On American Nationalism
Ruben Nagesparan Chandrakumar, BS
In my view, there are two primary ways in which to perceive American nationalism. These two perspectives draw upon the same founding documents and historical circumstances to make their case but vary drastically in their philosophical approach.
The first view of American nationalism is one that is centered on race, ethnicity, and gender. It is a belief that America’s greatness is derived primarily, or completely, from the white, land-owning males who made the country a global superpower and an economic powerhouse. This view of American nationalism is one that resonates with members of the Far Right as it is ethnocentric in its approach and connotes an affinity to white supremacy. However, this strawman of American history and ideals has also been co-opted by members of the Left who see it as the perfect way to describe the “oppressive and racist” American regime. It has given motivation to various political actors that seek to undermine the social structures, institutions, and laws that are in place—to usher in a revolutionary age that replaces the corrupted government with an equitable, democratic alternative.
The second view of American nationalism is one that is centered around the ideals encapsulated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It is a philosophy that America’s greatness comes from the continual progression towards these ideals and its transformative spirit. While remaining cognizant of the many moral failings that needed to be overcome—such as slavery and women’s rights issues—and that still need to be fixed, this school of thought believes that justice and reform can be attained without the upending of all existing social relations. This philosophy also strongly emphasizes the sovereignty of the individual and the contributions of all Americans—irrespective of their identity. This view carries what I believe to be a more nuanced and truthful approach. While not dismissing America’s faults, it is not unfairly critical and is able to recognize the accomplishments and merits of the country.
American nationalism is closely related to the idea of American exceptionalism: the idea that America is distinct when compared to other nations. This concept, when viewed through the two different perspectives of American nationalism, produces very different results. When American exceptionalism is viewed through the lens of America as solely a white, Christian country, it can lead to nativist, racist, and discriminatory behaviors and policies. However, when American exceptionalism is viewed through the lens of America being an example to the world for its revolutionary philosophical ideals, the path is paved for a future based on equal opportunity, equality before the law, and freedom.
The perspectives of American nationalism center around an existing discussion in political science about ethnic and civic nationalism. Ethnic nationalism refers to a depiction of the nation as being defined by shared genetic ancestry, language, and race. This is held in stark contrast to civic nationalism, which emphasizes freedom, democracy, individualism, and unity accomplished through shared values. The first view of American nationalism favors ethnic nationalism while the second view favors civic nationalism. A point that refutes the ethnic nationalist stance on the US is that the colonists who founded the country were from various ethnic backgrounds. The “melting pot” of ethnicities—including English, Scottish, Irish, Dutch, French, and German—uniting behind a shared set of philosophical ideals is what created America.
Despite the racial discrimination and restrictions on women that denied “negroes,” “Indians,” and other non-white males the same rights as whites, it was through the demand for natural rights and equality depicted in the American ideals that progress was accomplished. This is best exemplified through the work of Frederick Douglass. Douglass, a former slave who became a national leader in the abolitionist movement, stated that “as interpreted as it ought to be interpreted, the Constitution is a glorious liberty document.” Douglass consistently claimed citizenship based on the ideas of natural law laid out in the founding documents: “By the principles of the Declaration of Independence, we are American citizens; within the meaning of the United States Constitution, we are American citizens.”
It is almost absurd to think that a former slave could find the argument for his freedom and rights in the founding documents of the country that enslaved him. However, Douglass clearly distinguished between the principles of the Revolution and the practices. It was through his claim to the principles and ideals that he was able to change the practices of the country. In his view, the Constitution can be used to defend every individual’s rights, fulfilling the promise that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”