What does it mean to be an American? I suppose if you asked 100 people this question, you could likely receive 100 different answers. I hadn’t really thought about it much until the day after the 2008 election when I was watching The View. (Yes, I watch The View sometimes. Please don’t tell anyone.) But anyway, in a near-poetic moment of pride, Whoopi Goldberg shared a beautiful analogy to express that she felt a bit more… well… “American” that morning:
“The realization that hit me and really messed me up for a lot of the night was that [while] I had always thought of myself as an American with all of the promise that America holds… finally, I felt that I could put my suitcase down…” –Whoopi Goldberg on President Obama’s 2008 Win
I had never heard anyone use that analogy for being a minority in America before, but as a person living in three non-privileged 
categories (meaning: as person without racial, gender or economic privilege), it occurred to me that she was right about something. Profoundly right. The constant desire in this country among those of us who inhabit oppressed classes is to find a place to rest… A place to stop… A place to put down our suitcases and possibly even unpack our bags. America is a place where the wearied, “huddled” masses come to find refuge– and so, it is indeed a place made of people in search of a destination… a place overrun with people who desperately wish to put down their heavy suitcases.
After thinking about Whoopi’s comments (and those of her co-hosts) over the past few years, I’ve realized that she really did strike an important chord. She was drawing attention to the things we say in America, but struggle to actually mean. She was commenting on the wide chasm that exists between theoretical freedom and actualized freedom; between the language of equality and actualized equality; between lipservice about human dignity and actions that affirm human dignity.
In my lifetime, I have realized that Americans live in two paradigms– two radically different paradigms that many of us are afraid to discuss. In one realm, we claim to hold certain “truths to be self-evident”… and that those truths involve the “equality” of all humankind. In that realm, we seem to speak of freedom as if it were an actualized thing– a real thing that we are all experiencing.
Yet, in our other realm– our actualized (or real) realm– we realize that equality, and that each human being’s claim to dignity, and that the welcome mat which should ideally say “Come here and put down your suitcase” is not self-evident. In fact, for many of us, the welcome mat is often impossible to find.
As I stand back and observe the ongoing fight for marriage equality, and the ongoing demonization of Muslims in America, and the continued religious bias that so pervades our political system, I ask myself: “To what degree are we really a country where people can put down their suitcases? And what does it mean to unpack? Are un-privileged classes ever really at home in a place where inequality is a systemic problem?”
I think about the injustices that happen here and wonder if equality will ever become so pervasive in America that it is truly “self-evident”… I think about Trayvon Martin, and I cry for his family… and I long for the day when we don’t live in two paradigms. I long for a time when our actualized realm will match the beautiful story we tell about ourselves. I long for a time when I, like Whoopi, can put my suitcase down.
Please forgive me, for I’m about to leave another massive comment. Though this time it’s not my words, but Leonard Cohen’s. When Obama was elected in 2008, I kept playing this song (“Democracy”) over and over – probably 100 times. I was just astounded by how poignantly it summed up the feeling so many of us around the world were feeling at that time – despite being written almost 20 years earlier! American patriotism – something that pretty much scares the shit out most non-Americans, suddenly felt like something hopeful and good – something you could root for.
The lyrics are exquisite, and I hope you’ll agree that they also speak closely to the very issues you’ve just written about…the equality that is there, yet not there, the hope that seems within reach, yet also a thousand years away…
It’s coming through a hole in the air,
from those nights in Tiananmen Square.
It’s coming from the feel
that this ain’t exactly real,
or it’s real, but it ain’t exactly there.
From the wars against disorder,
from the sirens night and day,
from the fires of the homeless,
from the ashes of the gay:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.
It’s coming through a crack in the wall;
on a visionary flood of alcohol;
from the staggering account
of the Sermon on the Mount
which I don’t pretend to understand at all.
It’s coming from the silence
on the dock of the bay,
from the brave, the bold, the battered
heart of Chevrolet:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.
It’s coming from the sorrow in the street,
the holy places where the races meet;
from the homicidal bitchin’
that goes down in every kitchen
to determine who will serve and who will eat.
From the wells of disappointment
where the women kneel to pray
for the grace of God in the desert here
and the desert far away:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.
Sail on, sail on
O mighty Ship of State!
To the Shores of Need
Past the Reefs of Greed
Through the Squalls of Hate
Sail on, sail on, sail on, sail on.
It’s coming to America first,
the cradle of the best and of the worst.
It’s here they got the range
and the machinery for change
and it’s here they got the spiritual thirst.
It’s here the family’s broken
and it’s here the lonely say
that the heart has got to open
in a fundamental way:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.
It’s coming from the women and the men.
O baby, we’ll be making love again.
We’ll be going down so deep
the river’s going to weep,
and the mountain’s going to shout Amen!
It’s coming like the tidal flood
beneath the lunar sway,
imperial, mysterious,
in amorous array:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.
Sail on, sail on …
I’m sentimental, if you know what I mean
I love the country but I can’t stand the scene.
And I’m neither left or right
I’m just staying home tonight,
getting lost in that hopeless little screen.
But I’m stubborn as those garbage bags
that Time cannot decay,
I’m junk but I’m still holding up
this little wild bouquet:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.
Hi Dave! I laughed out loud when I read your “forgive me… massive comment” intro. I don’t mind your comments. I actually appreciate the engagement (even when somewhat oppositional)… Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for posting the lyrics to that song. Very inspiring, and I agree with the spirit of the song. There are a lot of reasons to be optimistic. Thanks for always leaving such thoughtful comments.
Wow… thanks for these thoughts and reminders to a white male…. Not one of any wealth whatever, nor of particular privilege (as typically thought) or power, but still in the more “comfortable” position of the power-holders. As to your question near the end, it seems quite evident that hardly anyone, even with wealth or privileged position does feel completely settled, or “unpacked.” But the largely-invented insecurity of “majority” people(and certainly much less real than for minorities) does indicate that people are just prone to insecurities. Unfortunately, those WITH power and means most often make it even tougher on those without in a desparate attempt to “protect” their fragilely-perceived security.
As to understanding the social dynamics of this as tied to the long history of Christian institutions grounded in Christian “myth” and ritual, the most complete and logical, insightful thing I’ve encountered is Burton Mack’s “Myth and the Christian Nation: A Social History of Religion.” I’ve just finished it and it is an academic type book, though written intentionally as accessible for most anyone with patience and a serious interest. If one is a bit lacking in either, I’d suggest you jump to the last couple chapters and the conclusion, which should be understandable for the most part, tho allusions to his building theory will escape the reader. The application to the US as it was at the end of the Bush admin., and is still seen, even clearer now in the Tea Party and Relgious Right, is one of the best analyses I’ve ever read…. More in depth and fundamental–and important! (He also does quite a bit with slavery and the “equality issues” vis a vis the founding period, Civil War, and since… but I think in about the 3rd to last chapter… not sure.)
Thanks, Howard, for that very thoughtful comment. I agree… I don’t think anyone ever really feels “unpacked,” but I am happy that we live in a country that is conscious of this and is trying to remedy its problems.
And here’s an odd coincidence: I was just watching a video on Youtube a week or so ago that featured the author of “Myth of a Christian Nation” and thought to myself: “Hmmmm… I should read that book…” Based on your comment, I think I will!
Thanks again for dropping by!
Hi Crystal,
Thanks for the additional thoughts and mentioning the book. If it was on “Myth OF a…” it is a different book that I’ve not read, though I have heard of and is probably good also. I referred to “Myth AND the…” Mine is a thorough theory book, though chock full of specific analyses and including one of how original and Medeival Christian myth and ritual has come over to and influences current Christian mentality.
I’ve always thought that the phrase “African American” harms you guys. I know that it was originally meant to be a positive embrace of your African roots, and a substitute for words like “Negro”, which had become tainted with negative connotations. But now, it just makes you sound “not quite 100% American”.
I mean, since Obama is frequently called an “African American”, why weren’t Clinton and Bush called “European Americans”?
In reality, most Black Americans are about as African as apple pie, having being in America for more generations than many White Americans. Sure, you have African genes but, as geneticists have shown, so does every single human being under the sun. In fact, it’s been shown that some “White” Americans people have more African genes than some “Black” Americans.
I think it’s sad that someone whose grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from Hungary or France in the 1940s will most likely today be called an “American”, while someone whose great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandparents were brought from Guinea in the 1800s will likely be called an “African American”. Against this backdrop, I don’t think it’s surprising that Whoopi Goldberg can feel like a foreigner in her own country.
Let me be clear: I’m not saying that Blacks should aim to assimilate and should try and make their Blackness more invisible. Having your own subcultures is important (and the loss of a Black American identity would be a great loss to the whole world, since you’re arguably the world’s #1 inventors of music – jazz, blues, gospel, rock, soul, funk, disco, r&b, hiphop, etc….we need you). But I don’t think it helps your cause when you frame that identity in such a way that someone else’s continent features ahead of your own.
Just a thought. Obviously, as an oppressed minority group, many of the things that need to change are external (ie. they are attitudes that need to change within the White majority). But I think there are some things Blacks can do themselves to ease the process, such as framing their identity in a way that emphasises their Blackness, but also their Americanness, rather than their Africanness.
I have noted on many occasions that while there’s a large population of Whites in Africa (esp. in larger cities), we would never refer to them as “African Americans” if they immigrated to this country. And, there are many Blacks in America who object to the “African American” label for all of the reasons you’ve named. Thanks for sharing that.
“I have noted on many occasions that while there’s a large population of Whites in Africa (esp. in larger cities), we would never refer to them as “African Americans” if they immigrated to this country.”
I never thought of that. Great point.
Thanks for the clarification! I do think I was talking about a different book… (I just looked it up online and the one I’m talking about is by a guy named Gary Boyd.) Your suggestion actually sounds like it would also be a great read (or possibly an even better read than the one I was referring to)… I appreciate the book suggestion!
Thanks. Unfortunately, you may not be able to find a very cheap copy. Even used ones on Amazon were about $17 (paper) when I checked. I was able to get it thru interlibrary loan from my city lib., but took about 3-4 wks. and only 2 wk. loan, no renewal. If you don’t want to buy it, best bet may be a liberal seminary library if you are near one. Possibly a conserv. one also, tho not their kind of book.
Somewhat separate issue: If, by any chance you may be or CAN be in LA area mid-April, I’d hope you could devote a couple days, Apr. 12-14 (eve. only of 12th), for the “Celebrating ReEnchantment” and the work of David Ray Griffin conf. at Claremont Sch. of Theol. (Details at http://www.ctr4process.org). I intend to be at it, except for the first night. Some very sharp people in addition to Griffin himself will be there, covering the wide range of his important work.
I wish I could come! Unfortunately, I can’t make it, but I have really enjoyed following the events sponsored by the Center for Process Studies over the past couple of months. (If I’m not mistaken, they hosted a talk with John Cobb and Monica Coleman several weeks ago.) Do you know if they will stream Celebrating ReEnchantment online? Would love to tune in if possible.
I don’t think it will be streamed live (and not sure about recorded… nothing I’ve heard re. either of those, but possibly). I haven’t been to anything of theirs yet (except a couple things back in the 90s), but yes Monica Coleman was one presenter… don’t know her work yet. Cobb I do some, as you’d expect… he is a real gentleman AND certainly a scholar! Still very sharp in his mid-to-late 80s I think.
And pardon my poor memory… looking again at your “about” page, I’d forgotten you are apparently now AT a liberal seminary or Univ. grad school in your Masters of Theol. Studies program… In Wash., DC, right? I did think you were in DC, but thot you’d finished seminary or grad school for some reason. Which school are you at? (Email me: howiepep@cox.net if that isn’t public info). So… do you periodically get out to So Cal or LA area specifically? I haven’t followed things closely, but it’s appearing to me that Claremont Sch of Theol and the Ctr for Process Studies is getting more active in being a true “center” with sponsoring more events, the school’s new (and first-of-its-kind) inter-religious (or interfaith), not just interdenominational Christian program. Only Chicago appears to be a similarly vital area for at least scholarly pursuit of Process thought. What do you find in the DC area?