The American Creed

Words, symbols, and rituals that define us as a nation

Introduction

“The American Creed is a statement of the defining element of American identity, first formulated by Thomas Jefferson and elaborated by many other that includes, liberty, equality, individualism, populism, laissez faire” Words, symbols, and rituals all play a part in the expression of the American Creed in different ways, but still manage to mean the same thing in some way. The meaning of all these is what sums up the American Creed and portrays how it is viewed throughout America and it’s different citizens.

Meaning of Words

A few words that speak for the American Creed are freedom, citizen, and democracy. In America, our people have many different freedoms compared to other countries still today. The most well-known freedoms are of speech and religion. The word citizen constitutes the people living in America and we call ourselves American Citizens. Democracy is the type of American government; it makes it so that the people can choose their leaders and sets power restrictions so that each part has equal power (Skylar).

Two simple words such as legal and illegal hold so much power in the ability to divide us as a nation. We often forget that we are all, or have been immigrants at some point in time whether it being our ancestors or ourselves. People come to America because they believe in the word freedom, and they believe that their life will be better here.

Symbolism

There are many symbols used when it comes to expressing the American Creed such as the Bald Eagle, the American Flag, and the Liberty Bell. The Bald Eagle is the symbol of strength, courage, and freedom. The American flag is a display of our nationalism, tells the story of America, and represents the freedom and true meaning of being an American (Drexel). The stripes on the flag are there to represent the original 13 colonies, and the stars represent the 50 states of the union. Color also has symbolic meaning. Red exhibits the hardiness, white reveals purity and innocence, and blue conveys vigilance and justice (PBS). The Liberty Bell was a symbol of freedom in America, it rang during the first readings of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 (Skylar).

Rituals

A few rituals used to symbolize the American Creed would be the pledge of allegiance in schools, the playing of the national anthem before sporting events, and the display of fireworks on Independence Day. Having students say the pledge of allegiance every day at school displays that Americans still honor the flag and it’s representation to them as an American. Playing the National Anthem honors Veterans and active members who fought for our freedom. The fireworks on the fourth of July are a visual recognition and celebration of the day America gained its independence and became its own country.

The American Dream is meant to provide its citizens with opportunities and freedom, it is the journey of an individual to achieve one’s goals and fulfillments in life. Certain words, symbols, and rituals are used every day to remind us of the beauty of America, and the triumphs faced in history that got us here.

Works Cited

“History of the American Flag.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 5 Mar. 2021, www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/history/old-glory/.

“History of the American Flag & US Flag History.” Drexel University Online, www.online.drexel.edu/flag-history.aspx.

H, Skylar. “‘How Do Words, Symbols, or Rituals Express the American Creed?”.” “How Do Words, Symbols, or Rituals Express the American Creed?” — American Creed, writingourfuture.nwp.org/americancreed/responses/1354-how-do-words-symbols-or-rituals-express-the-american-creed.