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Is Political Action Heroic?

Heroism and American Political Culture

Colgate University

Although contemporary American political discourse often refers to heroic action, scholars have paid little attention to the concept of heroism Because individuals' understandings of politics are constituted and reflected by the prosaic terms at their disposal, inattention to the concept of heroism interferes with our ability to comprehend citizens' values and the political culture. In addition, although Tocqueville is often cited as a prescient observer of American life, empirical analysts have neglected Tocquevillean individualism. In response, this article analyzes four subjective views of heroism, with particular attention to the relative importance of public and private life. Some perspectives find greatness in both spheres, whereas other conceptualizations sequester one from the other. Implications for the state and study of political culture are discussed.

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