Of Thee I Sing

November 16, 2020
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.

December 15, 2020
In America, individual and group expressions of patriotism reflect the social, cultural, historical, and economic contexts of their time. Railton sheds light on current debates regarding patriotism in the public sphere and how they speak to our present and future as a democracy. Railton defines four distinct forms of patriotism. The reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the national anthem are "celebratory patriotism." ""Mythic patriotism"" involves the creation of national myths that exclude certain populations. ""Active patriotism"" is manifest in acts of service and sacrifice for the nation, while ""critical patriotism"" is found in arguments about how the nation has failed to uphold its ideals. In an enlightening parallel, he interprets the four verses of ""America the Beautiful" as reflecting these four expressions of patriotism, deftly applying each as an analytical lens delivering new understandings of our history, from the Revolutionary era to the populist nationalism of the Trump years. As expressions of patriotism continue to reflect both our bitter differences and our shared ideals, the value of this perceptive work will continue to grow.

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