'Being a patriot right now is a challenge': George Packer on why he has fears for the U.S.

Core Argument - The article discusses the current state of American patriotism and national identity, suggesting it's under threat due to division and differing interpretations of founding ideals [1][2][4][6] - It highlights a tension between the traditional, idea-based definition of American identity and a more nativist view emphasizing ancestry [2][3][4] - The piece argues that leaders' actions and rhetoric contribute to a sense of exclusion and conditional acceptance of new citizens [4] Societal Division and Political Climate - The conversation acknowledges significant division within American society, comparing it to the Civil War era [1] - It points to social media algorithms and political leaders as potential drivers of division, though not necessarily reflecting genuine hatred among people [9][10] - The discussion touches on the extremes of both the right and left, with some on the right abandoning liberal democracy and some on the left constantly criticizing its flaws [12][13][15] Education and Ideology - The article references concerns about ideological education in schools, with examples of "runaway wokeism" and an "undemocratic backlash" [14][17] - It mentions parents' anxieties about their children being "cancelled" for expressing dissenting opinions in college [19] - The piece advocates for a balanced education that acknowledges both the positive and negative aspects of American history, rejecting the extremes of either solely focusing on historical injustices or solely on idealized narratives [20]