Politics

Do July 4 Parades Really Indoctrinate Children, Boost Election Day Turnout for the GOP?

Do July 4 Parades Really Indoctrinate Children, Boost Election Day Turnout for the GOP?Do July 4 parades really turn children into Republicans, guarantee a higher election day turnout for the GOP and energize the nation’s right-wing? In short, yes.

A new study from Harvard University contends that the annual celebrations that millions of Americans participate in each year may actually cause children and adults to support more right-leaning candidates. U.S. News and World Report has more:

“Fourth of July celebrations in the United States shape the nation’s political landscape by forming beliefs and increasing participation, primarily in favor of the Republican Party,” said the report from Harvard.

“The political right has been more successful in appropriating American patriotism and its symbols during the 20th century. Survey evidence also confirms that Republicans consider themselves more patriotic than Democrats. According to this interpretation, there is a political congruence between the patriotism promoted on Fourth of July and the values associated with the Republican Party. Fourth of July celebrations in Republican dominated counties may thus be more politically biased events that socialize children into Republicans…”

This will likely come as a shock to Democrats who participate in these parades each year. While the nation‘s left wing doesn’t benefit at all from the processions, Republicans, on the other hand, take away quite a bit of support — or so the study says.

If July 4 celebrations are attended before a child turns 18, the likelihood of him or her identifying as a Republican later on increases by 2 percent. But, it’s not only about the children. The likelihood that parade watchers will vote for a GOP candidate is increased by 4 percent. Actual voter turnout is even said to increase by 1 percent, with the chance that these individuals will dole out political contributions increasing by 3 percent.

The report, written by Harvard Kennedy School Assistant Professor David Yanagizawa-Drott and Bocconi University Assistant Professor Andreas Madestam, finds that the aforementioned results don’t simply last for a short time, then dissipate:

Surprisingly, the estimates show that the impact on political preferences is permanent, with no evidence of the effects depreciating as individuals become older.
While this is certainly not good news for Democratic candidates (many of whom, like their Republican counterparts, attend these events for the public relations and electoral benefits), the study provides intriguing information that helps Americans better understand how political inclinations are formed and impacted.

Comments (156)

1 2 3 ... 5
  • 21stCenturyPatriot
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:11am

    I agree, Patriotism does make a person more Conservative, but not “Right Wing”. Patriotism reminds us of the fight our founders went through to be FREE from government. Government is a Necessary EVIL. that is why it is so important to keep it small. The larger and more powerful the government the less freedom the people will have.

    Patriotism is about a Free people which is a conservative principle. Liberalism is about an enslaved people dependent on a Government to know what to do, how to do it, when to do it and who is allowed to do it. Conservatism Freed not only the American people but the Slaves as well, unfortunately it took another 100 years. Liberalism is about a return to slavery, or as their hero Margaret Sanger would have a genocide of people of color.

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:10am

    I stand with GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, JESUS CHRIST HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, and THE HOLY SPIRIT.
    I stand with AMERICA and all our PATRIOTIC celebrations.
    I stand with “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “under GOD”.
    I stand with ISRAEL.

    I stand against anyone and everyone trying to bring down our GOD, our country, and ISRAEL. And, that really includes the left wing hate mongers and destroyers employed by satan himself.

    Report Post »  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:07am

    In THAT case, do what DOI signer, John Adams predicted:
    “…It ought to be commemorated as a day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bell, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other…”

    Celebrate the founding of our wonderful experiment of freedom and liberty. Create more patriots!

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:00am

    Liberal Harvard has found that patriotism causes people to support right wing politicians. This confirms what conservatives have known for a long time. Democrats don’t love their country as much as they love themselves. Which in turn explains why the military is overwhelmingly conservative and why it was liberals who wanted to shove the gay agenda down the military’s throat. It also explains why liberals don’t like the pledge of allegiance etc. Heck, it explains everything except how Obama got elected!

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:59am

    Liberal democrat/socialist hate America. Do not believe them when they say they don’t. They hate the flag and any patriotism. It flies in the face of their New World Order ideas. Now they have a new reason to hate patriotism. They think it helps the opposition. What a pitiful place they find themselve when they admit they are not patriots and are politically hurt by signs of patriotism. I would not be surprised if they try to ban such parades during election years claiming it gives the Republicans an advantage. Democrats are communists.

    Report Post »  
  • FLyoverman
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:56am

    If the Fourth of July is to reflect American values and it does not benefit Democrats equally with Republicans, what does that say about Democratic values. In theory it should reflect our common values. It is a day Republicans and Democrats stand as Americans and celebrate what we share. What has happened to Democrat values in terms of Amrican values?

    Report Post »  
  • MontanaRob
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:56am

    This format reaks!!! They are deleting most of our posts anyway.
    I wonder if Glenn knows about this.
    RN MOM Posted: I will bet money that by this time next year the progressives of this country will be banning 4th of July parades. Meanwhile, they will be organizing protests, walk-outs, union demonstrations, boy-cots, and _____ Pride parades.
    ——————————————————————————————-
    Could be. We will be out there marching against them, in full battle gear if necessary.

    Report Post » MontanaRob  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:55am

    The fourth of July is for every American that loves this country, has a bit of respect for the founding fathers and honors those who keep it free. It’s a day of gratitude for this fantastic country. If children are inspired to love this country and want to keep it as free as the founders wanted us to be, it should not be a suprise that they end up conservative. Why would they end up supporting those who want to destroy this great country?

    Report Post »  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:55am

    This doesn’t surprise me at all. The Left does not celebrate America. They try to demonize us and make us out to be the oppressors of the world. So, we who were brought up to value and respect America will turn to the right politically.

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:54am

    Maybe 50 or 60 years ago there might of been American loving Democrats. In the late 60s the hippies took over the Democratic Party and that party has been anti-American since. The Democrats are the party of Bill Ayers, of Hanoi Jane, of Barry & Michelle (I can finally feel proud of my country) Obama. Do you need any more proof?

    Report Post »  
  • mikenleeds
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:52am

    i taught my children to love America from birth

    Report Post » mikenleeds  
  • Emanuel Goldstein
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:49am

    I will never miss another parade. “It‘s for the Chid ’ren.”

    Report Post » Emanuel Goldstein  
  • RN MOM
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:48am

    I will bet money that by this time next year the progressives of this country will be banning 4th of July parades. Meanwhile, they will be organizing protests, walk-outs, union demonstrations, boy-cots, and _____ Pride parades.

    Report Post » RN MOM  
    • aragona
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:05am

      That was my first reaction as well. July 4th won’t exist in 10 more years. It will be considered “racist” and “decisive” and “offensive.”

      Report Post »  
    • LeeB
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:01pm

      I was thinking the same thing.

      Report Post » LeeB  
  • TexOkie
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:45am

    The fourth of July is the quintessential American holiday. It only makes sense that is be associated with the party that loves America and not the part that seeks Americas destruction.

    Report Post »  
  • regressive_democrat
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:45am

    Just asking the question that composes the headline is completely stupid.

    Report Post »  
  • It is their RIGHT, it is their DUTY...
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:42am

    Does this question really need to be asked at all? Of course not!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » It is their RIGHT, it is their DUTY...  
  • frustratedwithgovt
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:41am

    So folks that attend celebrations of our nation tend to vote Republican. Can’t say it surprises me seeing how the left is all about destroying what America stands for.

    Report Post » frustratedwithgovt  
  • Oh, God!
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:41am

    They are running scared, trying to find any excuse to make the right look bad. I have never seen July 4th being a left or right issue. I have always viewed it as paying tribute to those that sacrificed everything for the freedoms we have today.

    Report Post » Oh, God!  
  • I.Gaspar
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:40am

    They’d rather children go to gay parades and union mob scenes than show respect for the country and the writers of the Constitution who have given us all so many opportunities and freedoms.
    The enemy lies within and we aren’t doing much to stop them.

    Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:39am

    whta?! Pro-American = Republican parades?! never heard that one before…. tho…. as compared to…. the deviate Gay Pride parades that brings all the democrat obamaites out of the woodwork?

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • fcaldwell27
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:39am

    Not any more than the GAY PRIDE parades encourage LIBERAL/PROGRESSIVE/MARXIST/SOCIALIST/DEMOCRAT
    voters!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:38am

    You don’t need a study to tell you usually more patriotic citizens show up for 4th of July Parades, and that more patriotic people are Republican. Democrats hate every inch on the Founding Fathers, the Constitution & our American way of life. They are “world citizens” trying to convert us to a Socialist-Communist European country.

    Report Post »  
  • powhatan
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:38am

    Gag…another Alter-Net ridiculous notion….

    Report Post » powhatan  
    • Delores at CH WV
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 2:40am

      Who Polled this one? Most of the young folks that I know are Libertrians…..they want Freedom, not a Party to speak for them. They love the 4th of July!!!!!

      I was surprised that only 1 in 4 knows that we sought freedom from King George III and his cronies, the tories. Britian also had the whigs…..the pioneers were not against Britan, Just a really bad leader? I mean dicator ……sounds like America today. Maybe that is why, we are so hated by some countries. Even King George III thought his people loved him. Most did not, his own supporters were very afraid to tell him the truth. Didn’t work out so well for him. I think some of the President’s so called friends need to let him into the secret……He is not greatly loved….He is like King George III. Maybe that is the reason why he has visited with Queen Elizabeth twice since he became President. And why he keeps kissing all of those brutal dicators rings? I wince everytime he kisses those dirty, bloody souless rings of these dicators who violate human rights and murder their people. This President actually belives that American people love him…..he really doesn’t live in reality. I am happy to let him know, of course, he would never read the blaze, only one of his minnions and they would never let him know the real truth.

      Report Post »  
  • ozchambers
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:38am

    Actually, its simply that we love our country, are patriotic, and are interested in celebrating our country. Give me one reason why a liberal would want to attend a 4th of July parade?

    Report Post » ozchambers  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:47am

      ozchambers
      Exactly. The 4th of July is about celebrating our freedoms, rights, and liberties that were hard faught for and won by true patriots that knew exactly what an overbearing government was capable of causing from first hand experience and they wanted something better for their sons and daughters, husbands and wives, grand children and so on. The 4th of July represents everyhting the libs and progressives are trying to destroy and take away from us. So of course a liberal progressive vermin infested university is going to say that.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:52am

      Maybe it’s the fact that Republic love and embrace the founders and their believes that man can self govern and the Democrats believe and promote that the fioounders were a bunch of rich racist and the democratic believe that government is the only answer to everything.
      It the founders were democrats like today’s democrats we would have never had an indepentence day to celebrate.
      The 4th of July is a Republican holiday. Founded and sponsered by the orginal Republicans the founding fathers who gave us a Constitutional Republic.

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:14am

      to kick wine on our backs????

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • bombshelterbob
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:40am

      OK, but just one. They attend July 4th celebrations to see what real patriotic human beings look like, after all there aren’t that many of us living at the bottom of that bizarre rabbit-hole that liberalism created.

      Bachmann 2012

      Report Post » bombshelterbob  
  • JRook
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:37am

    With the new can’t reply policy, no purpose posting here anymore. It was becoming like the FOX news blog anyway.

    Report Post »  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:41am

      funny, we are here REPLYing to you.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:45am

      Oh darn…..

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:46am

      You can reply…WTF are you posting about.

      Report Post »  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:15am

      Ha ha this means the end of SHOWTIME Mafia with CheeseWhiz and SnowLeopard{GagaDada} and her furry sniper friends. LOL BWAHaHaHa
      TEA

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • rukiddinme59
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:49am

      I’m replying to you now.

      Report Post »  
    • SREGN
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:13pm

      but are you a Gator fan?

      Report Post »  
    • Aaron in Polk County
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:55am

      Maybe July 4th, should be the new Election Day, instead of the first Tuesday in November. At least most working people would have more time to vote during a holiday.

      Indoctrinate children into what? That is called Patriotism, Nationalism, it’s how every country should raise their children. Look at all the immigrants. They love their home countries more than the one they live in.

      Report Post » Aaron in Polk County  
    • Buttercup
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:38pm

      Hey, Aaron, what a great idea! Poll workers wouldn’t freeze their patooties off either. How would we go about changing it?

      Report Post »  
    • Dougral Supports Israel
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:56am

      What new can’t reply policy?

      Report Post »  
    • Mandors
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:58am

      Yeah, I hate not being able to reply.

      Report Post » Mandors  
    • RN MOM
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:59am

      What are you talking about?

      Report Post » RN MOM  
    • Steverino
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:06am

      “Can’t reply policy”???
      What….?

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:07am

      Is THIS a reply?

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:11am

      This new posting system means only meaningless drivel and no back & forth communication

      Only those who have obsessions will continue to post

      all their words will never be read

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:11am

      That is correct. You can hit the reply button to someone’s comment, but it posts as a separate post and makes no sense, because you meant to reply to a statement someone else made, that no one can see.
      BLAZE! PLEASE RETURN THIS TO THE PREVIOUS FORMAT OR CHANGE IT. THIS FORMAT STINKS!

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Patrick in AZ
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:15am

      Why is anyone surprised by this? We’ve always known that the left hates this country.

      Report Post » Patrick in AZ  
    • CCulotta
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:23am

      reply

      Report Post » CCulotta  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:31am

      THE HORRORS OF THE 4TH OF JULY OR THE DAY WE CELEBRATE AMERICA

      You have this ‘report’ but another one came out yesterday claiming that the 4th of July hurts the environment.

      There was a better report/interview that was released yesterday that means more to America. It’s about how destructive abortion is for the women that have them, after the fact: http://tiny.cc/a4td1

      Report Post »  
    • lel2007
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:35am

      really.

      Report Post » lel2007  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:16pm

      I hope SO…G O P GRAND OLD PARTY Celebrating FREEDOM on JULY 4 and 364 days the rest of the year!!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • TGooberPea
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:29pm

      can too.

      Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:44pm

      Obviously, they’re changing some of the format. Maybe give it a couple days for them to work out the kinks?

      Also, the old format sucked. It was stupid for some many Blazers to just reply to the first poster. That was a crap system.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • BlazingInSC
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:56pm

      Can’t reply policy? I’ve never been able to respond to anything effectively at this site. The response portion of this site has always been terrible… Really, the Blaze (as a whole) has been very lacking in many different arenas.

      Report Post »  
    • VRW Conspirator
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:57pm

      umm….just replied to this…

      Report Post » VRW Conspirator  
    • chrisa0917
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:13pm

      what do you mean “can’t reply” policy?

      Report Post »  
    • AlmostaCowboy
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:35pm

      “A new study from Harvard University……..” (click, change channel).

      Report Post » AlmostaCowboy  
    • jedi.kep
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:59pm

      1 800 wha aaah.

      Report Post » jedi.kep  
    • The1stDave
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:59pm

      Why can’t you reply?

      Report Post » The1stDave  
    • warhorse_03826
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 2:57am

      jrook….can’t reply? really? hmm what am I doing then?

      Report Post » warhorse_03826  
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