When you think about America, do you think about it on a:
National level?
Societal level?
Community level?
My hypothesis is that we integrate into our communities more comfortably than into an “American culture.” We are ambiguous towards full assimilation because there are factors that discourage us.
Are we Americans if we support an oppressive system that restrains minorities?
Are we Americans if we support a federal government that we have the right–and the reason–to petition?
Are we Americans if we prefer cheeseburgers made by single mothers who are injudiciously labeled welfare queens?
Instead of questioning the superficial concepts of American culture, like “hook-up culture,” shouldn’t media continue to challenge American nationalism? If we are a federation of cultures, a cosmopolitan as Randolph Bourne wished for, then we cannot exist as a melting pot as well. To what extent do we allow ourselves to be American?
There are so many questions, and a plethora of sociological perspectives. My college classmates always display naiveté:
Well…we’re a diverse country and everyone has freedoms granted by the Constitution.
Everyone has an opportunity to education and employment, regardless of race or gender. We advanced through that discrimination.
Freedom. Liberty. The pursuit of happiness.
You would think that our courses make students more critical of American policies. You probably can’t believe that many people still think Columbus is a remarkable historical figure. Unfortunately, we all feign surprise at this point.
I will hopefully have an opportunity this year to ask different communities about the extent of their investment in American society and our role in the broader performance.