American Mythos: Why Our Best Efforts to Be a Better Nation Fall Short

(Paperback)

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America was built on stories: tales of grateful immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, Horatio Alger-style transformations, self-made men, and the Protestant work ethic. In this new book, renowned sociologist Robert Wuthnow examines these most American of stories--narratives about individualism, immigration, success, religion, and ethnicity--through the eyes of recent immigrants. In doing so, he demonstrates how the "American mythos" has both legitimized American society and prevented it from fully realizing its ideals. This magisterial work is a reflection and meditation on the national consciousness. It details how Americans have traditionally relied on narratives to address what it means to be strong, morally responsible individuals and to explain why some people are more successful than others--in short, to help us make sense of our lives. But it argues that these narratives have done little to help us confront new challenges. We pass laws to end racial discrimination, yet lack the resolve to create a more equitable society. We welcome the idea of pluralism in religion and values, yet we are shaken by the difficulties immigration presents. We champion prosperity for all, but live in a country where families are still homeless. American Mythos aptly documents this disconnect between the stories we tell and the reality we face. Examining how cultural narratives may not, and often do not, reflect the reality of today's society, it challenges readers to become more reflective about what it means to live up to the American ideal.

Reviews

"In American Mythos, Wuthnow provides an important reminder that amid the din of the culture wars, our storytelling matters; and that America is a story best told from the bottom up."--Robert K. Vischer, Commonweal "Stimulating and ... disturbing because it challenges the reader to confront some unsettling truths about who we are, what we believe, and what we must do if we are truly to become a great nation... Wuthnow concludes with a call for Americans to engage in reflective democracy, thinking deeply about our values, and how we might better live by them. Highly recommended."--Thomas J. Baldino, Library Journal "I cannot sufficiently praise and recommend American Mythos. In its supple mining of data and its perspicacity about American culture and institutions, it ranks with Robert Bellah's Habits of the Heart and Robert Putnam's Bowling Alone as ground-breaking interpretive social science."--John A. Coleman, America "Robert Wuthnow carefully examines the narratives that have been instrumental in constructing the cultural identity of the United States...[He] presents a study of the cultural dynamics of American culture that could serve as a model for the studies of other cultures."--Donald J. Dietrich, European Legacy "This book contains keen reflections that make it well worth reading. Wuthnow gives a compelling account of the transformation of American society from an era of conformity in the 1950s to an era of good feelings today... American Mythos is a significant contribution, especially to the current debate over immigration."--David Fott, Perspectives on Politics "American Mythos provides a very thoughtful and insightful analysis of contemporary American national identity. Wuthnow shows a keen sensitivity ... that allows him to get to the core of what it means to become American. The lessons learned are enormously illuminating."--Manuel A. Vasquez, Theology Today

Author Bio

Robert Wuthnow is Gerhard R. Andlinger '52 Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for the Study of Religion at Princeton University. His recent books include "America and the Challenges of Religious Diversity" and "Saving America Faith-Based Services and the Future of Civil Society" (both Princeton).