American History

On a recent trip to Washington, DC, we visited the American History Museum, an institution dedicated to the cultural, technological and national development of the United States.

Apart from a one-room exhibition based on a collection of "worn-bys" - primarily Judy Garland's sparkly red slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz' and gloves that once belonged to Mohammed Ali, Babe Ruth and Michael Jackson - and a slightly larger exhibition focussing on the American flag, the entire museum is given over to an exploration of the following:

• The American War of Independence
• The First World War
• The Second World War
• The Korean War
• The Vietnam War.

Even the exhibition on the Star-Spangled Banner ("The Flag That Inspired the Nation Anthem") is ostensibly a celebration of successful American resistance of the British bombardment of Fort Henry in 1812.

As we wandered through the museum, an awful realisation dawned on us: by the curators' own accounts, the history of the United States is hardly more a series of conflicts. Is it therefore any wonder then that Americans are so combative, and that winning (wars, sport, business) is valued more highly than taking part?

To use an American expression I recently derided*, this segues me perfectly to a radio report I heard the other evening featuring an interview with an American soldier in Afghanistan who said he had been trained in "one shot, one kill", but was now frustrated because he had to engage with Afghan civilians instead. He said he felt more like a peacekeeper than a soldier, and had been spending more time working out in the gym to compensate.

From a European perspective, that's a horrific thought. Here, however, it doesn't seem to ruffle any feathers.

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* See Tim, I managed to get it in earlier than expected!