Editorial Essay: American Insularity

Insularity is a state of being isolated or detached. And the United States, critics have charged, has long been an insular society. It has been said that Americans, as the sole superpower, have little incentive to learn about or engage the world around them. Of course, the same cannot be said about the world's relationship with America; other nations are not only inundated with American culture and media, they must also contend with our country's considerable political and military clout. Are we indeed so concerned with our own affairs that we lack a broader international perspective? Consider these points:

• Just under 20% of Americans speak a language other than English (compared to over 50% of Europeans)
• Of the 300 million-plus United States citizens, only about one third have passports
• In 1985, international news occupied only 9% of the front pages of American newspapers; by 2010, it dropped to 6%
• A 2012 study indicated that Americans could only correctly answer 1.8 out of four international news questions

Can this situation be reversed? What is the cost to America for being so insular? What will it take for Americans to engage the world in more meaningful ways? Might the rise of China and India spur us to be more globally minded? In a concise editorial, examine the phenomenon of American insularity and explore the ways in which Americans might strive to be better global citizens. To support your thesis, cite evidence from the following:

• "Ignorant America: Just How Stupid Are We?" (AlterNet)
• "Young Americans Geographically Illiterate, Survey Suggests" (National Geographic)
• "Getting to Know the World Around Us" (Chicago Tribune)
• "How Dumb Are We?" (Daily Beast)
• "Afghan Troops Get a Lesson in American Cultural Ignorance" (Washington Post)
• "The Insular American” (Boston Globe)
• "Leaving Empire: The Risks of American Insularity" (Religion Dispatches)
• "Outward Bound" (Foreign Policy) 

Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum
• Include a works cited page

The best papers:

• Have a title that articulates its point of view
• Stay within the parameters of the subject matter
• Have a concise thesis which clearly outlines a position
• Are written in a voice that is casual, yet informed
• Clearly support their thesis with solid evidence and a logical structure, citing from the articles above
• Conclude with a summation of the argument
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Are in compliance with MLA Style

Sample editorials from the New York Times:

• "Changing Minds after Newton"
• "As the Cuts Hit Home"
• "For Pope: A Dude Like Dad"
• "Grand Old Parity"

Due: Thur 03.07 (Draft 1; Bring 2 copies)