Exploring the narratives of American identity since the Vietnam War, Douglas Dowland examines how various writers, from Hunter S. Thompson to J. D. Vance, express a vision of America that paradoxically highlights division rather than unity. Through their works, Dowland reveals how criticism can foster cynicism and rage can lead to apathy, resulting in a narrowed perspective on national identity. This examination of the "us versus them" mentality invites readers to reflect on the complexities of American nationhood and the implications for unity in contemporary society.
