American Values
Victor Davis Hanson has a great piece on what lessons American can learn from the ongoing French riots. Importantly, he recognizes that certain facets of the American ethos are necessary in order for national stability and strength:
[T]he United States should return to its former ideal of a multiracial society under the inclusive aegis of Western culture. True, Americans are enriched by cultural diversity in food, fashion and the arts. Yet our core American values of democracy, human rights, private property, a free economy, an unfettered press and unbridled inquiry are not optional or up for discussion. In other words, we succeed precisely because we are the antithesis of a tribal Mexico, unfree China, intolerant Islamic Middle East–or socialist and statist France.
Neither multiculturalists nor moral relativists understand that there is a level of inflexibility in American values. For example, patriotism, faith in God, and hard work, are American values are krypontite to some cultural affirmations or liberal ideals. The core values of Americanism are something we need to immerse youngsters and immigrants–not some Farenheit 9/11 version of America’s founding.
France is hemorrhaging from within because of their lack of a national identity within their immigrant masses. A return to an emphasis in Americanism in our public discourse and places of learning will prevent a cultural rupture within our borders that might occur within a generation’s time.