Contributors Debate Potential Second U.S. National Anthems, Reflecting Diverse American Identities
A collection of contributors has engaged in a discussion regarding the possibility and suitability of a 'second national anthem' for the United States, alongside or in place of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' This discourse explores various songs, each proposed for its unique ability to represent different facets of American identity, history, and aspirations. Vincent Lloyd suggests 'Lift Every Voice and Sing,' known as the 'Black national anthem,' for its themes of perseverance, joy, faith, and hope, noting its recent mainstream integration following racial protests in 2020. Hannah Long advocates for John Denver's 'Take Me Home, Country Roads,' highlighting its universal appeal, malleable imagery of an imagined American landscape, and global recognition as an unofficial anthem. Leah Libresco Sargeant proposes 'Till We Reach That Day' from the musical *Ragtime*, valuing its blend of mourning and yearning, reflecting America's broken promises while maintaining hope. Michael Emmerich points to Lee Greenwood's 'G...