Abstract
The introduction, "America: Contemporary and Historical Settings," has two chapters that provide an overview of the core concerns related to "a fragmented and dysfunctional national identity" and the need to revise the traditional values of political leadership. In chapter 1, "America at a Crossroads: Political Leadership, National Identity, and the Decline of Common Culture," Renshon states that we are in an era of leaderless politics and a divided society. He alerts the reader to the conflict between different cultural and ethnic heritages and between those who view themselves as socially, culturally, and economically disadvantaged. Part 3, "Reflections on American National Identity," includes three chapters that ask "Is America Breaking Apart?" In chapter 9, Jack Citrin focuses on the attitudes of ordinary citizens in support for the ideal of E pluribus unum. In chapter 10, Jim Sleeper claims to rescue our national identity from the "extreme misconceptions" produced by conservatives and liberals. In chapter 11, Richard D. Kuhlonberg argues for integration of racial groups along class lines and advocates needs-based affirmative action and less reliance on race.