Miskina Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 Hi everyone, I was wondering if there is any good book on American nationalism/patriotism you would recommend? It's hard to make a choice... Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zestymordant Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 1. Robert Bellah, "Civil Religion in America" (1967). Not a book- just an article. I'd start here to get some ideas rolling on American nationalism. It's a classic, influential essay arguing that despite one's chosen religion, Americans embrace a national set of beliefs and ideals, forming a "civil religion." 2. Benedict Anderson's Imagined Communities (reprinted 1991): An older reference, but quite influential. You'll find his definition of nationalism within the first 10 pgs, and he formulates a social constructivist view of nationalism. I'd start here for a definition of nationalism to use, critique, or develop your own ideas against. 3. Bruce Lincoln's Holy Terrors: Thinking about Religion after September 11 (2006): Not a book on nationalism per se, but definately relevant to American nationalism in the G.W. Bush years. I would recommend this book if you want to examine how political rhetoric and religious discourse (whether chosen religion or civil religion) influences nationalist sentiments. (A quick look at ch.2, "Symmetric Dualisms" will help determine if you want to use this book, as it quickly outlines two conflicting perspectives, implying that nationalist sentiments are at times defined against opposing ideals). -Good luck on your search! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaykaykay Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 I really liked the book by Liah Greenfield: Nationalism, Five Roads to Modernity .One part of the book is on the US. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miskina Posted February 3, 2013 Author Share Posted February 3, 2013 That's really helpful, thank you guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now