DOOFUS@TRIUMFER.BITNET (02/07/90)
Leonard: First off, the Klan reference was a knee-jerk response and I apologize for it. What I object to is the concept of 'Americanism'. I'm very afraid of nationalism in its various forms because it has far-reaching implications. The U.S. has a very powerful military force. American citizens tend to display strong nationalistic feelings. Since the U.S. is a democracy, the wishes of the people (theoretically) dictate the actions of the government and military. I don't want a nationalistic mob controlling the most powerful military force in the world. I would prefer that concepts like 'American' and 'Un-American' didn't exist and we recognized that every hippie/vigilante/peacenik/immigrant/ chicken-sexer/JohnWayne is part of the homogenous mush of 'Americanism'. People with narrow definitions like 'Americanism' are too easily led by media and government propaganda. WWII 'aryans' were victims of nationalism. Geoff Fetterley
LABBEY@GTRI01.BITNET (Leonard Abbey) (02/07/90)
Nationalism and Americanism are not the same thing. I was quite serious in my suggestion that the movies of John Wayne exemplify Americanism. Fairness, respect for others and integrity are central aspects of Americanism, and I think that John Wayne tried to project these qualities in his movie roles. I feel that we are lacking in true nationalism. Today we are mostly consumed by "me-ism." A mindless selfishness which most generations which have been raised since WWII have fallen heir to. Laying down our weapons and making ourselves vulnerable to every dictator who is not attuned to those who would turn our tanks into planters is, in my mind, stupidism. By the way, thanks for the rational reply. It is a relief to see a comment here which is not generated by an whining emotional adolescent. Leonard Abbey Georgia Tech Research Institute labbey@gtri01.gatech.edu