The American Foundation Myth in Vietnam: Reigning Paradigms and Raining Bombs

By William W. Cobb Jr.

The American Foundation Myth in Vietnam deals with how the results of the Vietnam War challenged the long-standing belief in America's role in the world as a unique nation favored by God that carries a global responsibility with it. The author disputes the commonly held belief that America discarded this foundation myth, developed out of John Winthrop's idea of a "city on a hill," following Vietnam. He reexamines the myth in the context of American history to show that the country still firmly attaches itself to the rhetoric of the foundation myth. The analysis divides Americans into one group that believes America's mission cannot be fulfilled without active involvement on the global stage, and one that maintains that its mythic goals are fulfilled most effectively by developing itself as the world's model for freedom and democracy. The tension created between these perspectives creates a dynamic and durable quality that fuels the power of the foundation myth even after a seemingly destructive event such as the Vietnam War.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761812091
• ISBN13: 9780761812098
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: University Press of America
• Length: 226 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Doomed to repeat history?

I can't believe I'm the first to review this book because I found it so important in understanding the current American invasion and occupation of Iraq and the attitudes here at home about that series of events. I also found the most coherent exposition of the concept of Manifest Destiny that I've read... ever. Whether he's taking a close look at Fr. Berrigan's words or at films released after the Vietnam war, the author is spot on about what ails the U.S.A. He offers no easy solutions, but defining the problem well and accurately is generally a huge step towards solving it. William Cobb defined the problem.