In this time of polarization and confusion, we need to stop and remember who we are and what our country stands for. There is more that unites us than divides us; our rights, freedoms, and our values are the source of our common ground. The purpose of this book is to remind us of what makes us "Americans"-our unique cultural values-where they came from, how they developed, and what has been their impact on our lives. There is something extraordinary about the cultural values of the United States-a power that has allowed us to accept immigrants from all over the world and enable them to become "Americans," creating new citizens while maintaining a national identity for over 200 years. Our collective identity was forged in our founding documents, but living up to those ideals has always been a messy process-like watching sausage being made. Thankfully, however, our unique cultural values are still at work.
