Introduction
Williams (1997) has noted in his article that the cultural conflict that is taking place is more complicated than any activist would suggest. America’s culture has undergone all sorts of changes over the years thus resulting in an endless array of conflicts that have led to violence and murder (Bidstrup, 1995).
Jingoist version
Generally speaking, the jingoist has a forceful reason for every happening in the history of America. These people are kind of superior against every world view. It explains that America is always doing the right thing no matter how wrong it may seem, it just has to be right. This view directed to war is the exact definition of absolute patriotism. The jingoes also justify the reason why the Americans fight back their enemies is that they need to straighten things. According to their point of view, these jingoes put across the view that America controls the universe since they are the superpower. The author of this article goes ahead to give evidence on this belief of jingoism by claiming that American presidents have played by the rules of jingoism as they ran the country. The jingoes even go ahead to defend themselves when they state that if their enemies are destroyed in the war, the reason behind that is because they have poor fighting skills. The assumption in this article is that God chose the people of America, that is why they have increased in population in the American land. The Jingoist have listed the things that America has done that has rescued the world and fed the hungry. The article also states that a good percentage of Americans fought for the country during the war. This statement is based on research that does not seem to be reliable. The author of this article has intentionally chosen examples from the history of America to support his point of view; that is, of the superiority of America. These views have been backed up by researches and evidence that are not quite reliable. Therefore, this makes jingoism seem illogical and unconvincing. If the author of this article would back up his argument based on solid facts and supporting evidence, such as examples taking place in today’s America, then it would have been more convincing.
Dissenter’s Version
While Jingoism equates politics to a game of superiority, Dissenter’s version compares politics to a game of ruling over other superpowers. It outlines the origin of choosing slaves which were based on viewing the potential candidates for slavery as less than humans. In other words, this version, as compared to Jingoism, has a more practical way of analyzing since it gives solid examples as to America is where it is today. On the contrary, basing itself on an assumption as to why America is more susceptible to be attacked by nuclear weapons just because the country defied the president’s advice is lame. It also paints a picture that seems to suggest that America is after the war and only war, and the driving force behind it is to amass resources to emerge the superpower. The Dissenter, as compared to the Jingo, claims that God has given the Americans a marked destiny. By basing the argument on evidence such as why America has emerged as the superpower because it made use of slaves and its ability to spot resources and tapping into them, just makes this version more convincing as compared to the Jingoist version. Concerning real wars, practically speaking, a country that goes to war will have a stable military front, just as indicated, and for it to acquire resources, it will make sure it has its labor force, like slaves. The evidence presented in this version and the assumptions outlined such as volunteers in the military are present in plenty because they are poor makes the Dissenter not to be credible and sound.
The idealist’s version
America is considered an exceptional nation in that it only goes to war when this must be because it considers war an extremity that is resorted to when all other modes of negotiation fail. Since time immemorial we have been suspicious of huge military establishments believing them to be seditious to democracy. Washington, the first president of the United States upon leaving office warned against letting war become a principal part of our political life. The American people are peaceable and we are surrounded by nations that are still opposed to our way of life. Our way of life is still as yet a minority in a world that is full of authoritarianism and dictatorship still holds sway in most nations. However much as we wish that the world would follow in our footsteps, this is not possible in the short run and as a result, must always be vigilant against a nation that would try to disrupt this balance.
According to this, it requires that we set aside a substantial amount of wealth to be prepared. Harsh realities have led us to set up large military-industrial complexes in a bid to uphold the vow not being prepared as was the case in world war two, Pearl Harbor. Eisenhower, who led us to victory left office and like Washington also warned of the problems having a large military, would do to politics and as a result put in place checks to ensure that the military would not overwhelm other aspects of governance and the voice of the people.
The voice of the people has always been the final authority in matters concerning governance. That said, however, people are always ready to sacrifice their taxes and even their lives in a bid to uphold what they believe is right and just. As result care is taken to ensure that sacrifices are not incurred disproportionately. The American military has been based on democracy and it is with passion and commitment that the young people defend our country with such fierceness against totalitarianism.
Our commitment to democratic freedoms is dictated humanely and with the requisite force. The level of violence employed by our troops is directly proportional to the intensity of the attacks meted out on our troops and no more. When our enemies choose for us the level of destructiveness, we must employ self-defense. History has shown that our enemies are relentless and cruel dishing forth the worst. Lincoln described the American people as ‘the last best hope for mankind.
War makes our citizens behave in ways that freedom-loving Americans find reprehensible, but such is the price of war. We are so tolerant so much so that we have given those not comfortable with the law a platform on which to practice their freedom of dissent.
We know that our soldiers are first citizens and soldiers second, and they would wish to come back and lead normal lives after they come back from deployment from their various stations. Twice a year, on Veterans and Memorial days, the country takes a moment of silence to reflect on the sacrifices made daily by our soldiers as well as recall that vigilance and commitment are the only true words of the republic.
Conclusion
The two ideologies, Jingoism, and the Dissenter version present America as a country that is completely self-sufficient with no weaknesses and an ability to stand on its own. On the other hand, the Idealist gives a more realistic point of view about the United States. It admits its weaknesses and mistakes thus making a more convincing view of America. Therefore, this view is more credible and convincing. Despite these conflicts, Sanes (1997) states that this culture gives us the hope of a better, more interesting world.
Reference
Bidstrup, S. (1995). Speculations on The Causes Of The “Culture Wars”. Web.
Sanes, K. (1997). The New Culture War. Transparency. Web.
Williams, R.H. (1997). Is America In a Culture a War? Yes—No—Sort of.
The Christian Century Magazine, p 1038-1043. Web.