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> This is the problem with nationalistic rhetoric. Because it is about a place, and not about any real principle in particular, it easily spirals out of control
by microcolonel 7y ago
> This is the problem with nationalistic rhetoric. Because it is about a place, and not about any real principle in particular, it easily spirals out of control (with vigor!) in whichever random (or maliciously designed) direction.
A nation is not merely a place, and America is a nation based on principles; mere loyalty to the abstract of the territory is not recognizably American.
- _bxg1 7y agoAmerica is a word, and a place, and a group of people, and a government. All of these are fallible. Everything beyond these is subjective and constantly in flux. "American Values" have meant countless different things to different people at different times. Like Miller you can try to wrap them up in a coherent story, but it will eventually reveal itself to be at best incomplete, at worst delusional. If you want to advocate for values then advocate for values, not Americana. The concept of Americana does not exist in any concrete reality, and can (and will) be co-opted by whichever politician, or corporation, or individual, who can use it for their own ends. By stoking the flames one is only sharpening a weapon that can be used by anybody, for anything.