Gen Z patriotism is at a record low and heres why no one should be surprised

I’m a Zoomer who’s wholeheartedly proud to be an American — but sometimes it feels like I’m the only one.In fact, poll after poll finds that my generation is markedly less patriotic than our predecessors. It’s no wonder, considering we grew up in tumultuous political times and were never taught why we should take pride in our country.A Gallup poll from last year found that, while four in 10 American adults overall say they are extremely proud to be an American, just a measly 18% of those aged 18 to 34 say the same.Another survey from Democracy Fund’s voter study group found even more startling results.Three quarters of Gen Z say that the nation requires “significant change,” while two in three agree that “America is an unfair society.”Perhaps worst of all, four in 10 Zoomers say that America’s Founding Fathers are better described as villains than heroes.It’s a problem that should concern all Americans, given this is the next generation of leaders.

And, considering that military recruitment is in crisis, it could even be a national security issue.But is declining patriotism any wonder, given that civics literacy rates among young people are dismal — and dropping?According to the latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which tests eighth graders nationwide for proficiency in various subjects, history scores stand at the the lowest recorded level since the assessment began in 1994, and civics isn’t doing much better.Just 14% of students hit the “proficient” mark in history, and only 22% did in civics.How can a generation that doesn’t know their nation’s history or how the country functions take pride in being American? No wonder they’ve taken for granted just how fortunate they are to live in 21st century America.Worse yet, from what I remember of my own US history courses, there was a lot more self-flagellation for our country’s shortcomings than celebration of our strengths.According to generational...