American Patriots: A Short History of Dissent

Dissent has been a patriotic act throughout American history, from the American Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Protests have pushed the country to live up to its ideals and challenged the status quo. However, not all dissent is equal, and the line between legitimate grievance and sedition can be blurred. In a time when legitimate dissent is framed as unpatriotic, American Patriots is a necessary defense of our right to demand better for ourselves, our communities, and our nation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2024
Publisher: New York University Press

A concise history that proves that dissent is patriotic

The history of America is a history of dissent. Protests against the British Parliaments taxation policies led to the American Revolution and the creation of the United States. At the Constitutional Convention, the founders put the right to protest in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. In the nineteenth century, dissidents protested against the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, demanding the abolition of slavery, suffrage for women, and fair treatment for workers. In the twentieth century, millions of Americans participated in the Civil Rights Movement, the antiwar movement, and second-wave feminism. In the twenty-first century, hundreds of thousands protested the war in Iraq, joined the 2011 Occupy movement, the 2017 Womens March, and the 2020 Black Lives Matter uprisings. The crowds grew larger than ever, but the sentiments expressed were familiar. There have been dissenting Americans for as long as there has been an America.

In American Patriots, historian Ralph Young chronicles the key role dissent has played in shaping the United States. He explains that activists are not protesting against America, but pushing the country to live up to its ideals. As he guides the reader through the history of protest, Young considers how ordinary Americans, from moderates to firebrands, responded to injustice. He highlights the work of organizations like SNCC and ACT UP, and he follows iconic individuals like Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Woody Guthrie, charting the impact of their dissent. Some of these protesters are celebrated heroes of American history, while others are ordinary people, frequently overlooked, whose stories show that change is often accomplished through grassroots activism.

Yet not all dissent is patriotic. Young warns that some forms of dissent can be harmful to the country, such as violence or obstruction of government. He also notes that dissent can be co-opted by political interests or used to promote division and hate. To ensure that dissent is constructive and beneficial, Young argues that it must be rooted in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to the common good. He encourages readers to engage in constructive dialogue, to listen to other perspectives, and to work together to address the challenges facing the country.

In conclusion, American Patriots is a powerful and important book that demonstrates the vital role that dissent has played in shaping the United States. By exploring the history of protest, Young shows that dissent is not only a right, but a responsibility. He encourages readers to engage in constructive dissent, to push the country to live up to its ideals, and to work together to create a better future for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479826520