Hamilton, the pinnacle of inclusive chauvinism. On the social impact of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton: An American Musical
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2021-03-25
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en
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This thesis explores how American identity is being mediated through Hamilton: an American Musical. I examined two main aspects of Hamilton, American identity in relation to its founding era, and race relations in America.
Hamilton-related phrases have been repeated by politicians, BlackLivesMatter-protest signs, Trump rallies, children’s birthday parties, not to mention a sheer endless cornucopia of digital reiterations on social media. The pervasiveness of Hamilton-quotes in American society suggests that it has succeeded in reaching a broader audience, and that it has been exerting a significant influence on the American people.
I argue that Hamilton's emotional appeal has engendered change in ways that take precedence over correcting historical errors or omissions. Hamilton has reinvigorated a sense of pride in the hearts of the current generation and the generation that is right now coming of age. The insistence that America and its history belong to each and every one, the inspiration it offers to take ownership in the nation, and its ability to captivate folks across racial, political, and class boundaries, makes it truly revolutionary.
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