Myths and America

To some extent, I think myths do play a role in America’s identity. Going back to Revolutionary War times and the Founding Fathers, one is sure to come across the fabled Paul Revere and his “Midnight Ride,” celebrated in the words of Longfellow…. “One if by land and two if by sea…” Other events also come to mind, such as the battles of Lexington and Concord and the Battle of Bunker Hill (which was actually fought on Breed’s Hill). Regardless, all events are based on historical fact; however I think that certain aspects of the events have become mythologized to a certain extent.
A prevalent myth in America today is that of religion and role that God plays in society. While the extent to which God is a myth or not depends on the person, the majority of Americans believe in God, and yet the reality of such a God remains and will probably remain to be proven. Regardless of this question, I think it’s the belief in such a God that can help create order in society. While I am personally agnostic toward the question of God’s existence, my Catholic upbringing has contributed to my character and many of my positive qualities. It’s when people claim such beliefs as unquestionable fact that harmful effects can result. Sometimes it’s better to let myths be myths and facts be facts. Yet sometimes facts shouldn’t be called facts when there’s no proof, such as the whole “weapons of mass destruction” fiasco in Iraq which led to a costly war.