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Wrestling with the angel of democracy : on being an American citizen Cover Image

Wrestling with the angel of democracy : on being an American citizen / Susan Griffin.

Griffin, Susan. (Author).

Summary:

This exploration of American history, emphasizing the inner lives of pivotal figures, demonstrates that ultimately democracy is not only a system of governance, but, in its fullest form, represents a revolution in consciousness--one still unfolding today. Beginning with an exploration of the life and thought of Thomas Jefferson, Griffin identifies two aspects of the American psyche: the "psychology of empire," characterized by a desire for safety, order, and control, and the "psychology of democracy," characterized by equality, empathy, and truth telling. According to Griffin, these two psychologies have been battling for supremacy from our country's earliest inception. Griffin's exploration of American history is interwoven with personal memoir exploring her upbringing and political awakenings in 1950s California. Griffin argues that the birth of American democracy signaled a fundamental shift in our most deeply held values and understandings, yet she suggests that the work of establishing democracy in this country has not been completed.--From publisher description.

Record details

ISBN: 9781590302972
ISBN: 1590302974
Physical Description: 291 pages ; 24 cm
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: Boston : Trumpeter, 2008.
Distributor: Distributed in the United States by Random House.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references (pages 287-291.
Formatted Contents Note:	Liberty -- Yosemite -- Blue jeans -- Jazz -- Song of myself -- Round.