Join Pastor Doug Wilson, a thought leader on theology and culture, as he explores the challenging concept of an American ethnos. The dialogue delves into the complexities of national identity amid immigration and multiculturalism. Wilson examines the balance between ethnic and civic identities, referencing historical examples for context. He also discusses the significance of shared heritage, language, and the role of community in forging a unified identity, emphasizing the importance of local engagement and traditional values for cultural cohesion.
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insights INSIGHT
Defining Ethnos and America
Ethnos has blurry edges but generally includes shared name, place, past, kinship, beliefs, and governance.
America resembles a sprawling empire like Rome with diverse subcultures and identities.
insights INSIGHT
American Allegiance Persists
American allegiance remains functional amid chaos and diverse identities.
This allegiance transcends race and unites various Americans in defense of the country.
insights INSIGHT
Anglo-Protestant Roots of America
American identity originated from British Isles roots: Anglo-Saxon, Protestant culture.
This cultural foundation shaped the Constitution and practices into a unifying national identity.
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This book, the first volume in a projected cultural history of the United States, examines the folkways of four groups of immigrants from distinct regions of Great Britain and their lasting impact on American culture. Fischer argues that these groups—Puritans, Cavaliers, Quakers, and Scotch-Irish—each contributed uniquely to the formation of modern America, influencing aspects such as education, government, gender roles, and violence. Despite most Americans not having British ancestors, these regional cultures have persisted and continue to shape national politics and societal attitudes[2][4][5].
Born Fighting
How the Scots-Irish Shaped America
Jim Webb
Born Fighting chronicles the full journey of the Scots-Irish, a cultural group whose lives were dictated by resistance, conflict, and struggle. Beginning nearly two thousand years ago at Hadrian’s Wall, the book traces the Scots-Irish history through their clashes with the English in Scotland and Ulster, and their subsequent influence on American history. Webb vividly portrays how the Scots-Irish developed qualities that helped settle the American frontier and define the American character. The book highlights their significant roles in American conflicts, their contributions to American politics, and their impact on various aspects of American culture, including country music and the Bible Belt.
Who are we?
Samuel P. Huntington
In *Who Are We? The Challenges to America's National Identity*, Samuel P. Huntington argues that America's national identity is under threat from various factors, including large-scale immigration, particularly from Hispanic countries, bilingualism, multiculturalism, and the 'denationalization' of American elites. He contends that the core values of American identity, such as the English language, Protestant values, individualism, and respect for law, are being eroded. Huntington advocates for a renewal of these values to sustain American identity, warning that the American Creed alone is insufficient to maintain national unity. The book is a controversial and thought-provoking analysis of the identity crisis in the United States.
After multiple large waves of immigration America faces the After multiple large waves of immigration, America faces the difficulty of forging one unified identity. Some portions of the population are very tribal, while others lack any solid form of identity. Pastor Doug Wilson joins me to discuss the concept of a wholly American ethnos and whether it is possible for the country to come together under that kind of banner.
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