The Atlantic Probes “The American Idea”
November’s issue of The Atlantic marks its 150th anniversary of publication – originally founded by writers including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It features a contemporary lineup of literary all-stars focused on describing the future and greatest challenges to the American Idea in 300 words or less. And while 300 words seems a paltry start to engaging in dialogue about our own identity as Americans and the state of our democracy, their publication provides a rich and unique cross-section of voices and issues facing our nation today.
Portions of the responses featured in the issue are on The Atlantic’s website, including several of my favorites by John Updike, Joyce Carol Oates, Ann-Marie Slaughter, Cornel West, and David Foster Wallace. They collectively begin to dissect the mythical foundations of our citizenship, and the idealism that encompasses all that it means to be American. It’s well worth the read.
