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My America: What My Country Means to Me, by 150 Americans from All Walks of Life
Shares the words of 150 politicians, journalists, entertainers, firefighters, and other citizens, expressing what America means to them.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2002
About the author
Hugh Downs
34 books4 followersHugh Malcolm Downs is a retired American broadcaster, television host, producer, and author. He served as anchor of 20/20, host of The Today Show, announcer for The Tonight Show with Jack Paar, host of the Concentration game show, host of the PBS talk show Over Easy and co-host of the syndicated talk show Not for Women Only.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 19, 2020
Read this for an article on conservatism in the post-9/11 moment, useful for that purpose. Weirdly, Trump is in here, although his observations are as treacly as most of the other passages (pretty sure he didn't write it given the use of words like fortuitous).
Still, this book gives an interesting snapshot of the core of "average American" type patriotism, even though most of the authors are at least semi-famous. Interesting themes include: clear appeals to the Greatest Generation's memory, the Alger-esque immigrant story, the 1990s as an age of materialism and decadence obliterated by 911, the US as a universal poli/econ model for the world, and the need to downplay multiculturalism in need of unification and patriotism. So if you are researching something in the veins of post-911 culture and politics, might be worth your time. Doesn't take long.
Still, this book gives an interesting snapshot of the core of "average American" type patriotism, even though most of the authors are at least semi-famous. Interesting themes include: clear appeals to the Greatest Generation's memory, the Alger-esque immigrant story, the 1990s as an age of materialism and decadence obliterated by 911, the US as a universal poli/econ model for the world, and the need to downplay multiculturalism in need of unification and patriotism. So if you are researching something in the veins of post-911 culture and politics, might be worth your time. Doesn't take long.
May 17, 2009
Overall the book was very inspirational. Unfortunately, right after 9/11, when most of the authors responded seemed to alter people's responses. I would hope that these people are as openly patriotic today.
As mentioned, the book is very inspirational, and many of the stories show me how lucky I am.
As mentioned, the book is very inspirational, and many of the stories show me how lucky I am.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2007
Some of the stories were predictably rah rah, but the ones from true immigrants or 2nd gens. were very interesting.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews