Hermann Vetters Livres

America's past is marked by shameful incidents, including slavery, genocidal assaults on indigenous peoples, and the escalation of the Vietnam War. The question arises: how should we respond to these acts? Should we view the nation as irredeemably tainted by sin, or should we acknowledge its shortcomings and strive for improvement? Philosopher Richard Rorty offers a hopeful perspective, arguing that the current Left is failing to meet this challenge. He contrasts the cultural Left's focus on America's heritage of shame—which, while fostering a more civil society, can also hinder progress—with the politically engaged reformist Left of earlier decades. Rorty emphasizes the importance of this distinction, noting that pride in one's identity, such as being black or gay, can be reasonable but may also prevent individuals from taking pride in their American citizenship or joining in reform efforts with others. While not everyone may agree with Rorty's views, his pragmatic approach to civic life, rooted in the traditions of John Dewey and Walt Whitman, is likely to spark important discussions about citizenship. His call for renewed awareness of American reformist activism deserves recognition and applause.