Criticism of JD Vance’s ‘homeland’ rhetoric reveals a concerning shift off course
During his speech at the Republican convention, vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance challenged a common American belief that the country is only an idea.
Vance spoke of the people in Appalachia where he grew up, emphasizing that their love for the country goes beyond just the concept of it being a good idea. He expressed that they deeply feel a connection to the land as their home and the homeland of their children.
He mentioned a family cemetery plot in eastern Kentucky that holds generations of the Vance family, calling it their homeland and emphasizing that people will fight for their home, not just for abstract ideas.
While people have historically fought for abstract ideas, Vance’s point stands – people are often driven to fight for their homes, and America is more than just a collection of national ideals.
Despite being considered truisms, Vance’s statements were met with criticism. Commentators such as MSNBC’s Alex Wagner labeled his words as a “white nationalist” Easter egg, arguing that America is made up of people with diverse histories and heritages, not a shared history.
These critiques were criticized for being thoughtless, ahistorical, and detached from the lived experiences of Americans. Acknowledging common associations such as language, history, culture, and land is not a form of quasi-fascism, as some critics suggested.
Abraham Lincoln’s words in his First Inaugural address about America’s common memories and bonds were referenced as an example of the importance of shared national identity.
In addition to founding documents, Americans cherish national heroes, rituals, holidays, memorials, and landscapes, further adding to their connection to the country. While new arrivals continually replenish the population, America remains a home for many due to familial ties and generational legacies.
J.D. Vance’s remarks about his family’s connection to their land were compared to sentiments expressed by John Thornton Kirkland in 1798, illustrating the enduring bond people feel for their country.
The fact that Vance’s statement created controversy highlights the evolving nature of America’s national self-conception in modern times.
Twitter: @RichLowry
