Guise of Exceptionalism
Unmasking the National Narratives of Haiti and the United States
By Robert Fatton | Publisher: Rutgers University Press
About the book
The Guise of Exceptionalism compares the historical origins of Haitian and American exceptionalisms. It also traces how exceptionalism as a narrative of uniqueness has shaped relations between the two countries from their early days of independence through the contemporary period. Exceptionalism is at the core of every national founding narrative. It allows countries to purge history of injurious stains, and embellish it with mythical innocence and claims of distinction. Exceptionalism also builds the bonds of solidarity that forge an imagined national fellowship of the chosen, but it excludes those deemed unfit for membership because of their race, ethnicity, gender, or class. Exceptionalism, however, is not frozen. As a social invention, it changes over time, but always within the parameters of its original principles. Our capacity to reinvent it is dependent on the degree of hegemony achieved by the ruling class, and if this class has the infrastructural power to gradually co-opt and include €the groups it had once excluded.
Editions of Guise of Exceptionalism
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781978821316
- EBook
- ISBN 9781978821330
- PDF
- ISBN 9781978821354
Read an Excerpt
The Guise of Exceptionalism compares the historical origins of Haitian and American exceptionalisms. It also traces how exceptionalism as a narrative of uniqueness has shaped relations between the two countries from their early days of independence through the contemporary period. Exceptionalism is at the core of every national founding narrative. It allows countries to purge history of injurious stains, and embellish it with mythical innocence and claims of distinction. Exceptionalism also builds the bonds of solidarity that forge an imagined national fellowship of the chosen, but it excludes those deemed unfit for membership because of their race, ethnicity, gender, or class. Exceptionalism, however, is not frozen. As a social invention, it changes over time, but always within the parameters of its original principles. Our capacity to reinvent it is dependent on the degree of hegemony achieved by the ruling class, and if this class has the infrastructural power to gradually co-opt and include €the groups it had once excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Guise of Exceptionalism about?
The Guise of Exceptionalism compares the historical origins of Haitian and American exceptionalisms. It also traces how exceptionalism as a narrative of uniqueness has shaped relations between the two countries from their early days of independence through the contemporary period. Exceptionalism is at the core of every national founding narrative. It allows countries to purge history of injurious stains, and embellish it with mythical innocence and claims of distinction. Exceptionalism also builds the bonds of solidarity that forge an imagined national fellowship of the chosen, but it excludes those deemed unfit for membership because of their race, ethnicity, gender, or class. Exceptionalism, however, is not frozen. As a social invention, it changes over time, but always within the parameters of its original principles. Our capacity to reinvent it is dependent on the degree of hegemony achieved by the ruling class, and if this class has the infrastructural power to gradually co-opt and include €the groups it had once excluded.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Guise of Exceptionalism?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Guise of Exceptionalism?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781978821316
Is Guise of Exceptionalism part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Critical Caribbean Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Guise of Exceptionalism?
Robert Fatton
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Guise of Exceptionalism is available as paperback(ISBN 9781978821316) and ebook(ISBN 9781978821330) and pdf(ISBN 9781978821354)
Where can I buy Guise of Exceptionalism online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Guise of Exceptionalism?