Historian Eddie Glaude Jr. Explores America’s Complex Past and Present

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Professor Eddie Glaude Jr., a historian from Princeton, expresses deep frustration. His new book, America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation’s Anniversaries, opens with a bold admission: “I do not love America, and never have, especially now.” This statement reflects his concerns about recent events such as the Supreme Court’s changes to the Voting Rights Act and redistricting efforts that threaten Black representation in Congress.

Glaude wrote the book to find stability amid his emotions. He says, “What I was trying to do with this book was kind of write some security underneath my feet. So that I could actually get this rage under control, to get my sadness, my melancholy under control.” The book examines America’s historical anniversaries and their meanings, suggesting the nation’s divided nature is still apparent today.

Glaude believes it’s time for America to accept its failures in realizing its founding ideals, urging that, “America has to grow up. It can no longer hide in its adolescence.” He critiques the dual identity of America as both a symbol of freedom and a predominantly white nation, describing this as a “madness at the heart of the country.”

Highlights from the Interview

Source: Penguin Random House

On Beginning His Book with “I do not love America”

Glaude shares he initially struggled to articulate his introduction, feeling he was withholding something important. He explains, “And so I returned to that first paragraph, and suddenly this sentence just came on the page. And I got up and I started walking around my study and I was afraid of what this would mean if I left it there.” Ultimately, he realized this difficult statement was necessary to communicate his point of view.

On the Significance of Country’s Anniversaries

He points out that during these milestones, America crafts a story about its origins. For the 250th anniversary, Glaude observes the focus on events like UFC arenas and fairs, but stresses the need to critically examine the narrative about the founders’ perceived sanctity.

On His View of Patriotism

Patriotism, Glaude notes, often resonates as a “rebel yell” to him. He mentions, “Those people who embrace the flag, who wrap themselves up in the piety of the country, are often, more than not, folk who think I should be in my place.” He remains cautious of those who fervently express love for the country without acknowledging diverse experiences.

On a Simplified Story of America’s Founding

During a 2024 tour of Philadelphia’s Congress Hall, Glaude heard a guide describe a superficial account of historical conflict, which ignored significant issues like slavery. He was left seeing “ghosts” in the hall as symbols of a storybook version of America.

Producers Anna Bauman and Susan Nyakundi created and edited this interview for broadcast. Bridget Bentz and Meghan Sullivan adapted it for online presentation.