American Identity - by B Kumaravadivelu (Paperback)

About the Book

Recent events such as the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, have led many Americans wonder who we actually are. This book examines the changing nature of American identity by drawing from national and global network of connections and synthesizing the profession...

Book Synopsis

Recent events such as the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, have led many Americans to lament that the nation they grew up with is unrecognizable now. They see threats to national and individual identity and are fiercely engaged in protecting them. In doing so, some of them deliberately blend the distinction between myth and reality. In this timely and relevant book, the author seeks to provide a critical perspective on who we really are.

Taking into consideration the prevailing political, social and cultural conflicts, the author re-examines the changing nature of American identity--primarily its creedal identity, religious identity, cultural identity and linguistic identity--and does so within a broader perspective informed by national and global network of connections.

Based on his lived experience as a naturalized citizen and his learned knowledge as a scholar, he synthesizes the professional, the political and the personal. He draws insights from multiple disciplines in Humanities and Social Sciences, from surveys conducted by agencies like the Pew Research Center, and from the practice of everyday American life.

Review Quotes

American Identity: Myth and Reality is a meticulous review of the origins and sustainability of ethnic, gender, racial, and sexual identities in America. Professor Kumaravadivelu weaved his personal account with the observations of noted scholars from various fields. In doing so, he managed to deliver multifaceted insights into our understanding of identities.

In this smart, nuanced exploration of how Americans negotiate between their cultural identities and their broader American one, Kumaravadivelu offers a blueprint for how our society can cultivate a healthy sense of nationhood that avoids the pitfalls of both identitarianism and aggressive nationalism. The author draws on personal experience and a deep reading of scholarly literature to craft a fascinating read that is also a work of real importance to the pluralistic society we share.

Weaving together various dimensions of how we construct a national identity in a pluralistic society like ours, Kumaravadivelu demonstrates that the ongoing accomplishment of an 'American identity' is complex, dynamic, contentious, and multifaceted. This timely and accessible book both illuminates our current condition and reminds us that we have the power to reshape our identity.

About the Author

B. Kumaravadivelu is professor emeritus at San JoséState University, California.