Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Classical Studies
Thesis Advisor
Dr. Brian Melton
Committee Professor
Dr. Brian Melton
Abstract
Abstract
CRITICAL THEORY AND THE DECLINE OF AMERICAN PATRIOTISM
Caron Norton
Southeastern University, 2025
Nationwide there has been a progressive decline in patriotism since the turn of the 21st century. Instead of growing in affection towards their country, more and more American citizens reach adulthood frustrated and angry with the United States and its heritage. Some become consumed with hatred. Rather than honoring America’s forefathers, Americans have torn down and desecrated statues and symbols from the past. Where did this antipatriotic fervor come from? How did Americans become disillusioned? This shift in mood can be directly attributed to the rise of Critical Theory and its subcategories, Critical Pedagogy and Critical Race Theory. Over the course of the 20th century, the tenets of these philosophies infiltrated the educational system and became common place in both methodology and content. As a result, the culture-changing ideas of Critical Theory have become so ingrained in society that they are barely noticeable. The decline in patriotism is the successful completion of the intentional goal of Critical Theory to instigate social unrest.
Recommended Citation
Norton, Caron L., "Critical Theory and the Decline of American Patriotism" (2025). Master of Arts in Classical Studies. 20.
https://firescholars.seu.edu/classicalstudies/20