellation." She argued that the country possesses a distinct cultural identity that warrants preservation and encouraged a rekindling of appreciation for it as the nation approaches its 250th Independence Day.
Declining Pride Across Demographics
The Gallup findings revealed a significant drop in reported pride among different political affiliations. Only 36% of Democrats expressed being "very proud" of the U.S., a substantial decrease from 62% the previous year. Republicans, in contrast, reported much higher levels of pride, with 92% of respondents indicating they were very proud. Independents also saw a decline, with 53% expressing a great deal of pride, a seven-point drop from the year prior.
Hageman suggested that these statistics reflect a shift in perspective within the Democratic Party, particularly concerning the nation's history and founding. "My friends on the other side of the aisle have worked mightily to weaponize our history with slavery to indict our nation as irredeemable," she said. She characterized the focus on the year 1619, which marks the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in America, as a defining moment for "cultural revolutionaries hellbent to tear our society apart."
Call for Renewed National Identity
Hageman believes the trend of declining patriotism is reversible. She proposed that a renewed focus on the country's founding, emphasizing honesty and accuracy in historical accounts, could help reverse these declines. "I hope that by focusing on America’s 250th anniversary – and looking back over that history with honesty and accuracy — we will reverse these declines," she stated. She expressed optimism that national festivities could inspire a new sense of purpose in national identity and that the country is on the right track to making America proud again.
Hageman also commented on the nature of American culture, asserting, "We must stop pretending that America is just an idea, or that we have no shared culture worth fighting for." She clarified that this does not mean rejecting other cultures, noting America's history of welcoming people from around the globe. However, she added, "By inviting those who seek to make our country home, however, we are not obligated to subjugate our American history, culture and traditions for theirs. We instead welcome them here to partake in and succeed in the American way of life." .