Recent events such as the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, have led many Americans to lament that the nation they grew up with is unrecognizable now. They see threats to national and individual identity and are fiercely engaged in protecting them. In doing so, some of them deliberately blend the distinction between myth and reality. In this timely and relevant book, the author seeks to provide a critical perspective on who we really are.
Taking into consideration the prevailing political, social and cultural conflicts, the author re-examines the changing nature of American identity—primarily its creedal identity, religious identity, cultural identity and linguistic identity—and does so within a broader perspective informed by national and global network of connections.
Based on his lived experience as a naturalized citizen and his learned knowledge as a scholar, he synthesizes the professional, the political and the personal. He draws insights from multiple disciplines in Humanities and Social Sciences, from surveys conducted by agencies like the Pew Research Center, and from the practice of everyday American life.
B. Kumaravadivelu is professor emeritus at San Jos?State University, California.
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I: Understanding the Complexity of Identity
Chapter 1: Identity Matters
Chapter 2: Global Realities and Local Identities
Chapter 3: Being and Becoming American
Part II: Exploring the Persistence of Myths
Chapter 4: Meltable or Unmeltable Ethnics?
Chapter 5: Multiculturalism or Multiple Monoculturalisms?
Part III: Transforming the Sense of Self
Chapter 6: Religious Identity: Faith and the Faithful
Chapter 7: Cultural Identity: Mores and Morals
Chapter 8: Linguistic Identity: Mother- and Other Tongues
Part IV: Realizing the Spirit of America
Chapter 9: How the Ruling Elites Distort American Identity, and the Common People Reshape It
Chapter 10: Has the Real America Arrived Yet?
Bibliography
About the Author
Index
American Identity: Myth and Reality is a meticulous review of the origins and sustainability of ethnic, gender, racial, and sexual identities in America. Professor Kumaravadivelu weaved his personal account with the observations of noted scholars from various fields. In doing so, he managed to deliver multifaceted insights into our understanding of identities. --Wilbur C. Rich, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Wellesley College
In this smart, nuanced exploration of how Americans negotiate between their cultural identities and their broader American one, Kumaravadivelu offers a blueprint for how our society can cultivate a healthy sense of nationhood that avoids the pitfalls of both identitarianism and aggressive nationalism. The author draws on personal experience and a deep reading of scholarly literature to craft a fascinating read that is also a work of real importance to the pluralistic society we share. --Ian Reifowitz, SUNY distinguished professor of historical studies
Weaving together various dimensions of how we construct a national identity in a pluralistic society like ours, Kumaravadivelu demonstrates that the ongoing accomplishment of an American identity is complex, dynamic, contentious, and multifaceted. This timely and accessible book both illuminates our current condition and reminds us that we have the power to reshape our identity. --Wayne H. Brekhus, professor of sociology, University of Missouri
