Before launching into space to save mankind in a perilous mission, Hailey Berry’s character gets suited up. An authoritative voice intones over the scene, explaining the purpose and plan and the import. He finishes with ”
If you’re the praying type, say a prayer for Dr. Woods. If you’re superstitious, cross your fingers, throw a pinch of salt. If you don’t believe in anything, believe in her.
” I thought how very American. Then I realized, no, it wasn’t simply an American point of view, it was THE American point of view, which can be summed up thusly:
*the USA is the highest achievement of civilization, of a pool of global effort, and as such, is divinely ordered, inspired and maintained. Of course an Almighty being would want to oversee an astronaut;
*All who will not and cannot support the preceding must still have feelings and wish to support the project. They are reduced to private acts of goodwill, but as such, create an environment conducive for success. They will support the collective good.
*Should anyone fall outside either of preceding categories, they are invited to participate by re-iterating the primo American myth, the astonishing and transformative power of the individual. That in itself is worthy of faith.
I can’t imagine anyone other than an American who could pen those lines. On one level, it is a hierarchy that descends in importance: gods; spirits; individuals. On the other hand, the hierarchy ascends: gods and spirits receiving totem-like observance, then the all important individual hero
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