america

The new American Era

I’m becoming increasingly aware that we’re now entering a kind of American era. I was of course glad to see Artemis had splashed down safely on Friday night. I know I have been rather critical of it, but the fact remains the prospect of humanity returning to the moon is very exciting indeed. The thing is, alongside the coming Artemis missions, the US will host the world cup later this year, followed by the Olympics in LA in ’28. It thus seems that the world’s attention will be on America for some time.

I still remember what it was like living in London in 2012: the city seemed to have a unique buzz about it, as though it had suddenly become the centre of human existence. I doubt we’ll see another summer like that here again for a very long time; but I suspect Americans are now starting to feel something similar, not just in LA but across the country. As they gear up for the world cup this summer the sense that they are the focus of the entire world will only increase. To be fair, the arrogant tossers have always felt that way, but the coming events are only going to deepen it.

The problem is, this American Era couldn’t have come at a worse time. Under Trump, America has lost the worlds respect entirely; the country is seen as little more than a laughing stock and a bully. I can’t see it recovering the esteem it once held any time soon, casting a very dark shadow over the coming events. What should have been joyous and magnificent will now be seen as the arrogant spewings of a fascist country ruled by a megalomaniac charlatan; a bully who thinks he can trample over international law. Frankly, the prospect of the Americans, Trump foremost among them, soon boasting about walking on the moon again and hosting the ‘greatest olympics ever’, as though only they could do such things, really is unedifying. As I’ve said before, that is something nobody wants to see, but unfortunately it’s what is coming over the next few years.

When Patriotism Turns Dark

I just came across this especially interesting Girl Gone London video, in which she, a fairly young American woman who has lived in London for ten years, begins to outline the differences between nationalism and patriotism, and how the two differ depending on which side of the Atlantic you are on. What she says strikes me as increasingly relevant: in the States, kids are forced to recite the Oath of Allegiance every morning; a blind love of country is almost demanded, and any form of national criticism is deeply scorned.

I replied that I was born in the UK, in cheshire, but now live in South-East London. I think it’s fair to say that I love my country: I love things like cricket, british comedy and quaint little pubs. However, I also adore London as a city, the tube, the theatres, and what happened here in 2012 etc. I love that it’s so multicultural, inviting, and that you can meet people from all over the world here. I’m staunchly opposed to Brexit as I think working with our neighbours is the only way we can solve our problems. I don’t think these positions are incompatible: you can love your country and desire global unity at the same time. The problem is, in america, the notion of loving your country seems to mean rejecting all others; the blind belief in american exceptionalism. Patriotism there seems to have a far darker, sinister aspect to it. Frankly, particularly since last year, American patriotism has become particularly dangerous.

Whereas my love for the UK does not exclude an enthusiasm to experience and explore other other places and cultures, American patriotism seems to be becoming increasingly dogmatic and cult-like. The idea that one’s own culture supersedes all others again recalls the darkest chapters in history. This video is worth watching because it illuminates how perverse American patriotism is becoming, and especially since last year I think it is a real cause for concern.