Last month, I posted some reflections on 9/11 & the question of “the American idea” (though I didn’t use that exact expression). This month, The Atlantic celebrated 150 years w/ a series of contributions from writers, artists, poets, and other public intellectuals. They were asked to contribute something (either in writing or in art) on “The Future of the American idea.” It’s worth a look.
Miguel: Please pardon my ignorance, but could you explain what exactly is the "American idea"? The link you provided doesn't say much either.
I think part of the task of the Atlantic essays was to discuss whether there is an "American" idea (and if so, what is it?).
So part of the challenge is to define what the "American idea" might be?
You see, I come from an exact sciences background, where it would unthinkable, or at least unusual, to call for a discussion on an undefined concept. It was a cultural misunderstanding, I guess. At least I'm glad I'm not so ignorant after all…
It still puzzles me. Why should there be such a thing as an "American idea"? Whatever it might be, it somewhat has the ring of dubious concepts such as "American exceptionalism" or "Manifest destiny", or their more recent neocon variants.
I suggest you read some of the Atlantic essays. I completely understand the hesitancy towards an "American" idea. But these are common. From my perspective, nations (and nation-states) are "imagined communities (to use Benedict Anderson's formulation). Thus, they are all "imagined" (or "ideas"). What is the "Argentine" idea? Or the "Brazilian" idea? What the question asks, really, is: "What is 'America'?" And keep in mind that the idea of an "American idea" is not only one held by neocons, but liberals and others have proposed some of their own views. Again, I suggest you look at some of the essays/artwork. They're quite interesting.
Thanks! Unfortunately, the access to the articles seems reserved to subscribers. But the premise seems to be that there is an “American idea”, since the articles are supposed to discuss its future. So what is it?
Sorry, I didn't realize it was subscribers only. But here's the website for the recently-released anthology of Atlantic essays, also called The American Idea.
I'll check at home. I thought the print issue had a URL for a "free" access site to the essays.
Interview with editor of Atlantic about essays "defining the American Idea." On NPR radio show Here and Now.
http://www.here-now.org/shows/2007/11/20071112_5.asp
Cool. Thanks!