The Intellectuals and the Flag

By: Todd Gitlin

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Hardcover | 13 December 2005 | Edition Number 1

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"The tragedy of the left is that, having achieved an unprecedented victory in helping stop an appalling war, it then proceeded to commit suicide." So writes Todd Gitlin about the aftermath of the Vietnam War in this collection of writings that calls upon intellectuals on the left to once again engage American public life and resist the trappings of knee-jerk negativism, intellectual fads, and political orthodoxy. Gitlin argues for a renewed sense of patriotism based on the ideals of sacrifice, tough-minded criticism, and a willingness to look anew at the global role of the United States in the aftermath of 9/11. Merely criticizing and resisting the Bush administration will not do-the left must also imagine and propose an America reformed.

Where then can the left turn? Gitlin celebrates the work of three prominent postwar intellectuals: David Riesman, C. Wright Mills, and Irving Howe. Their ambitious, assertive, and clearly written works serve as models for an intellectual engagement that forcefully addresses social issues and remains affirmative and comprehensive. Sharing many of the qualities of these thinkers' works, Todd Gitlin's blunt, frank analysis of the current state of the left and his willingness to challenge orthodoxies pave the way for a revival in leftist thought and a new liberal patriotism.

Industry Reviews

"Gitlin's liberal patriotism is an affirmation of membership in our society and of participation in the American experiment." -- Elbert Ventura, Cleveland Plain Dealer "What else could Gitlin do but resemble the greats? He's a force." -- Tony Dokoupil, New York Press "If you are tired of a left politics assigned to the margins... buy this book. And then get to work." -- Stewart Nusbaumer, Intervention Magazine "A blunt, frank analysis of the current state of the left." -- Jim Agnew, Jagnew.com "His insights and perceptions strike me as succinct, on target, clear-eyed and revelatory." -- Sam Coale, Providence Journal "Gitlin is certainly a thoughtful, intelligent, and important critic... Recommended." -- Choice " The Intellectuals and the Flag proves that social criticism of a high caliber has not completely disappeared from American public life." -- Alan Wolfe, Commonweal "A particularly eloquent rendering of the inevitable and proper post-9/11 patriotism that affected the left no less than the right or center." -- Chronicle of Higher Education

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