Finding Resonance in Emerson & Ellison: Why This Thanksgiving, a Call to ”democratic symbolic Action” Feels Urgent
As another Thanksgiving approaches, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the state of our nation. This year, I found myself drawn back to CODE BLUE: Inside America’s Medical Industrial complex by Mike Magee MD, a book that, even months after my initial read, offers a surprisingly potent framework for understanding – and engaging wiht - the challenges we face. It’s not a medical treatise that called to me, but rather Magee’s insightful exploration of American identity, language, and the ongoing revolution at the heart of our democracy.
What resonated so deeply, and why revisit it now? Magee masterfully weaves together the philosophies of Ralph waldo Emerson and Ralph Ellison, revealing a powerful call to action that feels particularly relevant today. let’s explore the key ideas that sparked this reflection.
The Enduring Power of American Ideals
Magee doesn’t present these thinkers as relics of the past. Instead, he demonstrates how their insights remain strikingly current. Here’s a glimpse into the core concepts he highlights:
* Emerson’s Call to Embodied Freedom: Magee quotes Emerson: “To interpret Christ, it needs a Christ…to make good the cause of freedom against slavery you must be…Declaration of Independence walking.” this isn’t simply about intellectual understanding; it’s about living your values, embodying the principles of freedom and justice.
* “Fake News” and the Remaking of Meaning: Long before the term became a political weapon, Emerson recognized that America itself is a “text” constantly being interpreted.Your understanding of language, Magee explains, directly impacts your understanding of society and its potential for change. Emerson believed words were “million-faced,” suggesting social possibility is always remakable.
* The Philosophy of Flux: Emerson championed a “philosophy of fluxions and mobility.” This means embracing change, recognizing that nothing is static, and understanding that progress requires constant adaptation.
* America as Improvisation: Drawing on Ellison,Magee emphasizes that American culture isn’t a fixed entity. It’s a dynamic, evolving creation, “improvising itself into a nation” through the blending of diverse voices and experiences.
* The Power of a Hybrid Language: Our language isn’t purely “English.” It’s a vibrant tapestry woven from countless influences – African, Mexican, Spanish, and more. This linguistic diversity reflects the richness and complexity of the american experience.
Jazz as a Metaphor for American Progress
Perhaps the most compelling analogy Magee draws is from jazz music. Ellison argued that the jazz musician operates “within and against the group,” constantly redefining the ensemble and, by extension, the community. This creates an “anticipatory arena” where past, present, and future collaborate to shape a new history.
This isn’t just about music. It’s about the ongoing process of American self-creation. It’s about challenging the status quo while simultaneously building upon the foundations of our shared heritage.
Why This Matters Now
This week has been a powerful reminder that we are not static. Progress is being made. But, as Magee rightly points out, much work remains. This shouldn’t be discouraging; it should be invigorating.
The book culminates in a powerful call for “emancipated pragmatism” – a commitment to democratic symbolic action.This isn’t about grand gestures, but about the everyday choices we make to live our values and shape the world around us.
And that’s where the recent actions of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops come into play. As reported by CBS News and the New York Times, their public support for immigrants and their direct opposition to policies they deem unjust represent a powerful example of this “democratic symbolic action.” They are, as Ken Burns recently stated, stepping into the ongoing American Revolution – a revolution that began with the birth of a nation and continues to unfold today.
A thanksgiving Call to Action
This Thanksgiving,let’s not simply reflect on gratitude. Let’s embrace the spirit of “fluxions and mobility.” Let’s recognize that our nation is a work in progress, constantly being remade by our collective actions.
Let’s commit to engaging in “democratic symbolic action” – to using our voices, our choices, and
