10 Times Patriotism Influenced Pop Culture

Americans have found many ways to display a sense of patriotism over the years, but when patriotic symbols and messages find their way into pop culture, they can be inspiring in a fresh, unexpected way. Sometimes, this happens with films that depict impactful events, such as World War II, or that explore topics like freedom and democracy. Popular music has also greatly boosted national morale, whether show tunes, country, or rock. Fashion has played an interesting and widespread role in patriotism, especially in the last few decades. These are 10 of the most significant times patriotism has influenced pop culture.

Related: 10 Patriots And Heroes Who Stepped Up During Terrorist Attacks

10 George Washington’s Suit

Fashion and politics can make a strange and interesting combination. Just after the Revolution, fashion became an important issue of the day in early American society when many citizens demonstrated their patriotism by exclusively wearing American-made clothes instead of imported fashion from England or France. George Washington helped to lead this movement. One particular motivation was the desire to “erase social and political inequalities evident in importing items from Europe,” according to Bustle Textiles. Washington set a public example when he chose to dress in an American-made suit for his first inauguration in 1789.

The frock coat, waistcoat, and breeches were tailored at Mount Vernon, using plain brown broadcloth American wool from the Hartford Woolen Manufactory in Connecticut. The buttons had the Great Seal of the United States engraved on them. It was well known that George Washington’s suit was American-made since the story was widely covered in the press.^[1]

9 Rocky IV

There is something patriotic about Sylvester Stallone’s entire Rocky franchise, partially due to its recurring “land of opportunity” theme. Rocky IV may actually be the most stunningly patriotic of all. In the 1985 film, Rocky is the current heavyweight champion and feels compelled to take on a fierce new challenger, Soviet-backed boxer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), after he kills Rocky’s competitor-turned-friend Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) in the ring.

An exhibition match is set in Moscow, where Rocky plans to avenge Apollo’s brutal death at the hands of ruthless Drago. As usual, Rocky is at a clear disadvantage, this time because Drago is a gigantic, superhuman, steroid-enhanced fighting machine. Since the film was made during the Cold War, it is viewed as a fight between America and the Soviet Union, emphasizing the differences between cultures and national ideals at the time. Although he is supposed to be in hostile territory, Rocky wins over the Russian spectators, who start cheering his name, and of course, he wins.^[2]

8 “America”

Possibly the most memorable thing about the 1980 remake of the 1927 melodrama The Jazz Singer is the captivatingly dramatic song “America,” written and recorded by the leading actor, Neil Diamond. A big commercial hit, “America” has continued to be popular in its own right and is still one of Diamond’s best-loved works.

As often happens with remakes of iconic films, this version was a financial disappointment at the time, which is probably one reason the climactic song overshadowed the actual film. Another reason “America,” with its rousing refrain “They’re coming to America,” is such a powerful piece of music is because it highlights a major theme of The Jazz Singer story often forgotten or overlooked—the resolve to leave behind the past in order to start fresh, enjoying the kind of liberty and opportunities the United States offers.

The protagonist, Jess Robin, is seeking to achieve his ambitions as a mainstream entertainer despite the urges of his strict and very traditional cantor father (Laurence Olivier) for him to follow in his footsteps. It can be seen as a metaphor for the American dream and the sacrifices that often come along with its pursuit, which is so movingly illustrated by this song.^[3]

7 Captain America

Comic books are deeply embedded in American culture, in both their original format and through popular films, TV adaptations, games, and other merchandise. Many superheroes originating in comic books are extremely patriotic and strive to protect America and preserve freedom, such as Superman, Wonder Woman, and, of course, Captain America, an enormously popular movie franchise. Like some of the most inspiring American pop culture heroes, Captain America started as an underdog.

The character of Steve Rogers was a frustrated would-be soldier in the early days of World War II, rejected for military service because of his physical weakness, and transformed into a super soldier. Already a brave, admirable young man with a strong desire to stand up to bullies, Rogers was selected to receive a special serum and join the army’s Super-Soldier program, which led to his transformation into Captain America. From his amazing World War II feats to his involvement with “The Avengers,” Captain America has long been a shining embodiment of patriotism and American ideals in pop culture.^[4]

6 The Americans (TV Series)

Patriotic-themed fiction often contains storylines featuring international intrigue in books, films, and TV series, like the Emmy-winning, Cold War-era drama The Americans (2013–2018). Ironically, the series focuses on enemies of the U.S.: a married, undercover KGB spy couple in Washington, D.C., during the 1980s. The change in political ideology that Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys) experiences after enjoying the American way of life sends a powerfully favorable message about democracy. However, due to their conflicting views, the drama between Philip and his wife, Elizabeth (Keri Russell), keeps things interesting. Their daughter Paige is also torn in her national loyalty.

The “FX” series, which was unique in terms of characterizations and other elements, developed an enthusiastic, though relatively small, fan base. The Americans won over many critics, like Roger Ebert, who said it “plays more like literature than traditional television, and it’s a novel that’s getting richer and more rewarding with every season.”^[5]

5 Stars and Stripes Dress

Clothing featuring the American flag may seem like a modern development, but it has been around for a surprisingly long time, going all the way back to the 19th century. However, wearing the American flag on clothing outside of the 4th of July celebrations was still unusual until the 1950s and ’60s when the U.S. involvement in the Korean and Vietnam wars inspired flag fashion. According to a Racked article by Julissa Treviño: “The flag was used in both support and in protest of those efforts.”

As common as American flag clothing has become, some pieces have made a real impression, particularly among higher-end designer collections like the Ralph Lauren sweaters and T-shirts. However, the single most iconic example of flag attire in pop culture may be the 2001 “Stars and Stripes Dress” by French designer Catherine Malandrino. The chiffon shirtdress with a flag print was worn by Halle Berry on the red carpet at the Swordfish premiere on September 1, 2001. But it caught on with a wide range of other female celebs soon after the 9/11 attacks, including Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone, Madonna, and Tatyana Ali. The dress was resurrected when it was worn by Meryl Streep 15 years later for her speech at the DNC in 2016.^[6]

4 Yankee Doodle Dandy (Film)

By 1942, when the big screen musical biopic Yankee Doodle Dandy premiered, George M. Cohan’s rousing patriotic songs like “Yankee Doodle Boy” had been entertaining the public for decades. In an impressive departure from his usual gangster roles, James Cagney famously portrayed the legendary Broadway song-and-dance man and celebrated songwriter in this lavish tribute released at the beginning of War II. It is still viewed as one of the most patriotic movies of all time.

Cohan, who started his career as a child in a vaudeville act with his family, wrote and performed a wide range of songs, many of which are still well known, such as “Give My Regards to Broadway” from his stage musical “Little Johnny Jones.” Still, he is best remembered for helping to shape Americana. His contributions, especially two now classic patriotic songs, “Over There” and “A Grand Old Flag,” led to Cohan being awarded a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor by President Franklin Roosevelt. At the time of “Yankee Doodle Dandy’s” debut, Variety said: “It’s as American as the Liberty Bell.”^[7]

3 “Born Free”

Kid Rock is clearly proud to be an American and passionately expressed his love of personal freedom through his 2010 song “Born Free” from his album by the same name. The platinum-selling single has been popular for sporting events and political rallies and has been featured in Chevrolet TV commercials. The style of “Born Free” is an interesting blend of pop, rock, country and blues. It is a refreshingly gritty departure from the more polished patriotic songs we are used to hearing in various genres. The rough-around-the-edge appeal combined with its strong, independent spirit has caused the song to be embraced as an example of patriotism within the framework of pop culture.

In a 2010 interview with Billboard, Kid Rock talked about how he was inspired to write this ode to freedom after traveling around the world and playing for the troops overseas, saying, “It’s really opened it up to me that, wow, being born free is a pretty big deal.”^[8]

2 Patton

The 1970 biographical film Patton, starring George C. Scott in his most famous role, chronicled General George S. Patton’s career during World War II. There is something ironic about the timing of this film’s release, in the middle of a huge backlash to U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. In another way, it is strangely appropriate because, even though the film is set during a much more popular war, there is still plenty of controversy. In this case, it centers on General Patton, known for his tough, forceful, even tyrannical leadership.

While viewed as a villain to some, he is a hero to others, inspired by his ultra-macho attitude and amazing wartime victories. This classic wartime epic, featuring a highly praised performance by Scott and a screenplay co-written by Francis Ford Coppola, was a critical and commercial triumph that won seven Oscars. Patton has continued to be popular over the years and is often referenced in pop culture for its patriotic symbolism along with its indelible theme song.^[9]

1 “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue”

Music has always served as a great way to express patriotism in general and can effectively boost morale during times of war. This music has extended far beyond traditional patriotic hymns and anthems, resulting in some very inspiring pop songs. Country music artist Toby Keith had a massive crossover hit in 2002 with “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (Angry American)” from his multi-platinum album Unleashed.

This song, about the U.S. reaction to the 9/11 attacks, begins with a traditional patriotic theme, talking about Americans saluting the flag and those in the American military who die to preserve freedom. It takes a touchingly personal tone when Keith describes his own father, who “served in the Army where he lost his right eye, but he flew a flag out in our yard ’til the day that he died.”

After setting a sentimental tone, the lyrics get tough and aggressive, alluding to U.S. military action. Keith cleverly weaved in iconic American symbols like the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam in this anthem. “Courtesy of the Red White and Blue” did have its share of critics, like Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines, a vocal opponent of the Iraq War, who said in part that the song “makes country music sound ignorant” according to “Live Now Fox.” This led to a very public feud between the two country music stars. Knowing it was a controversial song, Keith had been reluctant to record it. Still, after playing it for military personnel at the Pentagon, a commander strongly urged him to release it as a single, telling Keith it would be a service to his country.^[10]