Of Thee I Sing: The Contested History of American Patriotism

American patriotism encompasses four distinct forms: celebratory, mythic, active, and critical. Ben Railton's book Of Thee I Sing explores these forms through the lyrics of "America the Beautiful" and their historical context, helping us to understand forgotten histories and figures and engage in debates about contemporary patriotism. By embracing all forms of patriotism, we can work towards a more perfect union.

Format: Hardback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

When discussing patriotism in America, we often narrow our focus to a single form: the version represented by shared celebrations like the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. However, as Ben Railton argues, there exist four distinct forms of patriotism in the United States: celebratory, which embodies an idealized America; mythic, which creates national myths that exclude certain communities; active, which involves acts of service and sacrifice for the nation; and critical, which raises arguments about how the nation falls short of its ideals and strives to achieve a more perfect union.

In his book Of Thee I Sing, Railton explores these four forms of American patriotism by utilizing the four verses of "America the Beautiful" as illustrative examples. By tracing these forms across our history, Railton offers a fresh perspective on seemingly familiar narratives such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Greatest Generation. He also uncovers forgotten histories and figures, including Revolutionary War Loyalists, World War I espionage and sedition acts, active patriots like Civil War nurse Susie King Taylor and suffragist Silent Sentinels, and critical patriotic authors like William Apess and James Baldwin.

Understanding the contested history of American patriotism is crucial in navigating contemporary debates. For instance, Railton discusses how Donald Trump's deployment of celebratory and mythic forms of patriotism has sparked divisive discussions. At the same time, the backlash against the critical patriotisms expressed by Colin Kaepernick and the 1619 Project highlights the importance of engaging with all forms of American patriotism to move forward toward a more perfect union that we can all celebrate.

By recognizing and embracing the diverse manifestations of patriotism, we can foster a greater sense of unity and inclusivity in our country. This requires us to challenge stereotypes, listen to different perspectives, and work together to address the challenges facing our nation. Only by engaging with the multiple forms of American patriotism, past and present, can we truly strive toward a more perfect union that embodies the values of equality, justice, and freedom for all.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 235 x 160 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538143421