This "Woke Points" episode is an interview podcast where hosts Marni Edelhart and Ted McCarthy discuss American patriotism with Noah Pickus, an associate provost at Duke University and author of several books on civic nationalism and higher education. The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of American patriotism, contrasting idealistic civic ideals with the country's history of racial inequality and exploring different models of national identity compared to European nations. Pickus argues that a healthy patriotism requires acknowledging both the positive ideals and the historical flaws of the nation, advocating for a more inclusive and less simplistic understanding of national identity. He suggests that mandatory national service, encompassing both military and civilian options, could foster a stronger sense of shared national purpose and community.
