Imagine a different history where the wild turkey, rather than the bald eagle, became the national symbol of the United States. During the late 18th century, as the founding fathers deliberated over the design of the great seal, Benjamin Franklin famously advocated for the turkey, deeming it a noble creature. However, the eagle ultimately soared into the role of national representation.
What if Franklin had prevailed in this debate? Would we celebrate Thanksgiving with the same enthusiasm, or perhaps even throw turkeys as light-hearted jests? This whimsical idea leads us to ponder the broader implications of our national symbols and how they shape our collective identity.
The Nature of Our National Symbols
Consider the nature of the bald eagle, a powerful predator that hunts fish, other birds, and small mammals. In contrast, turkeys are foragers, content to gather acorns and berries. How might a shift from a hunter to a forager symbolize our national character? Would it alter the way we viewed Manifest Destiny in the 19th century, or our approach to global conflicts in the 20th and 21st centuries?
The Colors of Our Flag
Our choice of colors for the national flag also reflects deeper meanings. The red, white, and blue were influenced by the colors of the British flag, but they have taken on their own significance over time. As Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, noted, white represents purity, red signifies valor, and blue embodies vigilance and justice. What if these colors had come to symbolize different ideals? Could white stand for gratitude for our nation’s abundance or blue reflect our aspirations for peaceful coexistence?
Our National Anthem
Let’s not forget about our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Adopted in 1916, its martial lyrics echo the struggles of the War of 1812. How might our national sentiment differ if we had chosen a more peaceful song, like Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” which emerged shortly after?
Perhaps our symbols are random, dictated by the whims of history, and carry no significant influence over our national identity. But it’s intriguing to think about. As a fun aside, Franklin’s first choice for a national emblem wasn’t the turkey at all—it was the rattlesnake!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the symbols we adopt can shape our collective identity and values in profound ways. To explore more about home insemination and its related topics, check out our post on artificial insemination kits. For valuable information on fertility, visit the CDC’s fertility resource. And if you’re curious about the nuances of insemination, explore our blog post on intracervical insemination.
Summary
The article explores the implications of selecting the turkey over the bald eagle as America’s national symbol, considering how this choice could reflect different values and characteristics of the nation. It also touches on the meanings behind the national colors and anthem, prompting readers to think about how symbols shape national identity.