Arguments of Definition
This entire chapter discusses how certain terms have multiple definitions to different people. Certain words can be debated of what the true meaning is. For example, the chapter talks about what the definition of patriotism is. It gives an excerpt from a speech by Barack Obama in 2008 that gave his definition of patriotism. This was in response to a magazine article that questioned his patriotism. Later on in the chapter, it talks about how you can formulate a claim and the definition of a claim. Before you come up with a proper definition, you must do some research on the word to have a legitimate claim.
I chose to go in detail on different kinds of definitions. There is a formal definition, which is a definition found out of a dictionary. Operational definitions are definitions created by the situation at hand. There is a definition by example, which is when you consider a category, like classic movies, and then compare all other old movies to see if it is also considered a classic movie. For example, if you consider The Wizard of Oz a classic movie, then every other movie must be compared to it and then proper put into the category. Another problem with definitions is when the Supreme Court is debating on a term for a court case. One person may believe one thing while the other person may believe something completely different. I think that the word American can have multiple definitions. Some people may only consider Americans to be people born in the country, while others may see it as all U.S. citizens. Then another group can say, an American is someone living in the country. This word can have many different meanings and there is no true definition.
Definitions can vary from person to person. People may know more about one word and its definition and not really know the definition of another word. There may also be connotations involved with some words and definitions spring from those connotations. For instance, the word “gay,” probably one of the most obvious examples, used to mainly mean happy and such. Over time however, the word became associated with humans liking the same sex. I agree with your “American” example. Most people probably view Americans as people living in the US or people who are citizens of the US. However, this term can also express people living on the entire continent of North America and South America. This would include countries such as Canada and Mexico. Still, “Americans” is mainly termed to people of the United States. I also agree with you patriotism example. The definition of patriotism can be different from person to person. One person may perceive patriotism as knowing the US constitution and being an “active” citizen (such as serving in the military, participating votes, knowing the laws, and propositions). Other people may perceive patriotism as just wearing the colors red, white, and blue. There are also those who would say being “patriotic” is to not bad-mouth the government since it is arguable that is treason. Patriotism can also be expanded to be either a good or a bad thing. For instance, patriotism can lead to a more unified country and there would be less discourse and protests and riots and such. On the other hand, too much patriotism for a wrong cause can lead to events such as the Holocaust. All in all, definitions can vary from person to person. (284)
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