The Story of America: Migration, Identity, and the Politics of Liberty in 2024
As we approach the 2024 election, it is crucial to recognize a fundamental truth about our identity as Americans: any discussion about “American” nationalism must begin with the story of human migration—a narrative that traces back to Africa, the cradle of humanity. This is a shared genesis story that transcends religion, politics, culture, and current affairs. At the core, we are all from Africa; this is an irrefutable fact.
From Africa, humanity dispersed in various directions. Scholars believe that early populations arrived in South America via the Bering Land Bridge or from Polynesia across the Pacific. In his seminal work Guns, Germs, and Steel, Jared Diamond noted, “Yes, world history is indeed such an onion! But that peeling back of the onion’s layers is fascinating, challenging—and of overwhelming importance to us today, as we seek to grasp our past’s lessons for our future.” As we navigate the complexities of today’s political landscape, it is essential to reflect on these lessons.
The notion of “American” is far more intricate and challenging than a singular identity rooted solely in the United States. Historical estimates suggest that 10 to 90 million Native Americans inhabited the continent before European colonization. This diversity of experience complicates the idea of nationalism, illustrating that there are only Americas, and elevating one above the others reflects a narrow and ethnocentric view.
Consider the cultural elements that Americans often take pride in. For example, baseball, widely regarded as America’s pastime, has origins in England and would not exist without earlier games like cricket and rounders, which date back to at least the 16th century. Basketball, too, often hailed as uniquely American, was developed by a Canadian, James Naismith, who was inspired by Gaelic football.
Politically, our system of governance has roots in ancient Greece, with philosophers like Aristotle shaping ideas of democracy and individual liberty long before the United States was conceived. The very concept of human rights has origins that predate our nation by millennia, stemming from ancient traditions and ethical frameworks that inform our legal systems today.
Technological advancements, often credited solely to American ingenuity, have global origins. The foundations of radio waves were laid by Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell, and the internet owes its conceptual framework to countless innovators worldwide. Even our culinary staples—pizza, hot dogs, and beer—reflect a rich tapestry of international influences, reminding us that American culture is a blend of contributions from all corners of the globe.
As we reflect on these truths, it is important to address the current political climate. In this election cycle, discussions surrounding immigration have become increasingly polarized, with some candidates advocating for restrictive policies that undermine the very ideals that the Statue of Liberty represents. Less than half an hour into a recent presidential debate, former President Donald Trump made a shocking claim, invoking a century-old slur against immigrant communities by suggesting that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were “eating the dogs” and “the pets of the people that live there.” This baseless statement sparked outrage, highlighting the dangerous narratives that fuel xenophobia and division in our society.
As voters, we must recognize that our national identity is forged in the crucible of diversity and inclusivity. The United States cannot claim a singular cultural or technological invention; instead, we are a unique amalgamation of global influences. Our identity is rooted in the contributions of those we often forget—migrants and immigrants who have enriched our society, economy, and culture.
To claim that the United States is superior to other cultures and civilizations is not only historically inaccurate but fundamentally misguided. Our existence is a testament to the interplay of diverse histories, philosophies, and advancements from around the world. As we head into the November elections, it is essential to embrace this complexity and advocate for policies that reflect our shared values of liberty, opportunity, and inclusivity.
Let us remember that the United States is not merely part of the world; it is a product of it. This election presents an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to internationalism and the belief that we are stronger together. In a time when many seek to draw lines between “us” and “them,” let us strive to build bridges and recognize that there is only a United States of the World.
~ George Cassidy Payne is a freelance writer, social justice advocate, suicide prevention counselor, and proud father of two young children.
Works Cited
1. “A Brief History of Beer.” American Homebrewers Association. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/homebrew-101/a-brief-history-of-beer/.
2. “The History of Hot Dogs.” National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://www.hot-dog.org/history.
3. “The Origins of Jazz and Blues.” National Museum of African American History and Culture. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/collection/origins-jazz-and-blues.
4. “The Origins of Pizza.” Smithsonian Magazine. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-history-of-pizza-169347166/.
5. “How Radio Works.” HowStuffWorks. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/radio.htm.
6. “History of Human Rights.” Human Rights Education Association. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://www.hrea.org/index.php?base_id=153&language_id=1.
7. “James Naismith.” Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/james-naismith/.
8. “The Athenian Democracy.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/democracy/.
9. “Human Origins.” Smithsonian Institution. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://humanorigins.si.edu/about/introduction-human-origins.
10. “Native American Population Estimates.” National Park Service. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/tellingallamericansstories/native-american-population-estimates.htm.
11. “The Origins of Baseball.” Baseball Hall of Fame. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://baseballhall.org/discover/education/teaching-with-baseball/origins-of-baseball.
12. “A Brief History of the Internet.” History.com. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://www.history.com/topics/internet/history-of-the-internet.
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