"Only by learning to live in harmony with your contradictions can you keep it all afloat." - Audre Lorde Over the course of the True American mini-series, we’ve deconstructed symbols that we think of as “typically American.” In the process, we’ve gained a more nuanced … [Read more...] about A new understanding of an old story—part IV of True American, a mini series
identity politics
The birth of the banjo— part III of True American, a mini-series
The banjo, widely considered a quintessential symbol of the United States (along with square dancing), is an instrument that tends to conjure up images of white rural life in the Appalachian mountains, or memories of the dueling banjos from the 1972 film "Deliverance" or TV shows … [Read more...] about The birth of the banjo— part III of True American, a mini-series
The square dancers of today—part II of True American, a mini-series
Last Friday we shared the fascinating history of the square dance in the United States of America. Together, we traced back how it became an emblem of American society that forced so many school kids to endure the often awkward square dancing lessons. Do-si-do anyone? We also … [Read more...] about The square dancers of today—part II of True American, a mini-series
The history of square dancing in America—part I of True American
The Optimist Daily is taking a journey into ideas and symbols that shape the world with our our mini-series True American. Our first episode explores what many consider a cornerstone of American culture: Square dancing. Square dancing, contrary to popular belief, is not just … [Read more...] about The history of square dancing in America—part I of True American
Introducing “True American”— a mini-series
Last month on Independence Day, The New Yorker published an issue featuring cover art by graphic illustrator Christ Ware. The narrative piece, called “House Divided,” boldly captures the sense of polarization underlying this past year’s Fourth of July festivities, and the general … [Read more...] about Introducing “True American”— a mini-series