"The State is all, worship the State!...Worship, bow down or die!" With these astonishing words, Stephen Vincent Benet prompts a disturbing question: when does patriotism cross the divide into state-worship? By creating myths of glory that affect the emotions, the elite is able to maintain power. Since nationalism is based on sentimentality, the elite manipulates citizens to accept uncritically the role of patriotism as a good thing. On the other hand, in "Dulce et Decorum Est" and "In Response to Executive order 9066," both Owen and Okita question the value of patriotism.
First, instead of promoting nobility of soul, patriotism results in horrible bloodshed. Owen shows how ugly and inglorious war becomes. Instead of smart-looking lads who should be bright young boys falling in love, the soldiers are described "like old beggars." Also, Owen describes how the soldiers march in their sleep, and how all …show more content…
Okita shows how patriotism fails to define what is an American. Because of this lack of definition, American citizens will be treated unjustly. Therefore, Okita questions whether this "national" injustice outweighs the destruction of bonds in smaller communities. Both in manner and in thought, the young girl in "In Response" is "American"--all except for her providential birth to parents of Japanese descent and not of European. The young girl admits having "bad spelling," having "a messy room," and having a fondness for hot dogs. Her willingness to report to the relocation center offers proof of her Americanism. Yet her friend and other classmates accuse the girl of "trying to start a war" and of "giving secrets away / to the Enemy." Tragically, the little girl's life is forever changed, because undefined limits of patriotism replace the tangible bonds of friendship. Hence, Okita wants the reader to question whether patriotism is worth the friendship of two innocent
First, instead of promoting nobility of soul, patriotism results in horrible bloodshed. Owen shows how ugly and inglorious war becomes. Instead of smart-looking lads who should be bright young boys falling in love, the soldiers are described "like old beggars." Also, Owen describes how the soldiers march in their sleep, and how all …show more content…
Okita shows how patriotism fails to define what is an American. Because of this lack of definition, American citizens will be treated unjustly. Therefore, Okita questions whether this "national" injustice outweighs the destruction of bonds in smaller communities. Both in manner and in thought, the young girl in "In Response" is "American"--all except for her providential birth to parents of Japanese descent and not of European. The young girl admits having "bad spelling," having "a messy room," and having a fondness for hot dogs. Her willingness to report to the relocation center offers proof of her Americanism. Yet her friend and other classmates accuse the girl of "trying to start a war" and of "giving secrets away / to the Enemy." Tragically, the little girl's life is forever changed, because undefined limits of patriotism replace the tangible bonds of friendship. Hence, Okita wants the reader to question whether patriotism is worth the friendship of two innocent