New Books Network John Bodnar, "Divided by Terror: American Patriotism after 9/11" (UNC Press, 2021)
Nov 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, John Bodnar, a Distinguished Emeritus Professor of History, delves into the complex landscape of American patriotism after 9/11. He contrasts belligerent and empathetic forms of patriotism, shedding light on how national shock spurred aggressive pride. Bodnar explores the tensions surrounding memorials and the impact of domestic violence on Muslim communities. He also critiques the militarization of patriotism in contemporary politics while highlighting the pushback from empathetic voices and faith groups advocating for empathy and asylum rights.
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Patriotism Is A Contested Cultural Contract
- Patriotism is a cultural "terms of agreement" that binds citizens through love and willingness to sacrifice.
- It can be articulated as belligerent aggression or empathetic care, shaping responses to 9/11.
Myth Simplifies Violence Into Manageable Narratives
- Myth simplifies complex, violent events into palatable stories that justify action.
- Lincoln and FDR used wartime rhetoric to demand postwar democratic or humane reform, not just glory.
Immediate Flag‑Waving Response To 9/11
- Immediately after 9/11 Americans overwhelmingly rallied to a flag-waving, strike-back posture.
- Bodnar recounts flags on barns and the cultural impulse for Bush's war on terror to restore coherence amid shock.
