From the Editor | Kevin Byrne | American Identity | Vol 20 No 4 | July 2006

From the Editor

Debating Who "We" Are

Kevin Byrne

Although the outcome of Congressional deliberations over immigration legislation is unclear at this juncture, it is evident that matters of national identity are once again playing a crucial role in our political conversation. In important respects, ever since Crèvecoeur posed his famous question in 1782—"What then is the American, this new man?"—national identity has remained a debatable issue for the people of the United States and those who would understand them. Today, the focus is on immigration, including the related matter of declaring an official national language. And the conversations are heated. Reminiscent of discussions that have recurred frequently in the twentieth century, we now hear, with particular emphasis on the Mexican border, questions such as how inclusive or restrictive should the United States be in allowing immigration? Should U.S. authorities erect a physical barrier in an effort to minimize if not eliminate illegal immigration? What is the appropriate means of handling the millions of illegal immigrants already in the country? Must all U.S. citizens acknowledge tacitly if not explicitly that there is one national language in the United States, and that it is English? Put differently, these inquiries ask, "Who can become an American, and how? And what exactly does it mean?"

In general, these questions are not new, nor are they easily answered. And while some historians argue that national character is a concept too vague to allow for meaningful discussion, many others aver that we can and should be prepared to examine society from a macrocosmic perspective. There are values and experiences that cross several boundaries within society and contribute to an identity as "American." The current debate suggests that for individuals interested in U.S. history, let alone those of us who teach that subject, it is a topic we cannot ignore. Certainly, the authors assembled here by guest editor Geoffrey Scheurman have produced a series of articles that explore several dimensions of this timely, and thorny, issue. As Scheurman acknowledges in the Foreword, the people of the United States are "Still Searching for America." In some respects it is a never-ending journey, in which citizens continually argue over the meaning of key concepts and in the process redefine society. We invite you to ponder important aspects of "American Identity" as you read the contributions assembled here.

This issue also features a very appropriate document from the Gilder Lehrman Collection. As Carol Berkin notes in her introduction, a crucial facet of American identity was established in the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution. The language there spoke directly of a single Union of states, a reference that emphasized the existence of a single people and a nation. It was not an affirmation easily or universally accepted. A glance at an earlier draft of the Preamble demonstrates how dramatically different the language--and perhaps the subsequent history--may have been. It was not foreordained that a United States of America would emerge from the turmoil of the Revolution.

Moving in a different direction, Penny Von Eschen's contribution to the "America on the World Stage" series considers "U.S.-American" culture within a broader framework. In the twentieth century, and particularly since World War II, she asserts, developments in popular culture have been global. And the influences move in both directions between the U.S. and the rest of the world. Within the context of this particular issue of the Magazine of History, her essay reminds us that our vision must focus both on the world inside the borders of the nation and on the larger global scene as well.

Personnel Changes
This summer marks the occasion for some personnel changes at the Magazine. After four years serving as Assistant Editor, Susanna Robbins is leaving to accept another position at Indiana University, where she will also continue to pursue her doctorate in history. When she assumed this half-time position, Susanna was responsible for editing four issues annually. It was a daunting task, and she was up to the challenge. My arrival two years ago added another duty--teaching me the established procedures involved with production. Over the last two years we became an "editorial team," altering many of those procedures and making changes to the Magazine itself. One area, however, remained Susanna's specialty: the search for appropriate, and inexpensive, images for the articles. She mastered that skill, among many others, and numerous guest editors and authors have delivered enthusiastic compliments about those images. The compliments belong entirely to Susanna. Her sharp eye, intuitive feel for what subject might work well, and impressive background in history and art produced those images. Susanna’s successor, Keith Eberly, begins his term in July and will bring several years of high school teaching experience with him to the post. We welcome Keith, and we offer our best wishes for every future success to Susanna.

As it happens, this issue also marks my last as editor. I will return to the college classroom in the fall, grateful to the many people who made my term here an exciting, profound learning experience. I extend my thanks to Executive Director Lee Formwalt, who hired me, but in reality the number of others deserving mention are too many to list in this short space. Before I leave, though, it is my pleasure to welcome my successor, Phillip Guerty, who for the past five years has served as Assistant Editor of the OAH Newsletter. Phil brings many assets to this position, and the OAH Magazine will continue to thrive under his editorship. As a subscriber, I look forward to continuing to read high-quality articles on topics important to my teaching. With Phil and Keith here, the Magazine is in good hands.

May I also thank those subscribers who have written or spoken to me about the OAH Magazine of History. Your comments have helped make a strong publication that much stronger. Thanks to all, in fact, who continue to read and support this publication, and to exhibit a zest for exploring the endlessly fascinating subject that is U.S. history. I wish you all the best on your journey.

—Kevin B. Byrne