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As we approach our nation's birthday in what has become a very divided country, we could all use a unifying and patriotic message. In the book, What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism, by Dan Rather and Elliot Kirschner, you will find that message. Rather, the long-time journalist and the main author, reflects in the context of his vast life experience on what it means to be an American, reminding readers of the principles on which the nation was founded. The book is available in Trout Library.
In the opening chapter of the book, Rather asks the question of exactly what patriotism is. He states that it is not nationalism, which he says is a monologue in which you place your country in a position of moral and cultural supremacy over others. Instead, Rather defines patriotism as a dialogue with your fellow citizens and the larger world about what you love about your country and how it can be improved (p. 15).
The book is then divided into five sections. The first section is on Freedom, which consists of chapters on voting, dissent and the press. Next comes Community, where you will find chapters on inclusion, empathy and immigration. In the essay on empathy, Rather remarks that his mother always instructed that he not feel sorry for people but instead understand how they feel, something that has been a guiding force in his life (p. 95). The third section, which is on Exploration, covers the importance of science, books, and the arts in the national story. In the chapter on books, Rather describes how libraries have shaped him and how vital they are to democracy.
The fourth section, which is on Responsibility, consists of essays on the environment, public education, and service. Rather considers service to be rooted in the purest of our democratic impulses (p. 217) and not only refers to those serving in the military, but also to anyone who works to make difficult and painful situations less difficult and painful (p. 216). In the final section of the book, on the concept of Character, Rather has chapters entitled "Audacity," "Steady" and "Courage." The "Steady" chapter is especially inspiring as it deals with resilience and forbearance in difficult and trying situations, both in a personal and national sense.
I highly recommend that everyone read this book.
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Bill Fanshel Evening/Weekend Librarian 610-229-9311 |
