National Imaginaries, American Identities

This collection of essays examines the interplay of images and words in shaping American identity and values, utilizing diverse media to reveal the complexities of the nation's cultural psyche.

National Imaginaries, American Identities is a collection of essays that delve into the interplay between visual media and the American psyche, drawing from a diverse array of sources including daguerreotypes, political cartoons, tourist posters, and religious artifacts. The authors examine how these images and texts have shaped and reflected the social values and identities of the United States from the American Revolution to contemporary times. Despite the significance of visual culture in constructing national identity, it has often been overlooked in favor of more traditional narratives.

The essays in this volume highlight a new critical approach known as American cultural iconography, which seeks to analyze the cultural work performed by images. Through this lens, contributors investigate how visual representations have organized public life and influenced perceptions of race, sexuality, and national identity. They explore a range of topics, including the portrayal of black Freemasons, depictions of national parks during the industrial age, and postwar imagery of atomic destruction.

With contributions from scholars such as Maurice Wallace, Dennis Berthold, and Shirley Samuels, this collection extends the boundaries of American studies, offering valuable insights for students and researchers in literature, film, and history. The essays not only provide a sophisticated analysis of American visual culture but also serve as a vital resource for understanding the complexities of national identity. Overall, National Imaginaries, American Identities stands as an important reference for those engaged in the fields of American Studies, Art History, Film Studies, and African-American Studies.