The American Tragedy
I’m constantly amused by the romanticism surrounding the transition and transformation of Colonial America into the collection of united states. We’ve all (those who have been educated in the U.S.) been exposed to the themes of oppression, misrepresentation and tyranny that are found throughout the writings of the period. In some ways this romanticism is well-founded. We witness a loose collection of colonies fight and scrape their way toward independence. Following on the heels of this new found independence they manage to construct and implement a system of government that was an amalgam of incredible ideas and ideals. The Enlightenment, the earlier Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution were the fertile seedbeds from which the founders harvested. All of these events, which seem trivialized by my meager coverage, are worthy of respect and study regardless of your political and religious views. Despite all of this, there is this irony just below the surface; the type of irony contained within a tragedian’s masterwork.
This tragedy was not, however, written by a poet attempting to craft a contemporary version of a Homeric epic replete with fatally flawed characters. Instead, this is the story of the truly tragic. Yet, in school, in our romanticism and admiration of the great and fantastic accomplishments all that is dark and gone awry is obscured or hidden away. There can be numerous reasons and explanations of why this is the way it is. How, though are we to learn from our mistakes and improve ourselves and our nation except through gazing long and hard at our past in all its greatness and imperfection?
Very early on we see the expansion and colonization (if I can use that word) of the west. As a newly united and sovereign nation there appears some implicit expectation of entitlement. We can see the transformation of the once oppressed into the oppressor. The Thrasymachian undercurrents can be seen when battle after battle is fought to annex more territory. Might makes right is what we can read between the lines. But, how can this be? Surely there are some foundational, unalienable rights that should not, no cannot, be violated. And yet by some weird twist of fate the new republic dons the mantle of tyranny.
What entitles a sovereign nation of any size to seize or purchase territory? What entitles a sovereign nation to marginalize an indigenous population in such a way as to sell the land that they live upon? This question raises a host of complex questions, that we loathe to address. Deep down we all know the answer. But to answer the question requires a great shift in thinking and action. Could this be why we don’t think about how our lovely land was formed?
To add additional irony, I am writing this from a chair in a state that was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American War. Without a U.S. victory, I may not have been born here or anywhere for that matter. I enjoy the freedom to write and live as peacefully as possible. I enjoy what all the wars and innumerable deaths have provided. I am truly thankful, but it sounds odd or morbid to offer any sort of thanks for these events. The founders did great things in constructing a country such as this. It is unfortunate that it came at such an incredible price both before and after the founding of our nation.
Note: This isn’t some crazy anti-war polemic. I try to resist such polarization and classification, but if you must label me, consider me a supporter of patriotism, freedom and reform. Consider me optimistic that we can be truly human by improving ourselves through honest reflection.