Tapestry

Sound Bite

American culture is a rich and complex tapestry of colorful threads from at least five continents, and in recent decades increased immigration has meant that the pace of change is accelerating. It's time for us to get to know ourselves and really appreciate this rich, vast, and rapidly expanding culture.This book explores the contributions of Hispanic, Black, Native American, Oriental, Jewish and other cultures to a nation where many people still focus on the influences of Christian, capitalist, and ethnically European (particularly British) heritage.

About the Book

Written for a general audience, Tapestry explores the myths of American culture and reveals surprising cultural roots including the fact that American democracy and representative government were inspired more by Native American ways than by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Capitalism has become an unchallenged idea, a cultural universal, and so dogmatic that coupled with Christianity it has become America's dominant religion. However, capitalism is a 19th-century concept created for the bygone industrial era. Now the system is showing decay. Unfortunately, America is an ethnocentric country whose jingoistic belief in its own exceptionalism may prevent needed change. American culture has been both inclusive and intolerant. Today it stands at a crossroad and must decide what road to take. Are we to enter a renaissance or a dark age?

Table content

Table of Contents

Introduction to American Culture

Chapter 1. American Ethnocentrism & the Myth of American Exceptionalism

Chapter 2. Native Roots

Chapter 3. Latinos, Hispanics, Chicanos, Tejanos, and Nuyoricans

Chapter 4. African-American Culture

Chapter 5. Asian-Americans

Chapter 6. The European-Americans

Chapter 7. Canadian-Americans, Jewish-Americans, Polynesians and Mixed Races

Chapter 8. The American Language

Chapter 9. American Religion and Belief Systems

Chapter 10. Regional Cultures

Chapter 11. The 1950s

Chapter 12. Bohemians, Beatniks, Hippies, and the 1960s Counter-Culture

Chapter 13. Radio & Television

Chapter 14. The Theatre & Movies

Chapter 15. Literacy, Education and Literature

Chapter 16. Blues and Jazz

Chapter 17. American Gun Culture

Chapter 18. American Military Culture

Chapter 19. American Oil Culture

Chapter 20. Class & Culture

Chapter 21. Immigration, Migration and Mobility

Chapter 22. American Cyber Culture

Chapter 23. The American Cult of Personality

Chapter 24. American Economics and the Religion of Capitalism

Chapter 25. Anti-Communism—The Ultimate In American Xenophobia

Chapter 26. Conclusions From American Culture

Bibliography

Acknowledgements

Index

Information

Tapestry: The History and Consequences of America's Complex Culture by Jerry Carrier offers an in-depth exploration of the rich, multifaceted nature of American culture. The book describes how diverse cultural threads from across the globe have woven together to form the vibrant tapestry that defines the United States today.

With the recent surge in immigration, this cultural tapestry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, making it essential for readers to understand and appreciate the vast, intricate landscape of American culture. Carrier delves into the contributions of various cultural groups including Hispanic, Black, Native American, Oriental, Jewish, and other communities. These groups have played pivotal roles in shaping American culture, often overshadowed by the dominant narratives centered around Christian, capitalist, and ethnically European (particularly British) influences.

By expanding the scope of cultural analysis, Carrier reveals the complex interplay between these diverse influences and their impact on American society. The book challenges prevalent myths about American culture and presents surprising insights into its roots. For instance, Carrier argues that American democracy and representative government were more profoundly influenced by Native American governance systems than by the ancient Greek and Roman models.

This perspective sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of indigenous cultures to the foundations of American political and social structures. Carrier also critiques the pervasive influence of capitalism, which has become so ingrained in American culture that it is often considered a cultural universal. He examines how capitalism, initially conceived in the 19th century for the industrial era, is now facing significant challenges and signs of decay.

Coupled with Christianity, capitalism has evolved into what some might view as America’s dominant religion, shaping societal values and practices in profound ways. Despite its strengths, American culture has also exhibited periods of ethnocentrism and jingoistic exceptionalism. Carrier discusses how this narrow view of American superiority can hinder necessary cultural and societal changes.

America’s cultural landscape has been both inclusive and intolerant, reflecting a complex dynamic that is crucial for understanding the current state of American society. As America stands at a cultural crossroads, Carrier poses critical questions about its future direction. Will the nation embrace a renaissance characterized by renewed cultural awareness and inclusivity, or will it succumb to a dark age marked by regression and division?

This pivotal moment in American history calls for a reevaluation of cultural values and priorities. Throughout the book, Carrier presents a comprehensive analysis of how various cultural elements have influenced American identity and societal development. By examining historical events, cultural practices, and social changes, the book provides valuable insights into the forces shaping contemporary American culture. Carrier’s work encourages readers to reflect on the complexities of cultural integration and the need for a more nuanced understanding of America’s diverse heritage.

To comprehend current events, we need to have a sense of how politics, and society intersect. By uncovering the often-hidden contributions of various cultural groups, Carrier’s book challenges readers to rethink traditional narratives and appreciate the true diversity of American culture.