In Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus, the word “patriot” is defined as “a person who loves and defends his country.” A recent online poll on CollegeClub.com was administered to determine if the attacks on the United States resulted in a large amount of patriotism among college students.
When the results from the poll were presented to Nicholls students, many were willing to share their thoughts on the results.
“I am in the military, and I think that the outpouring of patriotism is great. However, I feel that it is very sad that something like this is needed to realize we are a united country,” Barbara Kitzman, a sophomore legal assistant studies major from New Orleans, said.
The online poll asked college students if they would be willing to serve in the military in response to the terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C. and New York.
“I feel the government is doing it is best. They are much more capable of handling what needs to be done than the average citizen is. I honestly have faith in the actions of our government,” Laura Lamartina, freshman from Thibodaux, said.
“I think that the U. S. government is faced with a very difficult task. But they are handling it proactively which is good,” Jamie Boudreaux, health and physical education junior from Mathews, said.
The results of the online polls showed that even though there was a large outpouring of patriotism, 55 percent of the 10,525 surveyed college students said they would not be willing to serve for the military in response to the attacks.
“The 55 percent of the people who were polled have metaphorically slapped America in it’s face,” Michael Cobb, business administration sophomore from Houma, said.
“I’m not too willing. I wouldn’t want to fight unless I absolutely have to,” Joseph St. Pierre, freshman from Galliano, said.
Another question on the survey asked students if they would be willing to serve if the government really needed them.
“I am willing to fight because I want to be an American for a long time,” Keith Giroir, freshman from Houma, said.
“If I had to, I would serve in respect for the government and the people of America,” Kenny Boudreaux, mass communication sophomore from Houma, said.
The results to the second question showed 62 percent of the total number of college male students said they would serve in the military only if they really needed the manpower.
“If they need me, I will willingly serve. I feel it is my duty as an American to answer the call,” Chad Dufrene, freshman from Marrero, said.
“I do not believe in violence, although I agree with the United States’ actions. I do not have a desire to serve in the military, as I do not believe in killing another life,” James Irwin, mass communication junior from Morgan City, said.
This total is compared to only 27 percent of the female college students who said they would serve in the military only if it truly needed them.
“If I was a male, I would feel a need or obligation to go to war,” Ferah McPhail, freshman from Thibodaux, said.
Nicholls students not only reacted strongly to the results of the poll, but staff members also feel toward the results.
“People are just scared, which is okay. Somebody has to be willing to fight for the country so that we are able to enjoy the freedom that we have,” Chris Buckel, assistant director of union services, said.
