Omni-Americans
A new, to me, integralish term.
Jeff Salzman often points out that many thinkers and writers don't use integral theory language but articulate nondual, complex, “both/and,” and profoundly inclusive (inclusive of ideas as well as people) language. They embody the Integral prediction that our culture will develop and evolve because that is its imperative. I think it helps to name it when we see it—these demonstrations of Integral stage expressions—because that activates the psycho-active quality of Integral and makes those neural connections that help us see it growing around us.
Another quality of Integral thought is that it is usually better than pre-integral thought in that it demonstrates a range of positions without alienating opponents. This interview with Bret Stephens1, the NYTimes editorial writer, is an example of dialogue that contains points of view from Traditional, Modern, Postmodern, and Integral levels (or alternatively, Right, Center, Left, and "Omni.")
I have found Stephens's writing sometimes too strident, yet when he speaks, a much more nuanced and thoughtful voice comes through. If you want to listen to only some of it, I recommend the segment from 49:30 to 57:40. They refer to Albert Murray, who coined the term Omni-American. I deeply appreciate this comment from one of the book reviews of The Omni-Americans.
For Murray, black culture derives from the American South; is blues-based in its oral, literary, and musical traditions; and is heroic in its eternal attempts to affirm the principles set down in the Constitution.
Eugene Holley Jr.
This muscular yet moral and intelligent statement re-captures the thrilling vision of the Civil Rights movement that I remember growing up as a quiet, naive white boy in a white community.
Near the end of the interview, Stephens mentions his “hobby horse,” his view that we don’t disagree too much; we disagree badly.
I’m going to think about that for a while. Let’s put a pin in it. 📌
The interview is from ‘Straight Ahead – the Omni-American Podcast,” featuring stimulating conversations with thoughtful writers, civic leaders, artists and scholars. Hosts Aryeh Tepper and Greg Thomas examine sources of cultural vitality, especially their roots in Jazz music and the Jewish tradition, in order to counter the challenges posed by illiberal forces on the left and the right.