The American Credo - Interpretation of the National Mind

Book excerpt: The American Credo is a satirical criticism of the American culture, co-authored with George Jean Nathan. Menken describes the weaknesses in the American system of views and beliefs, criticizing the government, literature and philosophy ideas, religion. Although the book was published about one hundred years ago, it remains incredibly topical today since society didn't get rid of its flaws. Excerpt: "Moreover, this gradual (and, of late, rapidly progressive) decay of freedom goes almost without challenge; the American has grown so accustomed to the denial of his constitutional rights and to the minute regulation of his conduct by swarms of spies, letter-openers, informers and agents provocateurs that he no longer makes any serious protest."