Huntington begins by using the example of the 9/11 attacks in America to show how during nationally threatening times patriotism increases significantly. During this time of an event, Nationalism becomes prominent and then over time, it begins to fade away slowly. Furthermore, he describes the conflict that arises in the nation when other subnational identities become more prominent in individuals everyday life. These are such as race religion or the language that is spoken. In addition, many individuals and corporations have trans-national identities that stretch across many nations and boundaries
Huntington goes on to elaborate on the unique situation that American citizens face as vastly more multicultural people. The nation is composed of immigrants from almost every different region on earth. In the face of modernization, economic development, urbanization, and globalization almost every people are struggling to identify their national identity. Any period of mass immigration brings a whole variety of national feelings and beliefs to question especially when the immigrating group comes from a more radical background.
Huntington finishes the chapter by describing four distinct realities to which American culture could morph into. The first a reality imaging by Bill Clinton, a multicultural nation with no primary identity. The second a more bilingual identity based on the English roots of America and an influx of Spanish speaking Americans. The third a primary White and English speaking nation that suppresses minority racial groups. And the fourth a background identity based upon the Christian majority in America composed of White, Hispanic, and African Americans.
One reply on “ERA #1 Who Are We Chp 1”
Huntington’s possible predictions for future realities were particularly interesting to me. The most ideal scenario for the future of America would likely be Clinton’s image, where there is no primary identity and all racial and ethnic groups are blended in harmony. More likely, the future of America will be the bilingual Spanish/English world, where there is still a fair degree of separation. The third and fourth scenarios are less likely based on the current state of affairs in the world, but which do you think will ultimately become the future of the United States?