Paul Sharits (1943-1993)

Spirit of ’76 in Nation and New York: Self-Doubt, Hope and Pride

Americans Finding New Course is Vital

By Jon Nordhemer

                The American people are moving into their third century of independence with their institutions intact and with an economic and military strength beyond the visions of the courtly men who fathered the nation based on democratic principles.

                But outside of the official observances of the 200^th celebration of freedom, there is an undercurrent of uncertainty about what succeeding Fourths of July hold for future generations of Americans.

                Talks with Americans around the country, and telephone interviews with academics who study such matters, suggest that the tensions of responsibility as the strongest, freest and most dynamic society in an ever-changing world have raised self-doubts uncharacteristic for a nation that from its inception has been envigorated and enriched by great challenges.

                New directions appear to be considered essential to the revival of the American character, that defiant and bold spirit of destiny that conquered a continent and provided leadership to the Western world—Yet new directions seem to go unarticulated, or else they set unaccustomed limits on a nation that enjoys the highest standard of living in the world.

‘Unfreedom of Omnipotence’

                In an age of incredible technology that has become master as well as slave to modern society, the traditional restless energy of Americans appear to have been circumscribed by what the historian Daniel J. Boorstin calls the “new unfreedom of omnipotence.”

                For most Americans on this 200^th celebration of independence seem to be moving cautiously toward an uncertain future, waiting for a day when a clearer national course develops to quicken their energies and national pride.

                There are expressions of deep, angry despair. But for the most part, those interviewed expressed a mild disorientation about the state of American life, as though the national compass had been lost as the country moved through a confusing series of internal and external shocks.

                “The thing that troubles me most is that I have no assurance that my children will have a better life than I do,” said Sherry Weinstein, a buyer for a Chicago store. “The real disturbing thing is that with terrorism at home and abroad, with resources running out, I’m getting scared we may all be in for worse times.”

                The need for some national standard behind which the nation can rally is evident, but what form should take is only faintly perceived. Some might see it in the revival of space research, with some goal such as a commitment to a manned voyage of exploration within the solar system in 1992 to commemorate the 500^th anniversary of Columbus’s discovery of the new World.

                Others might agree with Dr. William Appleman Williams, professor of American history at Oregon State University, that such efforts would be only a diversion that would postpone the more rational undertaking of reforming American society in a way that not only would make it more equitable, but would also prepare Americans for the limitations that...

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