What it means to be an American ; essays on the American experience

What does it mean to be an American? If we hyphenated Americans (Irish-Americans, Italian-Americans, African-Americans) are united by abstract ideals of citizenship and not by a common culture or heritage, then how does American society achieve cohesion?

At a time when divisiveness has become almost fashionable in American society, noted political scientist Michael Walzer offers a clear and pragmatic explanation of the politics of difference, shedding light on what is needed for us to coexist in a society as uniquely heterogeneous as that of the United States of America.

Five incisive essays explore and analyze the roles of civic virtue, pluralism, immigration and the politics of difference in shaping the American identity. Walzer provides a frame of reference to explore the abstract ideal of unity symbolized by the motto E pluribus unum (From many, one). He shows us how an understanding of the differences in heritage and culture can lead us to develop a form of coexistence that emphasizes the common interest while respecting difference. Walzer outlines a model for a stronger America rooted in political participation and public edu cation with immigration as a continuous source of national renewal. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN AMERICAN is a timely, forward-looking affirmation of the legacy of American pluralism.