In character
There are certain phrases that jump out from the background noise of contemporary debate. One phrase that jumped out for me was from President Obama's healthcare speech last night. He quoted a letter by Ted Kennedy delivered posthumously to the White House, in which the late senator used the phrase "the character of our country." The president characterized that character thus:
"One of the unique and wonderful things about America has always been our self-reliance, our rugged individualism, our fierce defense of freedom and our healthy skepticism of government." Later on he qualifies that with: "That large-heartedness, that concern and regard for the plight of others… too, is part of the American character: our ability to stand in other people's shoes; a recognition that we are all in this together…."
Foreign detractors have their own list of American qualities. In World War II Britain it was lamented that Americans were "over-paid, over-fed, over-sexed, and over here." Others might think us friendly, spontaneous and inventive, and at the same time chide us for being credulous, arrogant and disrespectful. Domestic detractors on the right might decry America as Godless, while those on the left declare it heartless. Those in the middle might add "intemperate." Everyone seems to agree that there is an American character, we just can't agree on what it is.
But it's worth talking about--because who we think we are determines, in large part, what we think we should do. Use the comment link below to characterize your views on the American character.
Labels: america
posted by Dale Hobson @ 9/10/2009
4 comments
4 Comments:
Maybe the heart of our "American character" is so diverse it is impossible to categorize it - and that in itself is what makes it so special.
When I find someone who's opinion I don't agree with, I try walking a mile in their shoes. I still may not understand them, but I'm a mile away, and have their shoes.
--Mark
Like every other important"thing" that makes us American,there is no clear-cut, black or white definition.
In one part of the country hospitality is famous; in another,cool reticence until a stranger is known. About the only thing that I can think of that we all have in common is that we all believe our way, and our country, is the best in the world.
I imagine that who we think we are guides and informs who and what we wish to become. More importantly, what President Obama is asking us to do is to become better and more than what we are now.
If we cannot become better as a nation, more generous, more aware, more educated, more civilized in our care of our citizens, well than our national character, whatever that may be, isn't worth spit. --biff.
Post a Comment
<< Home