204
PARTISAN REVIEW
wealth. Basically, se lf-scrutiny and self-criticism arc a matter of course
for every sound nation. But whoever believes that "Amcrica" consists of
a horde of arrogant and domineering "patriots" docs not understand
that at every moment it is made up of uncountable Americas. Its
unyielding diversity often confuses strangers, and even Americans, forc–
ing them to adopt a childish reductionism. To use simpl istic "emblems"
of anti-Americanism means to ignore the great American scientific, cul–
tural, economic, and social achievements and its past and present indis–
pensable contributions to world democracy. Would our planet be better
without America? I doubt it. I rather hope that in thc near future thc
American Muslim population may becomc thc point of rcfcrence for the
Muslim world, as happened with Jews, Latin Amcricans, Koreans, and
many others in this country.
[ sometimes recall a writers' conference in Amsterdam, at the begin–
ning of the
'990S.
Since 1 was the only participant from the United
States, I was taken for a "Yankee," although then [ did not even have
American residency. After mentioning a few incidents of discrimination
against his fellows in America, a renowned Arab author from [srael
turned to me, after my speech, and asked in front of thc audience, "[s
that a democracy, sir?" [ was tempted to ask him, in turn, with what he
was comparing America. With Arab statcs, for instancc, these corrupt
monarchies or brutal dictatorships? I instantly rcnounccd such futile
questions and on ly told him that [ was spcaking for mysclf, as always,
not for any group or country. "Yes, I think America is a rcal, often triv–
ial, always essential democracy," I said . "A popular, dynamic democracy
that forever reinvents itself. But it is not a perfect country." And [ added,
"I spent most of my life in a faraway country in a society that claimed
to be perfect. [ would prefer never again to share such a privilege. [ am
glad to live in a country that is as imperfect as its citizens." When [ fin–
ished, I suddenly remembered that the one American novelty [ really was
enthusiastic about from the start was the absence of identity cuds.
America has, of course, more than a few disturbing sides, but in thc
history of wor ld powers America doesn't find itself in too bad a place.
A comparison with the Ottoman Empire, the Tsarist Empire, the Soviet
Union, or the Third Reich suffices. Certainly, Amcrica provokes frus–
(I·ation, envy, and even hatred. But its principles are deeply humanistic,
supported by a sort of religion of dialogue and pragmatic compromise.
The American spirit furthers competition, often tough compctition–
but it asks that the victor not allow the loser
to
sink too low. America
has helped many peoples and countries, even former cncmies. Hopefully
