July 1, 2024
U.S. Patriotism
Majority Thinks U.S. is Becoming Less Patriotic, But Most Know from Whom the U.S. Won Its Independence
As Americans fire up the grill and set their eyes to the night sky for this year’s fireworks display, a majority of residents say the nation is suffering from a low dose of patriotism. Republicans, white residents, and older Americans are among those who are the most likely to perceive patriotism to be on the decline in the United States. However, most Americans do recognize that, on July 4th, the nation celebrates its independence from Great Britain, a notable increase from past years.
A majority of Americans (52%) think people in the United States are less patriotic than they were a few years ago. 32% believe they are about as patriotic as they were while 14% believe those in the U.S. are more patriotic.
Republicans (65%) and independents (52%) are more likely than Democrats (42%) to say U.S. patriotism is on the decline.
White residents (56%) are more likely than non-white residents (44%) to believe there is a lack of patriotism in the United States.
Residents under the age of 30 (20%) are more likely than their older counterparts to believe people in the U.S. are more patriotic than they were a few years ago.
More than eight in ten Americans (84%) know the U.S. celebrates its independence from Great Britain on July 4th, up from 77% in 2017. 16% of Americans mention other countries (8%) or are unsure (8%).
“So, why is there a notable increase in people knowing who the U.S. gained its independence from,” queries Lee M. Miringoff, Director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion. “Until I hear a better explanation, I’m opting for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘Hamilton Effect,’ first Broadway and then the movie, for making sure Americans know our history.”