America, as you’ve probably heard, is different partly because it was founded on a set of ideas. “No modern nation is more dependent on its myths than the United States, because the ethnic origins of our people are among the most diverse of any place on earth,” as the historian Richard Slotkin wrote in a guest essay for Times Opinion last year. For these reasons, national stories have always been important in the United States. The founders told a story. So have the most successful social movements and presidents. Today we are living through a pretty dark story. Donald Trump has twice won the presidency and dominated politics for more than a decade by talking about lost greatness, carnage and threats. Many of his supporters and critics alike feel angry and frustrated about the country’s direction. How can we emerge from this darkness and start to make progress against our real problems, including economic inequality, political polarization, climate change and gun violence? The answer will almost certainly involve a new national narrative. It always has in this country. To move on from the Trump story of America, we will need a next story. My colleagues and I have just started a podcast series to explore this subject. It’s called America’s Next Story. In the coming weeks, I’ll be interviewing political leaders, historians and others to talk about how we might emerge from our rut and what might come after Trumpism. Though it can be hard to remember, Trump is already in his second term. Listen to a short introduction to the series, taped at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington. We will release our first interview next week. We also want to hear your ideas for what America’s next story should be. Record a voice memo on your phone and send it to theopinions@nytimes.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Here’s what we’re focusing on today:
We hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Games Here are today’s Mini Crossword, Wordle and Spelling Bee. If you’re in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times.
|
