Overview

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.

Full Product Details

Author:   B. Kumaravadivelu
Publisher:   University Press of America
Imprint:   Hamilton Books
Dimensions:   Width: 15.00cm , Height: 1.50cm , Length: 22.80cm
Weight:   0.340kg
ISBN:  

9780761874522

ISBN 10:   0761874526
Pages:   214
Publication Date:   21 June 2024
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

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

Reviews

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 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. 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. 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.

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

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. 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. 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. 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

Author Information

B. Kumaravadivelu is professor emeritus at San JoséState University, California.

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