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Second Thread:
"Patriot Games."
Cultural Erosion?
For the second threaded discussion, we will peer closely at The New Yorker article, "Patriot Games," by Louis Menand (May 17, 2004). Mr. Menand introduces the article with the subtitle "The new nativism of Samuel P. Huntington." My attention was drawn to the term "nativism" because it relates directly to Multicultural Education. In James Banks' textbook, Cultural Diversity and Education, he defines nativism as a movement that was rooted in the immigration wave of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It surfaced as an effort to stop the influx of immigrants from East and Central Europe, who were viewed with distrust and suspicion.
Mr. Menand implies in his article that Huntington's view of cultural erosion by the globalists and intellectual elites is a new form of nativism. Let's begin the discussion with your opinion about cultural erosion. Do you agree or disagree that globalists and intellectual elites (as identified by Mr. Huntington) are eroding U.S. culture?
Keep in mind that your response addresses the topic (cultural erosion), relates your opinion to the topic (agree/disagree and why/why not), and supports your opinion with evidence from the article OR from your studies at the university. The purpose of this activity is for you to develop your critical thinking and your ability to express and support your opinion clearly, coherently, concretely, and correctly. If you respond to a classmate's opinion, follow the same format.
Freddie A. Bowles
tulipan@corndancer.com
POSTED Tue 7/20/04 7:48 PM
Thread posted by
Jessica Clark
I disagree that globalists and intellectual elites are eroding US culture. I would like to address Huntington's definition of culture. I will not retype it here because it is extensive, but it includes "the Christian religion, … British traditions of law, … and a legacy of European art". I consider the US culture to be broader than that. I agree with Menand who says it is "all the things Americans recognize, by their absence, as American when they visit other countries". I think of religious plurality, not simply the Christian faith. I look around my neighborhood and I see other ideas about law. Just walk into any museum and you will see art, literature, and music from countries and cultures just as varied as the origins of our populace. These examples are simplistic, but I think they show that our US culture is actually MADE UP of these varied subcultures. How, therefore, can the building blocks of our culture be simultaneously eroding it?
-----Original Message-----
From: Jessica Clark
[mailto:jplum@uark.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 10:37 AM
Subject: erosion discussion
Thread posted by
Sarah-Catherine Wilcox
I disagree with Huntington's statement that our culture is being eroded by two sets of bad guys, the "intellectual elites" and the "globalites". Along with Menand, I do not feel that our culture is being eroded at all. In fact, I feel like the diversity that comes along with the intellectual elites and the globalites help to support and add to our culture. Hunnington states that "Multiculturism is in its essence anti-European civilization". I feel like he has little support to back up such a statement because the statement negates the values of our culture and what we should strive for. America has always incorporated people of all cultures within our Nation's history. After Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492, people from different European countries like Spain, Portugal, Germany, Poland, England, Ireland, France, and Sweden all came to America. I feel like our country is developing and not eroding because slowly people are beginning to study and adapt multiculturism as part of being an American. In an article from a U.S. Cultural Studies website, the author states that Americans are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups to extend the term of multiculturism into their vocabulary. America stands for freedom and that is what people of different cultures should feel when they are in this Nation. They should not feel like they have to mold to a certain "core culture", which Hunington refers to as unity and "national power".
-----Original Message-----
From: Sarah-Catherine Wilcox
[mailto:scw321@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 3:07 PM
Subject: Discussion Thread #2
Thread posted by
Laura Johnston
According to Huntington, America's "core culture" includes, "the Christian religion, Protestant values, and moralism, a world ethic, the English language, British traditions of law, justice, and the limits of government power, and a legacy of European art, literature, philosophy, and music...the American Creed with its principles of liberty, equality, indiviualism, representative government, and private property."
It is most difficult to define America's "core culture" and certainly Huntington does not capture America in his definition. America's "core culture" encompasses much more than what Huntington has described. Because America's citizenship consists of people from so many cultures, it is next to impossible to label America's "core culture".
Since there is no valid definition of America's "core culture" it is absolutely absurd for Huntington to accuse intellectuals and liberal elites of eroding the American culture, a culture which has not been properly defined.
-----Original Message-----
From: Laura Johnston
[mailto:lauraj3734@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 5:53 PM
Subject: Laura Johnston
Thread posted by
Amy Duncan
I disagree with Huntington that intellectuals and globalists are eroding our culture. The intellectuals are trying to help preserve our "core culture" not trying to deconstruct it. Huntington defines our core culture as, "Christian religion, Protestant values and moralism, a work ethic, the English language, British traditions of law, justice, and the limits of government power, and a legacy of European art, literature philosophy, and music." This is exactly what our culture is today. The intellectualists and globalists are not deconstructing our core culture; they are only adding to it and making it better. Huntington also says that Multiculturalism is anti-European and anti-Western culture. I would like to know what his definition of those cultures is, because he does not give enough of an explanation of them and how they are being eroded.
I think that Huntington has failed to see what America is all about. When the first settlers came to America, they were seeking religious freedom. Since that time many groups have immigrated here to find freedom and a better life, bringing their culture into a place where there was no set culture. Our "core culture" has grown from the diverse cultures that have come here. The globalists that Huntington speaks of are the same type of people that immigrated here to create our core culture many years ago. Without immigration we would not have a culture at all.
-----Original Message-----
From: Amy Duncan
[mailto:addunca@uark.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 8:19 AM
Subject: Discussion
Thread posted by
Ben Lewis
First, I would like to say that Mr. Hunnington is arrogant. According to Mr. Hunnington, the first bad guys are intellectuals such as President Clinton and Al Gore. He feels this way because he is against multiculturalism and sees it as a threat to our nation. He says that "multiculturalism is in its essence anti-European civilization. It is basically an anti-Western ideology." I believe he is wrong because I think multiculturalism is a core value in America. In the article it says that one of the virtues of a liberal democracy is that it is designed to accommodate social and cultural change. That's what America is about. The main reason I believe he targets Clinton is because he supports affirmative action, which I see as a good policy.
The second group he thinks are evil are the globalists, the new immigrants and transitional businessmen. The immigrants support the American economy because they are willing to do things that many Americans would not do. That is especially true in Northwest Arkansas. I have worked with several Mexican immigrants in landscaping and they seem to take pride in the United States and try to fit in as best as they can. We have to accept that the world is a different place than it was 20 years ago because of globalization. In the article he states that Hispanic-American culture is derived from Spain, which is in Europe.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Lewis
[mailto:bwl01@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 12:29 PM
Subject: Threaded Discussion Response
Thread posted by
Sara Stathakis
Huntington states that our culture is being eroded by two sets of bad guys: the intellectual elites and the globalists. I disagree with Huntington's comment. As I see it today, our culture, rich with tradition, is developing to include people of different race, religion, and ethnicity. This should in fact be what our nation strives for. We should strive for the individualism and the equality for all. I believe the US has made great strides in developing multiculturalism throughout our great nation. In essence, I agree with Menand's statement that "multiculturalism, in the form associated with people like Clinton and Gore, is part of the democratic experiment."
-----Original Message-----
From: Sara Stathakis
[mailto:LGreekgirll@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 12:43 PM
Subject: Discussion Thread
Thread posted by
Carrie Keeling
I disagree with Huntington that globalists and intellectual elites are eroding
our culture. Menand is right in saying that Huntington wants to talk about
one specific cluster of American beliefs, habits, etc(in his article known as
the "core culture"). There is so much to our culture than just what the basic
core is. Yes,that is what this country is founded on but that isn't all there
is to this country and its history. I think it would be hard to say that
America shouldn't be multicultural because it has been that way since it began
as a country. People came from other countries to begin a new life in the
United States. So really you can't say that we have one core culture. It is
more a mixed culture because there are many different habits, beliefs,
assumptions, and institutions that came from other countries. I think the
fact that we as a country can or try to accept other cultures into our own
makes us a great nation and one that should not be noted as eroding but of
growing together.
-----Original Message-----
From: Carrie Keeling
[mailto:ckeelin@uark.edu]
Sent: Thu 7/22/04 2:20 PM
Subject: Discussion Thread
Thread posted by
Leah Higgs
I do not agree with Huntington’s opinion that the American culture is being
eroded by globalists and intellectual elites. Is culture unchanging? I don’t
believe so. With time comes change. Countries, societies, families, and so
on experience change everyday. That change doesn’t erase the past history,
but adds to the present and future. So even if Huntington is slightly right,
that our culture WAS ONCE “Protestant values and moralism, British law, etc.,
why does that mean it has to stay the same? The history of our culture,
whatever one might define that to be, cannot be taken away. It can only be
added to and changed. Menand brings up a study administered in 1989 to 1990
where “Eighty-four percent of Mexican-Americans expressed ‘extremely’ or ‘very
’ strong love for the United States.”. These Mexican-Americans loved the
country in 1989, not 1776. So how then can immigrants be eroding our culture
and endangering the United States when they support it? The fact is that not
everyone is going to agree on the definition of American culture. My question
is must American culture be defined?
"If you shoot for the moon and fail, you will still be among the stars."
-----Original Message-----
From: Leah Higgs
[mailto:[lhiggs@uark.edu]
Sent: Thu 7/22/04 2:36 PM
Subject: Discussion Thread
Thread posted by
Donna M. Hogan-DeLaPorte
"Patriot Games."
Cultural Erosion?
I do not agree with Huntington's view of cultural erosion by globalists and intellectual elites as a new form of nativism. In the first paragraph of the article the statistical information says it for me. I am one of the 96 to 98 % of Americans that is proud of their country, I am in the 81 % of those that want to do something for their country, in the 92 % that believe in God, in the 87 % that is proud of their job, have always worked long hours, have been working harder because it takes it, and I am proud to be American. Maybe Huntington needs to move out of the country. I see the man as crude and one of the deconstructive citizens. After all is it not him that is so negative here and is it not him that is breaking (eroding) the efforts of the patriot?
Huntington's definitions of a globalist (paragraph 12) are the new immigrants and transnational businessmen. He thinks that new immigrants don't stay and transnational businessmen are too mobile in the global economy to be loyal. The transnational only identify with the corporation because the American corporations are transnational. America, in his words is the only "Global superpower". America is considered to be the world's superpower in many ways and that is part of our national identity. In paragraph 13, Huntington thinks we need to stay in our own "cultural box". I say we can't do that and stay globally competitive and keep the United Nations happy.
Our intellectual elites as he calls them are people that have worked hard to keep our national security in place not erode it. Bill Clinton and Al Gore did not break relations down during their stay in the White House. They were able to keep the Iraqis at bay. The erosion of relations between countries is not the soul responsibility of one or two people anyway.
Without a stable global economy we would be without a lot of goods and services that the transnational keep us supplied with. There has to be a global commerce entity and if it is the American companies, that just means we have more power not less. As Menand states (paragraph 20), "if the globe is more global, which means more Americanized - than the need for national cultural homogeneity is lesser, not greater.
-----Original Message-----
From: Donna M. Hogan-DeLaPorte
ddelapo@uark.edu
Sent: Thu 7/22/04 3:49 PM
Subject: Patriot Games Discussion Thread
Thread posted by
Crystal Smith
Cultural Erosion or Not?
Huntington states that our culture is being eroded by two sets of bad guys: the intellectual elites and the globalists.
In researching Huntington's points of view on "deconstruction," I've found that he has a good argument from a negative point of view.
He basically feels that our country adapts to the diversity of other cultures that are brought here from foreign lands. He thinks that because we cater to and encourage equality for foreign cultures in our homeland that we are in danger of loosing our own identity of distinction from others. Remember the old saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." I think he believes that we should operate our country with those words in mind, based upon him saying in "The Clash of Civilizations" -- that nation states ought to remain inside their own cultural boxes.
The Intellectual Elites
In some aspect, I agree with this. I think that foreigners should adapt to our way of living.
After all, that is why they migrated here. They wanted to become apart of who America is. This is where I have ambiguity. If I were to go live in France, I would definitely adapt to their culture and learn the language. If you think about it, Other countries don't adapt to us, "Americans", when we are there, we adapt to them. So, why do we make room for foreigners culture and respect it. It's simple, it's the "American Way!" Huntington forgets, that our culture is indeed made up of many cultures. For example, if Americans were asked to name an "American" meal, many would answer with hamburger and fries. Huntington probably doesn't realize that the meat on a hamburger came over with some immigrants from Hamburg, Germany and the fries from Paris.
So, thank goodness we have our "deconstructionists," that are NOT eroding our culture, and are whole heartedly advocating bilingualism, affirmative action, cosmopolitanism, pluralism, and multiculturalism. In my opinion that is the "American Way," Equal rights and liberty for all. That is the very reason why people migrate here for equal opportunity in a land where diversity is accepted.
The Globalists
Huntington expresses that because "globalists," new immigrants and transitional businessmen, are "In a society in which multiculturalism is encouraged, the loyalty of these immigrants to the United States and its core culture is fragile." This is a huge assumption and is not true based on a column in Time that states that eighty-four per cent of Mexican-Americans expressed "extremely" or "very" strong love the the United States.
So, no I do not agree with Huntington. I think diversity is what makes America strong.
-----Original Message-----
From: Crystal Smith
cms03@uark.edu
Sent: Thu 7/22/04 4:11 PM
Subject: Cultural Erosion or Not?
Thread posted by
Susan Hinton
I must also disagree that it is Huntington's "globalists" and "intellectual elites" that are eroding U. S. culture. First of all, he has hand-picked what I am sure is HIS cultural background to very narrowly define "America's core culture" including "the Christian religion, Protestant values and moralism, a work ethic, the English language, British traditions of law, justice, and the limits of government power, and a legacy of European art, literature, philosophy, and music". This sounds too much like the majority, white man's legacy. We have many other religions, values, work ethics, languages, traditions and philosophies that have long been valued in this country. The state of Louisiana bases their law on French tradition, not British. I agree with my classmates that many traditions make up our culture already. The traditions of Christmas come from a conglomeration of German (the tree), Dutch (the stockings), and I do believe the Protestants were not the first followers of Jesus. We come from a diverse background and THIS is what makes us American! I think it is great that we can freely study various forms of government, alternate religions, and a variety of music, philosophy, art, and literature. No other country in the world embraces this type of diversity. By embracing new cultural ideas into our society, we are enriching an already rich culture, not "eroding" it. We are continuing to build on our cultural ideals, just as it has been built by all the generations that came together before us. The core American culture is due to change as it always has-it was never static to begin with.
-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Hinton
[shinton@cox-internet.com]
Sent: Thu 7/22/04 6:09 PM
Subject: Erosions Thread Contribution
Thread posted by
Alison Bradley
The question we are faced with after reading Louis Menand's "Patriot Games" is whether or not we agree that globalists and intellectual elites (as identified by Mr. Huntington) are eroding U.S. culture?
After reading the article written by Louis Menand, I have come to the conclusion that it is primarily a matter of perception as to whether or not globalists and intellectual elites are eroding U.S. culture. Personally, I do not believe that the two groups (identified by Huntington) are guilty of anything. One would have to possess a firm definition of what composes the culture of the United States before being able to state that its condition is being eroded, let alone place blame for any such occurrence. As discussed in class, trying to identify our culture is absurd because of the multi-faceted backgrounds of the majority of people who live in the United States.
In paragraph five, Menand states, "He (Huntington) thinks that the erosion or diffusion of any cluster of collective ideals, whatever those ideals may be, leads to weakness and vulnerability." I previously stated that the erosion of the U.S. is a matter of perception. With this in mind, one must consider the level of compassion, education level, and upbringing (background) of the general public. For example, I have relatives that hold prejudices against two particular groups - one against those of the Jewish faith, and one against African-Americans. I have heard each of these individuals make statements implying that the more rights and privileges we, as a nation, give to these groups, the weaker the nation becomes. This is where the issue of perception comes into play. My particular involvement with the two groups (they hold prejudices against) is limited, but I feel that my personal upbringing, level of compassion, and education level has allowed my to see the positive attributes these cultures bring to the U.S. Where these two relatives would see a hindrance (by accepting these cultural groups into America), I see an opportunity. With the opportunity to learn more about another culture, we inherently become stronger and less vulnerable. Huntington is apparently not aware of the statistics provided by Menand in the first paragraph that states, "…between ninety-six and ninety-eight per cent of all Americans said that they were "very" proud or "quite" proud of their country." With this type of information available (to Huntington), I find it ironic that Huntington feels that globalists and intellectual elites are eroding U.S. culture, when these are the very groups that are helping to bridge nations through (their) mobility by maintaining offices overseas and conducting business with foreign companies. I see this scenario as a "pro"; Huntington sees it as a "con". I prefer to be optimistic about the future of our nation. But does that make me a contributor to Huntington's perceived erosion of the U.S. culture???
-----Original Message-----
From: Alison Bradley
[bradley@cox-internet.com]
Sent: Thu 7/22/04 7:18 PM
Subject: Patriot Games Response
Thread posted by
Alena Carter
There is a part of me that agrees with parts of what Huntington says about the erosion of the American culture. Although there is a lot of diversity in what people think and believe personally, I believe that there is still an underlying American culture and way of life that is slowly but surely eroding away. In paragraph 3 of the article it states that, according to Huntington, America's "core culture" includes, "the Christian religion, Protestant values, and moralism, a world ethic, the English language, British traditions of law, justice, and the limits of government power, and a legacy of European art, literature, philosophy, and music...the American Creed with its principles of liberty, equality, indiviualism, representative government, and private property." Even though we are free to believe what we choose, America was founded with a protestant base and with an English speaking base. European ideas did found our culture but modifications have been made along the way. This is where I disagree with Huntington. America's culture does include many other ideas. I do, however, respect him for attempting to define something that most are afraid to even approach.
We had discussion in class about the assimilation of people into one another's cultures. When I travel or even go to live in another country, I do not expect that country to bow down and cater to me just because I am there. I simply try my best to learn and adjust to their culture, their language, their food, their values. In all sense of the word, we respect them and we in turn gain respect ourselves for doing this. I feel that that is how it should be when people of other cultures come into our country. We, as Americans, should not accept their culture (by changing ours) but merely help them to adapt to ours by teaching them our language and values. They don't have to accept it but they do have to respect it. To sum what I mean, people from different cultures need to realize that when they come here they need to assimilate somewhat to the American culture, not in everyway as to give up there own heritage but enough to adapt. Learn English. Respect other people so you can gain respect back.
-----Original Message-----
From: Alena Carter
[snapdragon220@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thu 7/22/04 9:21 PM
Subject: personal responses
Thread posted by
P.J. Brown
I don't like what Huntington says about the globalists and intellectual elite eroding our society. Regardless of who is preaching what in our society, I believe that the American culture is multiculturalised. Jessica gave great examples when she talked about art museums and religions. America is full of multiculturalism, and just because most Americans can only speak English, that automatically puts a stereotype on our society. I am a little two sided on this issue, because when it comes to me being a teacher, I think it is good to be very diversified when it comes to cultures. On the other hand, I am a little proud of where I'm from and I don't think anyone should be forced to show interest in something if they don't want to. In our school systems today it is an option to take a foreign language, and some places require it, but we, mostly, have a choice. One reason I chose the College of Education and Health Professions is because it did not require a foreign language.
I'm American, and I may be stubborn, but I'm proud of it.
-----Original Message-----
From: P.J. Brown
[pjbrown@uark.edu]
Sent: Thu 7/22/04 9:31 PM
Subject: Discussion post
Thread posted by
Nicole Deeter
Basically, the topic is Huntington in his book “Who are we”, most of the country has “Core America” values, but the small influence of intellectual elites,” international businessmen and those with dual citizenship are causing the erosion of our culture. Like Louis Menard in her article Patriot Games, I disagree with Huntington that intellectuals and globalists are eroding our culture. According to Huntington Hispano-Americans are not assimilating with American and therefore causing the erosion of American culture. However, Menard states, “Hispanics are different because “they still put family first, still make room in their lives for activities other than business. Therefore, in actuality there compliment American culture rather than erode it. Another reason why I disagree is because Huntington states “America’s “core culture” and list what he believes American “core Culture” is. But in the Constitution, which was based on freedom of persicussion i.e., speak religion etc.
So America was founded on diversity. So as Americans we should be open to other cultures; Huntington thinks it is only “America’s Core Culture” one way of living.
-----Original Message-----
From: Nicole Deeter
[ndeeter@uark.edu]
Sent: Thu 7/22/04 9:59 PM
Subject: personal responses
Thread posted by
Katy Collins
As many of my classmates have stated, I, too, disagree with the thesis of "Who
Are We?". It is appalling to me that there are people in this country (which
was founded on freedom) who feel as Mr. Huntington. I disagree with his
definition of American culture, as stated in paragraph three of the article. I
take particular offense at his assertation that the "English language" is part
of the core culture of America. This country has never in its history been
monolingual. We have been full of various nationalities, all rich in
linguistic diversity. When we conquered Texas, the individuals living there
did not ask to be part of our country. The least we can do is respect the
culture (and language) that they bring with them. I appreciated Menand's point
in paragraph 19 that Mexican culture - at least much of their language and
religion - originated from Spain, a European country. Maybe Huntington needs
to narrow his definition of "European", because it might include too much
"non-core" culture!
-----Original Message-----
From: Katy Collins
[kec01@uark.edu]
Sent: Thu 7/22/04 10:08 PM
Subject: Menand response
Thread posted by
Heather Schlichtman
In the article "Patriot Games," Louis Menand discusses Samuel Huntington's view of cultural erosion at the hands of America. Huntington believes that "…a tiny fraction of Americans in whom national pride, patriotic loyalty, religious faith, and regard for the work ethic might possibly be less than wholehearted." In other words, Huntington believes this fraction of our society is made up of transnational businessmen, intellectual elites, and people holding dual citizenships. Huntington describes these groups as ones that come to the United States often just to earn money eventually becoming part of our society, but never accepting our culture as their own.
But is it fair for America to have the belief that everyone should accept our values simply because they live in our country? Huntington feels there is a lack of national pride from these groups, but he claims "…it is immoral to insist on making other countries conform to western values…" since this would ultimately require them to disregard their own values. I disagree because I feel like it is not immoral to expect someone residing in our country to accept our culture. While we shouldn't expect America's values to be accepted universally, if someone is going to live in our country for whatever reason, they should accept our culture. They shouldn't have to give up their native one completely, but they should be able to adapt to ours. When a country becomes such a super power that it starts to believe that their values are the only ones that matter, it creates tension and events like September 11th occur.
-----Original Message-----
From: Heather Schlichtman
[mailto:Opstorm13@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 11:16 PM
Subject: Heather's Reading
Thread posted by
Laura Johnston
Hi. I have been thinking about our article and threaded discussion... thinking probably a little bit too much. :) I am very bothered that everyone has the same opinion. After reading through the posts and re-thinking the article, I have decided that our culture is being eroded. I think that fact that we all basically mindlessly agreed with Menand is evidence of this fact.
Because our country doesn't have a clear definition of our culture, it is a matter of opinion whether or not it is being eroded. However, each person should consider his or her definition of American culture and then decide whether or not it is being eroded.
Louis Menand presented Huntington's view in such a negative light that it was very difficult to think objectively about this topic. It is not probable in a class our size that everyone truly disagrees with Huntington. It would be a good thing to have everyone consider their definition of American culture, think about where our culture is now, and then make a decision about whether or not it has been eroded.
-----Original Message-----
From: Laura Johnston
[lauraj3734@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sun 07/25/04 7:09 PM
Subject:
Thread posted by
Katie Newberry
According to Samuel P. Huntington, as a culture, we are being eroded by certain groups of people that are breaking down America's national identity. He basically thinks that anyone who deviates from his idea of a European centered life culture is a threat to it. I think that this idea is absolutely ridiculous. How can you have a culture that has just recently reached its 200th birthday and expect that the national identity has been formed? If you look at other civilizations, they have been molded and sculpted for thousands of years. 200 years is miniscule in the grand scheme of things.
Huntington is basing his idea for the American core culture as being reflective of European culture and all of the ideals that he mentioned in his book. Some of which include Christian religion, Protestant values and moralism, British traditions, European philosophy, etc… He must be forgetting that when a group of people leave a culture and a way of life, they tend to seek out a new one.
In response to Huntington’s ideas, it is perfectly fine for some people to have an identity similar to this, but in all reality, the reason that we are a nation is because people came here and fought here to make sure that we, as a culture, were never forced to do or be anything that we didn’t want to be. I think that it is unfair to state that groups of people are eroding the American national identity when, if fact, our identity as a nation is still being formed, just as just as the ancient civilizations had to do in the thousands of years past.
-----Original Message-----
From: Katie Newberry
[knewber@uark.edu]
Sent: Sun 07/25/04 7:14 PM
Subject:
Thread posted by
Magan Shores
I disagree with Huntington and completely agree with Sarah Catherine. When Huntington makes such large accusations like our national culture is being eroded, I think that he is making himself seem ignorant. People, or American's from all different origins have been making up America's culture since 1462. What Huntington refers to as "America's core culture" is I feel a biased view of values that he holds and that not all American's have. Does this mean that Huntington is criticizing "pure bread Americans' as well as liberal elites and deconstructionalists? Wouldn't this mean that Huntington was attacking himself? According to Menand, Huntington is only interested in national security and power. Huntington suggests that adding more cultures into America's culture makes America weak and vulnerable. This makes me wonder how homogeneous does Huntington think that America is? I think that this was a good article to get you thinking, however I do not agree that our culture is not being eroded. I feel that our culture, patriotism and acceptance is growing everyday!
-----Original Message-----
From: Magan Shores
[mshores@uark.edu]
Sent: Sun 07/25/04 11:59 PM
Subject: Article....
*This is the next step toward THE One World Language.
Step Sixty One: *The cognitive domain in the corner pocket!
Planet Gnosis is ruled by Freddie A. Bowles, a professional educator and fellow at the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. An independent entity in the CornDancer consortium of planets, Planet Gnosis is dedicated to the exploration of education and teaching. CornDancer is a developmental website for the mind and spirit maintained by webmistress Freddie A. Bowles of the Planet Earth. Submissions are invited.
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