Fukuyama on being American today

In his acceptance speech, JD Vance emphasized that American identity involves principles and a connection to the homeland. Francis Fukuyama critiques this view, arguing that American identity should remain creedal, based on principles like liberty, equality, and loyalty to the Constitution, rather than ancestry.

Fukuyama highlights the historical struggle to achieve this inclusive identity, moving away from ancestry-based qualifications. He warns against reverting to such exclusionary views, emphasizing that American identity should be accessible to all who share its democratic values. This creedal identity is essential for maintaining a diverse and inclusive society.

In his acceptance speech for the vice presidency, JD Vance emphasized that American identity is not solely based on principles but also deeply rooted in the concept of a homeland. Francis Fukuyama explores this notion, highlighting American identity's complexities and historical evolution.

Fukuyama points out that American identity has traditionally been viewed as creedal, based on principles of liberty, equality, and loyalty to the Constitution. This creedal identity emerged over time, moving away from an initial focus on ancestry, social class, race, and gender. The shift was a monumental achievement requiring significant struggles, including the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.

JD Vance suggests that being American involves more than adhering to principles; it also involves a connection to the land and ancestry. He implies that immigrants should be accepted on "our terms," a statement that raises concerns about potentially reverting to an ancestry-based identity. While Vance doesn't explicitly focus on race, his comments align with some MAGA rhetoric that hints at more exclusionary views.

Historically, American citizenship was not inclusive. Initially, only white men with property had full political rights. The Fourteenth Amendment and the Civil Rights era were pivotal in shifting American identity towards inclusiveness based on shared principles rather than ancestry. This evolution allowed the US to become a nation where anyone, regardless of background, could claim Americanness based on loyalty to democratic ideals.

Fukuyama stresses the importance of maintaining a creedal American identity. While thinner than those in ethnically homogenous nations, this identity is vital for a diverse society like the US. Efforts to build a thicker national identity should focus on shared cultural practices accessible to all Americans, such as Thanksgiving or baseball.

Naturalization ceremonies exemplify the creedal identity, where individuals from various backgrounds swear allegiance to American principles, symbolizing that Americanness is a matter of choice and belief, not ancestry. Fukuyama warns against undermining this inclusive identity, emphasizing that it should remain the foundation of American democracy.
 
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