Approximately 240 years ago, during the discussions among the founding fathers regarding the design of the Great Seal of the United States, the bald eagle was chosen as the national symbol. However, there was a notable dissent from Benjamin Franklin, who advocated for the wild turkey as a representation of our nation. Ultimately, the eagle prevailed, assuming its role as a national icon.
This historical choice prompts a fascinating inquiry: how might our lives and national identity differ if the turkey had been adopted instead? Would Thanksgiving celebrations revolve around this bird with the same enthusiasm? Would we use it in friendly banter, tossing turkey-themed puns at one another?
Delving Deeper into National Symbols
Could the symbols we choose actually shape our national ethos and trajectory? The bald eagle, a fierce predator, contrasts sharply with the wild turkey, which is primarily a forager, thriving on nuts and seeds rather than hunting for sustenance. Would this shift from a hunter to a forager have influenced our national mindset, particularly regarding our 19th-century belief in Manifest Destiny and our military engagements in the 20th and 21st centuries?
Consider also our national colors. The red, white, and blue of the American flag were derived from the colors of the British flag, reflecting our colonial heritage. Initially devoid of specific meanings, these colors have evolved over time. Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, outlined their significance, stating that white represents purity and innocence, red symbolizes courage and valor, while blue stands for vigilance and justice.
Moreover, there are deeper interpretations behind the stars and stripes. According to a 1977 publication from the House of Representatives, the stars represent “the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired,” while the stripes symbolize “the rays of light emanating from the sun.” Imagining alternative meanings, one might propose that white could signify gratitude for our abundant resources, and blue might embody the aspiration for peaceful coexistence.
The Impact of Our National Anthem
Let’s not forget our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was adopted by President Wilson in 1916 but originated from a battle during the War of 1812. How might our national character differ if we had opted for a more peaceful anthem, such as “God Bless America,” penned by Irving Berlin in 1918? Although Wilson had limited options, the impact of our anthem’s martial themes could influence our national psyche.
Perhaps it’s naive to believe that our symbols are anything beyond the random whims of those in power, but it’s worth pondering their potential impact on our self-perception as Americans. Interestingly, while Franklin championed the turkey, he initially preferred the rattlesnake as a national emblem.
Conclusion
In summary, the symbols we adopt—be they animals, colors, or songs—could play a significant role in shaping our national identity and values. By reflecting on these choices, we may gain insights into the deeper meanings embedded in our cultural narrative.
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Keyphrase: Turkey National Symbol
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