Unlearning the myth of American innocence

Unlearning the myth of American innocence

8/24/2017

link

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/08/unlearning-the-myth-of-american-innocence

summary

In this thought-provoking essay, the author challenges the myth of American innocence and discusses the collective denial and ignorance surrounding the darker aspects of American history. The article criticizes the narrative of American exceptionalism and explores how it perpetuates a sense of moral superiority and prevents a deeper understanding of the nation's past and present. The author argues that it is essential for Americans to unlearn this myth and confront the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface of the country's founding ideals. Through a critical examination of historical events and personal anecdotes, the essay encourages readers to question the prevailing narrative and strive for a more nuanced understanding of American identity.

tags

american identity ꞏ us history ꞏ american exceptionalism ꞏ american nationalism ꞏ american psyche ꞏ national myths ꞏ collective memory ꞏ patriotism ꞏ historical narratives ꞏ cultural awareness ꞏ national identity ꞏ american society ꞏ american politics ꞏ us imperialism ꞏ american imperialism ꞏ american values ꞏ american ideology ꞏ american culture ꞏ american mythology ꞏ american exceptionalism critique ꞏ american innocence ꞏ american self-perception ꞏ national consciousness ꞏ american exceptionalism myth ꞏ american history ꞏ american imperialism critique ꞏ us foreign policy ꞏ american exceptionalism reconsidered ꞏ american exceptionalism debate ꞏ american myths ꞏ american self-image ꞏ american self-understanding ꞏ american exceptionalism challenge ꞏ us identity ꞏ american ideology critique ꞏ american ideology reconsidered ꞏ american exceptionalism controversy ꞏ myth of innocence ꞏ american nationalism criticism ꞏ american national narrative ꞏ deconstructing american innocence ꞏ us self-perception ꞏ us self-understanding ꞏ us national identity ꞏ us cultural perception ꞏ american myths revision ꞏ american historical perspectives ꞏ deconstructing national myths ꞏ american historical narrative