Who Are We?

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In his provocative new work, Huntington examines an identity crisis in America, focusing on the impact of other civilizations and their values on our national identity. He argues that America was founded by British settlers who introduced a distinct culture characterized by the English language, Protestant values, individualism, religious commitment, and respect for law. Over time, waves of immigrants assimilated into this Anglo-Protestant culture. However, the recent influx of primarily Hispanic immigrants has posed challenges to this assimilation, leading to issues such as bilingualism, multiculturalism, and the perceived devaluation of citizenship. The events of September 11 sparked a revival of American patriotism and a renewed sense of identity, yet signs indicate that this resurgence is waning. Huntington emphasizes the necessity of reasserting the core values that define what it means to be American. His timely and thought-provoking analysis is poised to shape the national conversation about identity and values in contemporary America.