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The Next Big Idea Daily

Myths Shaped America. Now They've Brought Us to the Brink of Crisis.

Jul 10, 2024
14:50
Snipd AI
Author Richard Slotkin discusses how national myths have led to America's current polarization. Topics include manipulation of American symbols for political ideologies, the role of gun rights in justifying anti-government actions, and the influence of national myths on the political divide, including the rise of American fascism within the MAGA movement.
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Quick takeaways

  • National myths in the US shape cultural identity and government purposes.
  • Make America Great Again movement uses American myths to fuel ideology, intertwined with calls for political violence.

Deep dives

The Significance of National Myths in Shaping American Identity

National myths serve as foundational narratives that shape cultural identity and support the unity of a nation. These myths are communicated through traditional stories passed down over generations, encompassing shared history and values. In the US, myths like the frontier myth, founding myth, and good war myth have played vital roles in defining American identity and government purposes. During crises, people often refer to these myths to interpret events and guide their actions.

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