Review, "Rebirth of a Nation" by Jackson Lears

An excellent re-telling of the period between the American Civil War and the First World War, Rebirth of a Nation is ultimately a critique not merely of American Imperialism, and not even of American Racism, but of American Militaristism, as it has informed its imperalistic and racist history. On occasion enamored of densely-packed sentences reminiscent of many less artful academicians, Jackson Lears constructs a predominately accessible, readable, and fascinating narrative that tells us not just where America has been, but why it is here today.

Thus, throughout his narrative, he draws clear analogies between the choices that a militaristic Teddy Roosevelt made with the ones George W. Bush has made, decisions couched in the language of regeneration-through-blood-and-military-sacrifice that can bring an "American-styled democracy" to all lands. Should not all lands (read: economic colonies) enjoy the riches we do every day? Never mind, he reminds us, that the only way for these other colonies, like present-day Iraq, must be economically exploited for their material and labor resources to ensure the continued livelihood of large corporations whom Bush had invested in.

More importantly, Lears draws a stark picture of racism from Reconstruction onward. As Eric Foner has convincingly shown, Reconstruction was initially an experiment of joint white-black governance of the south, as well as black self-governance, quickly gutted by the successful backroom deals made between Andrew Johnson and white Democrats anxious to re-establish their power base. Too long have Americans ignored the long history of racism and its continued resonance in our policies today.

Lears shines a startlingly harsh light on all these convenient obliviousnesses and demonstrates that we cannot remain blind to these impulses, of self-righteousness in the name of Christianity, of racism couched in moral superiority, and of economic imperalism disguised as benevolent paternalism or cleansing militarism, if we intend to conduct ourselves with true integrity.

Faith's Role in Offering Succor

People who are religious will frequently assert that their faith offers succor and solace during difficult times. Death, financial difficulties, work, these are all potential arenas that those who are religious will say that they could not survive if they had not their religion to rely on.

One woman, a Mormon, admitted that during these financially difficult times, she knew that from past experience, she would get through this time, as well. Furthermore, that she knew God would make things alright, though perhaps that result may not come in the form she expects or desires. The past had told her that.

What is really interesting about this is that those who are either agnostic or atheistic, not just towards Christian religions, but towards Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, as well, can experience exactly the same thing.

Therefore, if one experiences tragedy or personal difficulty, unless it results in death, one knows that one will survive. Things will, eventually, be alright. And despite the length of time one was in difficult times, one knows it will pass. Because one knows this from past experience. And one again experiences periods of joy, happiness or contentment.

This is neither an argument for or against religion. It's just an observation that while those who have religious faith think that their faith in the future is exclusive to their belief in a higher being, those without religion experience the same faith that they, too, will be alright. They, however, do not have that higher being in whom they can place that faith/knowledge.