Of Thee I Sing: The Contested History of American Patriotism

Railton (History and Hope in American Literature), a professor of American studies at Fitchburg State University, examines four different kinds of American patriotism in this accessible and progressive- minded history. “Celebratory” and “mythic” patriotism, according to Railton, can create a “sense of national belonging and community,” yet they tend to idealize the nation’s history and often “require the exclusion and even the erasure” of marginalized groups such as Native Americans and immigrants. On the other hand, “active” patriotism, which Railton defines as service to country, and “critical” patriotism, which spotlights national shortcomings, can bring the country closer to its democratic ideals. Railton tracks these four modes of patriotism from the nation’s founding to the present day, offering a particularly insightful study of the Progressive Era that juxtaposes Theodore Roosevelt’s embodiment of celebratory patriotism with the active and critical patriotism that motivated the period’s myriad reform movements, including women’s suffrage and anti-imperialism. Reviewing the contemporary scene, Railton finds examples of critical patriotism in the protest movements that have arisen in response to the Trump administration. Though Railton’s history lessons are familiar, he’s found an intriguing lens through which to view the American story. Liberals in particular will savor this fine-tuned dissection of competing visions of American patriotism. (Jan.)