'Exceptionalism' (Donald E. Pease) and 'Capitalism' (David F. Ruccio) are two keywords which are fundamental to my FYP. As both are open to wide interpretation, I will use this exercise to clarify their definitions relative to both my FYP subject (Theodore Dreiser, exceptionalist ideology) and its social and historic context (early twentieth century).
The essay on 'Exceptionalism' was a revelation. I wish I had read this around the end of Year 1, Semester 1 as Pease provides a history of, and an explanation for, the adoption of the exceptionalist myth within U.S. society. The 'who' (politicians and academics), 'when' (twentieth century) and 'why' (bi-polarity of world power US/USSR) is very illuminating relative to my hypothesis (which confronts the apparent lack of contestation of exceptionalism in American literature).
Pease's essay reveals how the ideology of exceptionalism may be linked to the critiques of capitalism (communist/capitalist USSR/US binaries) which pre-dated the adoption of the ideology per se. Dreiser's An American Tragedy (my primary text) was published in 1925 - researched and written over the preceding decade - and based on a 1906 murder case. It is strongly critical of the American Dream, capitalism and associated ideas of egalitarianism and a 'class-free' society. Dreiser was a committed socialist and, later, communist sympathiser, so the relationships between exceptionalism, capitalism (in opposition to communism/USSR) and world events/American interests and foreign policy, in his epoch, are key to understanding the nature of his contestation of an ideology which post-dated much of that epoch.
Pease's essay also reveals how (and why) American Studies as a discipline has been complicit in creating the exceptionalist myth. According to Pease, for much of the twentieth century, exceptionalism has been the primary paradigm upon which academics have based their research. Again, Pease explains this in terms of political/ideological opposition to the USSR. Since the 1990s, after the fall of the Soviet Union, that paradigm has evolved from exceptionalist, through non-exceptionalist, to a post-exceptionalist position. These are concepts that underpin American Studies as a discipline so are important for all reseachers to understand.
The penny has now dropped re: our discussions on the contested definition of 'America'. I now begin to see the impact of globalisation on our discipline and how geographic boundaries are reductionist when studying culture/society post-modernity. This requires a dramatic intellectual shift away from the USA as a geographic locus of study in favour of trans-national, cultural/social 'themes' within which the USA is just one node of a network. Think 'Black Atlantic' as an example for those who took that module.
I am now considering the impact of this 'eureka' moment on my FYP but starting to view American self-representation of exceptionalism as rooted in a reactive ideology (to perceived threats from global events) rather than as a product of an inherent sense of national superiority. That the latter superceded the former appears to be the result of world events in the latter part of the 20th century - a mythology that is now widely contested within a new world order.
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I feel as though Cheries choice of keywords are relevant to her FYP, as the concept of exceptionalism forms the basis of her project. Dreiser contested the myth of American exceptionalism in his works; his socialist standpoint made him predisposed to criticism of the American Dream and the notion that America is an exceptional nation. He is critical of the American Dream not only in An American tragedy but also in Sister Carrie; whilst Carrie gains material wealth and becomes affluent and successful, which is seen as a key part of the American Dream, this is juxtaposed with her using men to climb the social ladder, a questionable and profligate thing to do. This shows how Dreiser juxtaposes the American dream with an immoral set of values.
ReplyDeleteCapatalism is also key in Dreiser's works; as a socialist he was opposed to the capatilism in America which created wealth disparities. Again this is evident in Sister Carrie, as she becomes obsessed with material wealth and consumer goods such as clothes; again showing the darker, more materialistic side of the American dream.
Congratulations on your 'Eureka' moment Cherie!
ReplyDeleteI think that Pease is certainly very interesting and like you I'm wondering why we didn't get to read this in the first year as it explains the American idea of exceptionalism so well. Cold War? - Who mentioned the Cold War before now? I think many of us thought the idea of exceptionialism was there from the start, inate and identified as such...not a term coined by Joe Stalin and then refered back. A phrase I like in this chapter is "but the power of the doctrine to solicit the belief that was unencumbered by Europe's historical traditions depended upon the recognition of European observers for its validation" - not so much looking in the mirror, as looking back in the mirror. I found the whole chapter very enlightening.
I think 'capitalism' is also another very good choice considering your FYP, although personally I found this chapter more of a chore to read. However it is useful to be reminded that capitalism is not just an economic system and automatically a 'big bad wolf' of exploitation. I particularly find 'capitalist culture' of interest, since there is slight reference there with my FYP. Considering his socialist politics, I think you have probably made an excellent choice in Dreiser's American Tragedy.
i think it was very interesting and relevant to your fyp to look at the actual meaning of exceptionalism which we now see in a different light. there is an arguement for both meanings of course but the idea that it dates back to earlier and it is not just something that has come from being patriotic and feeling superior as an American is definatley something that is interesiting and as youve said enlighting to your topic of study.
ReplyDeleteAgain with capitalism as it is fundamental in creating things such as class and superiority in American culture and links well with the idea of exeptionalism and Dreiser's work.
Pease ends with GWB's metaphysical and divinely sanctioned exceptionalism. Does Obama represent a new paradigm? In which an avowedly multilateral approach to foreign relations is linked to a reworking of nationalistic motifs of classlessness, multiculturalism, etc.?
ReplyDeleteThis is not one of the areas i know much about but I can see where Cherie is coming from, especially with regard to the work on Pease' essay. Exceptionalism and capitalism are huge parts of American culture and Cherie has looked with extrordinarily informative depth at there relevance. The American dream is one of those ideas that spans the realms of myth and reality. It is mythical through the sense that it cannot be seen or touched through reality but it lives through belief of its possibility of achievement amongst the masses. An American Tragedy shows how this dream becomes distorted through an attempt to reach it. This is an excellent insight into the evolving of American culture and society.
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