AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY

Thought For Today

“Myths are, in fact...neither primitive nor untrue. They are, rather, a kind of poetry that helps us make sense of the world and our place in it.”

- Stephen H. Furrer

Mythology has been central to human culture since the dawn  of time. Myths tell us who we are, both individually and collectively. But myths can be damaging when they prevent us from seeing the truth about ourselves.

American culture is replete with a rich mythology going back to our formation. Our mythology says American pioneers conquered a vast, untamed wilderness. We omit that we destroyed an entire people in doing so. Our mythology says American industriousness built a nation. We omit that much of it was built on the backs of slave labor. Our mythology says we are a nation of immigrants. We omit that each new wave of immigration was opposed and despised by those who came before. Our mythology says our most revered value is our freedom to worship, or not, however we choose, as long as we choose an approved Christian brand. Our mythology says we promote peace and democracy around the world. We omit that, in the experience of other nations, we are an occupying force and leading cause of instability, death, and destruction.

It is long past time to confront our national mythology and see our truth. Only then can we take responsibility for our moral failures and build a just society.