ABSTRACT

American Mythologies examines eleven myths that form part of the storehouse of present-day American mythologies, elucidating the nature of contemporary myths by investigating their ideological sub-terrain. Grounded in a semiological approach, which explores the displacement of information and the transformation of signs that characterise mythic communication, this book sheds light on the socio-economic, gendered, national and racial interests that lie behind myth-making. Presenting rich case studies from popular culture and public discourse, it demonstrates the manner in which these myths, and American mythology in general, promote the core values of everyday life under capitalism: rugged individualism, the unfettered right to accumulate wealth, the superior moral character of free-enterprise democracy, and its abundant opportunities for every citizen. By the same token, that same mythology negates the corruption endemic to the capitalist social order, an order that also promotes inescapable class, racial, and gender inequalities which confine the majority of Americans to a life of constant economic struggle. A fresh critique of the foundations of American culture, American Mythologies will appeal to those with interests in sociology, social and cultural theory, and cultural and media studies.

chapter |24 pages

Introduction: American Mythologies

chapter 1|6 pages

Bright Toy Trucks

chapter 2|10 pages

The International Community

chapter 3|13 pages

Corrupt Union Bosses

chapter 4|4 pages

Wal-Mart’s Associates

chapter 5|18 pages

From Rags to Riches

chapter 6|19 pages

Obama’s Death Panels

chapter 7|14 pages

Puff Daddy’s Tuxedo

chapter 8|14 pages

Egypt in Las Vegas

chapter 9|12 pages

The Alamo as Shrine

chapter 10|12 pages

Manufactured Natural

chapter 11|16 pages

Designing Intelligence