We are all raised with myths, some more useful than others. They are the stories we tell ourselves about our origins, family, the Nation, and even wild animals. We have a series of myths about our founding as a nation, the Civil War as the Lost Cause, the frontier, and even World War II as the “Good War.”
Some of our national myths are unifying; others, dividing. In his new book, Richard Slotkin, who taught American studies at Wesleyan, examines how our national myths have become divisive, contributing to the culture wars we now experiencing.
Moving beyond myth is not easy, for our individual and communal myths shape how we respond to the issues and problems we see in our present day. Myths don’t just belong to those people with whom we disagree, whether on immigration, poverty, or a whole host of issues. Examining how we use our myths and how they use us is critical as we face this election season and its aftermath.
Prayer for the Day
God of all worlds and all time, we come to you at this time
For we confuse our desire and our pride with our needs;
Knowing that we have been blessed in this land of bounty,
We confuse our wants with your word as the way to peace.
Move us beyond our preconceived ideas that divide us,
And help us extend your promise of peace to all.
In the name of the One who opens us to one another,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
National mythology has defined the battlefield, and it remains its most powerful
weapon.
Colin Woodward, historian, author
Myths are broad and consistent patterns in storytelling, which directly address the fundamental character and purposes of the American nation-state.
Richard Slotkin, from A Great Disorder: National Myth and the Battle for America
I called on God and the spirit of wisdom came t me.
I preferred her to scepters and thrones,
And I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her.
Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem.
Because all gold is but a little sand in her sight,
And silver will be accounted as clay before her.
The Wisdom of Solomon 7: 7-9