I’ve always thought it was a curious fact that Americans are typically xenophobic to an irrational degree considering that she is a nation and culture built of, by and for such a diverse group of immigrants. It occurred to me today, though, that there is a logical reason for American culture to be so suspicious of anything foreign, particularly ‘within our borders’ or ‘among us’. Look back to the American Revolution; an event so patriotically dominating the national consciousness at the moment. Now remember the logically sound point that the person most acutely aware of being stolen from is a thief. So it does follow, and make rather good sense, that a national culture born of such a deceit-driven revolution would be unnaturally suspicious of falling victim to cloak-and-dagger revolutionary activities (because remember that the difference between a terrorist and a revolutionary soldier is nothing more that a matter of which side you’re on).

…wait, does that make the Boston Tea Party the true first terrorist attack on American soil?

Anyway, I’m just trying to say that I kind of understand now that suspicion is the natural condition of the American Identity. This has been your public service announcement for the day.

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