Do 4th of July fireworks and parades make you vote for the Republican Party candidates more often? A new study from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard claims that celebrating Independence Day just might make you lean towards the GOP. Assistant Professor David Yanagizawa Drott along with Assistant Prof. Andreas Madestam of Bocconi University have run the numbers. According to them, the GOP is viewed as more patriotic, embracing traditional symbols such as the American flag in the past century. Findings from a survey also show that Republicans think they are more patriotic than Democrats in general.
″According to this interpretation, there is a political congruence between patriotism promoted by the Fourth of July and the values associated with the Republican Party″, say the authors of the study. They conclude that ″There is no evidence of an increased likelihood of identifying as a Democrat, indicating that Fourth of July shifts preferences to the right rather than increasing political polarization.″
The Harvard brain-trust has also determined that children are the most vulnerable for being swayed by patriotic celebrations of the 4th of July, such as firework displays and parades. ″Fourth of July celebrations in Republican dominated counties may thus be more politically biased events that socialize children into Republicans.″ They two authors add, The evidence suggests that important childhood events can have a permanent impact of political beliefs and behavior and that Fourth of July celebrations in the US affect the nation′s political landscape.″
So there you have it! The more children who attend and watch 4th of July fireworks and parades, the greater the likelihood of them growing up and voting for Republican Party candidates. So say David Yanagizawa Drott of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard and Andreas Madestam of Bocconi University. These two assistant professors have given us a blue print for long-term victory. I hope Karl Rove is reading this!
Photos: www.wenn.com
July 1st, 2011 at 5:34 pm
Firework shows make kids more Republican. Wow! Who would have thought that?
Does it make them want to invade countries based on lies, and execute women for murder who have an abortion, and believe that cave men were riding dinosaurs six thousand years ago, and global warming is all a hoax, and high school kids should be allowed to legally take guns to school, and etc., and etc., and etc?
Just asking.
July 1st, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Klo, go sue Harvard, for making you shift mental gears without a clutch.
July 1st, 2011 at 7:08 pm
This is very suspicious.
Neil Abercrombie(D) just banned private use of fireworks in Hawaii.
A tradition we’ve had for decades.
Klo, do fireworks make you believe all the Polar Bears will die ?
July 2nd, 2011 at 2:51 am
Yes, Klo,
Fireworks, parades and flag-waving reminds true patriots of the joys of individual liberty. That documents like the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence are still relevant today. Reinforcing American Exceptionalism and taking pride in our unique history and heritage.
Of course, we still have issues to be dealt with. A president who lies to the American people and to Congress about a war he says we are not fighting, but actually are. An entire political party based on stealing from the individual citizens just so they can buy votes from a dependent class they created.
But with any luck, and more parades and fireworks, future generations will be more patriotic and such evil Socialists will steadily fade away.
July 2nd, 2011 at 6:33 am
If it’s any consolation Kloless, another Harvard study shows that using the bubblegum flavored condom machine at a truckstop near San Fransisco makes you more Democrat.
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:14 am
“If it’s any consolation Kloless, another Harvard study shows that using the bubblegum flavored condom machine at a truckstop near San Fransisco makes you more Democrat.”
Regardless of the machines flavor I think any of them would fit up his ass
July 2nd, 2011 at 8:07 am
I apologize, I said I wouldnt pick on Klo anymore because I believe he is truly sick.
“Politically Tourette Syndrome ” ?
July 2nd, 2011 at 11:24 am
Ergo, Republicans are more patriotic than others.
I always find it funny that Republicans don’t just think that, but are positive that they are, indeed, more patriotic.
Also, the farther right you go, the more patriotic.
For example, Tea Partiers are sure they must be more patriotic than those stinkin’ wannabee RINOs.
A perfect example is a guy like Hannity who wraps himself in the American flag and spouts the word “freedom” every few minutes.
And lastly, more hawkish = more patriotic.
Although there are certainly exceptions. I want to honestly know that if the Libya situation had transpired under Bush that the outrage would be equal.
I am sure it would be.
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Well Buzzbee.
Its not the right who wants to eliminate traditional aspects of patriotism.
Like sayin the pledge, or even putting your hand on your heart, or sayin you support the troops while sayin the mission they volunteered for is a crime or circumventing congressional constitutional protocol more than any president.
We dont look like patriots when abuse our 1st by burning American flags under the guise of free speech or art.
How patriotic is it to cuddle up to religious radicals who’ve sworn to exterminate every last one of us.
Or this bullsht you try to pass of that says the more taxes you pay the more patriotic you are.
Stalin would love you guys
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:37 am
@ Buzzbee
Just messin with ya dude.
There is no cookie cutter patriotism, and almost everyone loves fireworks.
Happy 4th dude
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:01 am
Happy 4th to you to Micky.
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Happy Independence Day to one and all!