About 240 years ago, as the founding fathers deliberated on the design of the United States’ great seal, they ultimately chose the bald eagle to represent the nation. However, Ben Franklin, a notable dissenting voice, advocated for the wild turkey as a symbol instead. Despite his passionate argument, the eagle prevailed and became our national emblem.
It’s intriguing to ponder how a seemingly minor decision could have altered the course of our national identity. What if Franklin had succeeded in his proposal? Would our Thanksgiving traditions be the same? Would we see turkey as a humorous alternative to insults?
Delving Deeper into National Symbols
Could our choice of national symbols shape our national character and trajectory? The bald eagle is a predator, known for its hunting prowess, while wild turkeys are foragers that prefer acorns and nuts. How might this distinction between a hunter and a forager affect our national ethos? Would it have influenced our 19th-century beliefs in Manifest Destiny or our approach to foreign policy in the 20th and 21st centuries?
The Meaning Behind Our National Colors
Consider also our national colors. The red, white, and blue of the American flag were naturally influenced by the colonies’ previous ties to Britain, whose flag shares similar hues. Over time, these colors have taken on various meanings. Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, noted that white represents purity and innocence, red signifies valor and hardiness, while blue stands for vigilance and justice.
There’s even an unspoken symbolism behind the stars and stripes that isn’t often discussed. A book from the House of Representatives suggests that the stars reflect “the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired,” while the stripes symbolize “the rays of light emanating from the sun.” Such rich symbolism could have taken on different interpretations. For instance, could the white represent gratitude for our nation’s vast resources, or might the blue symbolize peaceful coexistence among ourselves and other nations?
Our National Anthem
Let’s also examine our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was adopted by President Wilson in 1916 and is rooted in a battle during the War of 1812. Would our national identity be different if we had chosen a more peaceful anthem like “God Bless America,” which was penned in 1918 by Irving Berlin?
Maybe I’m overthinking this. Perhaps our symbols are arbitrary, shaped by the preferences of those in power, and don’t truly influence how we perceive ourselves as Americans. But it’s worth considering that while Franklin championed the turkey, he originally favored the rattlesnake as a symbol.
Further Reading on Home Insemination
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Conclusion
In summary, the choices we make regarding national symbols, from animals to colors and anthems, may reflect deeper values that shape our collective identity. What if we had chosen differently? The implications could have been profound.