American National Identity

American National Identity is in Crisis.
The Oxford Dictionary defines a crisis as a time of great danger, difficulty or confusion (“Crisis”). The United States of America has gone through many such difficult times throughout history; there was the War of Independence in the late 18th century, the Civil War in the late 19th century, World War I and the Great Depression followed by World War II (Gilman). These crises have had an impact on America’s national identity. National identity is, as the Oxford Dictionary states, the characteristics, feelings or beliefs that distinguish people from others (“National Identity”). America is currently not at war, therefore, regarding the crises it went through throughout history, one could say that there

The fight against Hitler and 9/11 have both had a great impact on national identity (Bloom). Charles Kesler states the attacks in this way: “They didn't murder the innocents in the Twin Towers or the Pentagon or on board the airplanes because they were black, white, Asian-American, or Mexican-American, but because they were American.” This fact was also known by American citizens, so they stood up together and fought against terrorism. Since then there has not been such an event with the power to unite Americans. On the contrary, a study by the Pew Research Centre shows clearly that the gap between republicans and democrats is increasing (“Political Polarization”). The two parties are seen as two different “countries” now because they emphasise confrontation over cooperation and have utterly different views on almost everything (Abramowitz). It is not even only about voting anymore, it is about living. About a third of voters of both parties say that the other party is a threat to America’s well-being (“Political Polarization”). Communities are becoming increasingly crowded with like-minded people, not only in states or on a regional level but in the midst of cities and towns (Bishop). Further, education has a profound impact on America’s polarisation: regarding social and geographic flexibility, people with a degree of any grade benefit more freedom than others (Tuschman). This is also because universities were associated as the protector and producer of an idea of national culture (Palmadessa 1). This shows that America as a nation is falling more and more apart as a result of the growing polarisation within communities and