Race and America’s Anniversaries: Eddie Glaude Jr.’s Perspective

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Eddie Glaude Jr., a historian and Princeton professor, discusses his profound discontent with the nation’s trajectory. Speaking in Philadelphia on March 1, 2023, Glaude candidly expresses his feelings in his latest book, America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation’s Anniversaries. He opens with a stark confession: I do not love America, and never have, especially now.

Glaude critiques the Supreme Court’s decisions that have eroded the Voting Rights Act and the redistricting efforts limiting Black representation. He attributes his writing to a need for grounding his emotions, saying, What I was trying to do with this book was kind of write some security underneath my feet. So that I could actually get this rage under control, to get my sadness, my melancholy under control.

America, U.S.A. examines past anniversaries and centennials, highlighting the nation’s ongoing struggle with its identity. Glaude states, the divided soul of the nation is in full view. As the anniversary looms, he insists the country must confront its failure to live up to founding ideals: America has to grow up. It can no longer hide in its adolescence. He further explores the paradox of America as a beacon of freedom and as a white republic.

Interview Insights

A discussion hosted by Penguin Random House shares insights from the book’s introduction.

On Starting the Book with I Do Not Love America

Glaude recounts his struggle with the opening line. Originally holding back, he revisited the paragraph, which demanded authenticity. Despite fearing backlash, he decided, This is what you have to say. You have to begin here and then you can explain.

On the Importance of Anniversaries

Each anniversary compels the nation to craft an origin story. As the 250th approaches, Glaude urges looking beyond surface-level events like the UFC arena or Great American Fair. He cautions against idealizing the founders in stories of saintliness and sacredness.

On His View of Patriotism

Patriotism, to Glaude, sometimes resembles a rebel call. Those who fervently display the flag often support limits on voting rights and ignore diverse perspectives. He remains skeptical of such displays, wondering about their intent.

On a Storybook Version of America’s Founding

A 2024 tour of Philadelphia’s Congress Hall illustrated sanitized historical narratives. Glaude recounts a guide detailing congressional conflicts without mentioning slavery. Instead, the guide used a trivial handshake example, prompting Glaude to see ghosts of unresolved issues.

This interview, produced by Anna Bauman and Susan Nyakundi and adapted by Bridget Bentz and Meghan Sullivan, underscores the continued examination of America’s complex legacy.