American Hope

As many of you know, I am an American by choice, having immigrated from the UK almost 30 years ago. Like many, I was misled into thinking the commonality of language would mean there was a commonality of national culture. Happily, that is not the case. My simplistic summary of the biggest difference I have witnessed is the absence of people asking the derelict question, “What is the government going to do about it?” in favor of a largely unspoken mindset of just getting on with life.

I have reflected on this American attribute many times over the last three decades. I have observed with wonder the ability of the nation, its economy, and its people to move forward productively, relatively unaffected by exogenous shocks and shifting political winds. I have seen major events like 9/11 and the COVID pandemic be grieved over, respected, and addressed, and then the unique nature of American normality has resumed.

Over the last half of my time as an American, I have, of course, been witness to increasingly strident and polarized political debate. Those obsessed with politics, including not just politicians but partisan journalists and self-appointed representatives of the American people, have used hyperbole to predict doom if they do not have power. Even worse, the politicians and pundits have drifted into questioning the very structure of our Constitution while demonstrating the hypocrisy of criticizing others for actions they are taking themselves.

The reaction of the American people has been unflinching. People continue to go about their business. The economy continues to move forward, absorbing the challenges. In the streets, people remain overwhelmingly friendly and even polite. A local crisis is often followed by an outpouring of community commitment, with people coming together as one across the false divides created by politicians.

Another noteworthy aspect of the American people is what I see as observant wisdom. By this, I mean that, even while taking care of their own lives, Americans remain watchful and aware of leaders who are not up to the task or whose approach is out of step with American values. It is this homely wisdom that has repeatedly moved the country back to a more even keel, even as commentators talk in incendiary terms.

How best to describe this extraordinarily American culture? Are we an oil tanker steadily moving forward while politicians fight ineffectively on the bridge to turn the ship this way or that? Are we a large planet, buffeted by meteorites or solar flares but able to absorb such shocks with limited apparent effect?

Whatever the best analogy, my most fervent hope, and belief, is that the invisible yet immutable cornerstone of American culture remains unshaken. That cornerstone is our shared commitment as citizens to make full use of our lives with the confidence that we have the agency to make things happen. Against the backdrop of the political carnage we see in Washington, it is this belief that gives me confidence that this too shall pass.

Richard Rushton