This New Yet Unapproachable America: A Book Review

Stanley Cavell's "This New Yet Unapproachable America" is a profound and insightful exploration of the American character and its relationship to philosophy. Cavell argues that America is a nation founded on a paradox: it is both a new world, full of possibility and promise, and an unapproachable place, where the ideals of freedom and equality often seem distant and unattainable.

A New World

Cavell begins his book by describing America as a "new world," a place where anything is possible. He argues that this sense of possibility is what has drawn people to America from all over the world. America is a place where people can reinvent themselves, where they can escape the constraints of their past and build a better future.

However, Cavell also argues that America is an "unapproachable" place. He argues that the very ideals that make America so attractive also make it difficult to achieve. The promise of freedom and equality is often overshadowed by the reality of inequality and oppression. The pursuit of happiness can lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

The American Character

Cavell argues that the American character is shaped by this paradox of newness and unapproachability. Americans are both optimistic and pessimistic, idealistic and cynical. They are always striving for something better, but they are also aware of the limits of human possibility.

This tension between hope and despair is what makes the American character so complex and fascinating. It is a tension that is reflected in American literature, film, and music. It is a tension that is at the heart of the American experience.

Cavell's Philosophy

Cavell's philosophy is based on the idea that language is the key to understanding human experience. He argues that we can only understand ourselves and our world by paying attention to the way we talk about them.

Cavell's philosophy is particularly relevant to the study of America. America is a nation that is constantly reinventing itself, and the way we talk about America is constantly changing. By paying attention to the way we talk about America, we can gain a deeper understanding of the American character and the American experience.

Conclusion

"This New Yet Unapproachable America" is a must-read for anyone interested in American studies, philosophy, or the human condition. Cavell's insights are profound and his writing is beautiful. This book is a challenging and rewarding read that will stay with you long after you finish it.

Why You Should Buy This Book

If you are interested in any of the following topics, then you should buy this book:

• American studies
• Philosophy
• The human condition
• The American character
• The American experience

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand America and its place in the world. It is a challenging and rewarding read that will stay with you long after you finish it.