Myths and Identity in American Studies: Unpacking the American Ideal
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10 cards
Question: What phrase from John Winthrop's 1630 sermon became a metaphor for America's moral visibility and responsibility?
Answer: "A city upon a hill — the eyes of all people are upon us."
Question: How did John F. Kennedy invoke Winthrop's 'city upon a hill' in his 1961 address?
Answer: Kennedy said governments at every level must be 'as a city upon a hill,' inhabited by people aware of great trust and responsibility, judged by more t
Question: How did Ronald Reagan describe his image of the 'shining city' in his 1989 farewell speech?
Answer: A tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, God‑blessed, wind‑swept, teeming with diverse people living in harmony, with open doors to anyo
Question: According to the presentation, how has America come to be understood in historical consciousness?
Answer: As an idea and a set of dreams that each generation reinvents.
Question: What does the motto 'E pluribus unum' and the term 'multiethnic' imply about American identity in the presentation?
Answer: America is ethnically diverse, settled by many nationalities and cultures, forming a unity from plurality.
Question: What does it mean that America is historically 'polycentric' in the presentation?
Answer: America developed distinct cultural and regional centers (e.g., New England, South, West) rather than a single cultural center.
Question: What contrasting views of America's global role are presented?
Answer: America is seen as both a providential force spreading democracy (a beacon) and as sometimes awkwardly involved in world conflicts (e.g., Vietnam, Ira
Question: In the Simon and Garfunkel 'America' case study, what themes of American identity are highlighted?
Answer: Searching for America, virginity/optimism/naivety, peaceful cohabitation of ethnic groups, a nation defined by shared ideals rather than biological ro
Question: What aspect of American identity does Walt Whitman's 'I Hear America Singing' emphasize?
Answer: The varied, individual contributions of workers—mechanics, carpenters, masons, boatmen, shoemakers—celebrating democratic diversity and productivity.
Question: How does the presentation characterize the idea of America as a 'universal' or 'global' cultural entity?
Answer: It poses America as possibly a cultural heritage for the world, extending its ideals beyond national borders.