"A consequence is that empathy, cooperation and social cohesion get short shrift in our national imagination, setting up an enduring tension between the diversity of our national melting pot composed of the descendants of enslaved people and immigrants—and the perpetual monomyth of the “real American” (white) savior."
You know why Saloth Sar adopted the name Pol Pot ("Original Cambodian")?
The same reason that Republicans want to be called "Real Americans."
There's a very regional element to this, just like there was to Pol Pot, and the "sent Down" movement of Mao.
But part of the cult of America always worshipping that regional prejudice of our "Real American" myth. It is a dangerous blind spot when the "real Americans" are screaming for culture war and behaving like legal residents are not "American" enough, no matter what their legal status.
There is a delicious irony here in that you've externalized this instead of recognizing the cults of your own thinking. It's like you're looking into a mirror and not liking what you see because you're expecting from others what you expect from yourself. It's a challenge to look in the mirror and recognize yourself, which is why I call it a Mixed Mental Art.
The opposite of CULT is DEMOCRACY! – Jane Borden
It’s going to take all of the thinking women to overthrow the Patriarchy!
They created this country and want nothing but obedience and wealth. End of story. No one is coming to save us. Democracy is a myth in this country.
"A consequence is that empathy, cooperation and social cohesion get short shrift in our national imagination, setting up an enduring tension between the diversity of our national melting pot composed of the descendants of enslaved people and immigrants—and the perpetual monomyth of the “real American” (white) savior."
You know why Saloth Sar adopted the name Pol Pot ("Original Cambodian")?
The same reason that Republicans want to be called "Real Americans."
There's a very regional element to this, just like there was to Pol Pot, and the "sent Down" movement of Mao.
But part of the cult of America always worshipping that regional prejudice of our "Real American" myth. It is a dangerous blind spot when the "real Americans" are screaming for culture war and behaving like legal residents are not "American" enough, no matter what their legal status.
Spot on. This type of cultic thinking can only lead to fascism and genocide.
Seriously frightening, but I fear Sean may be right.
If America is a cult there would be only one political party- wait
There is a delicious irony here in that you've externalized this instead of recognizing the cults of your own thinking. It's like you're looking into a mirror and not liking what you see because you're expecting from others what you expect from yourself. It's a challenge to look in the mirror and recognize yourself, which is why I call it a Mixed Mental Art.
https://www.polymathicbeing.com/p/looking-into-a-mirror
I block for ad hominems. You have a window to make a reasoned argument here--if you have one.