Reflection 3: And We'll Never be Royals—Life Without a Monarchy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Americans, it is a point of pride that the United States was founded in direct opposition to a monarchy. Yet, while the notion of "royalty" is technically antithetical to American ideals, our anti-monarchist sentiments sometimes ring hollow. For instance, we remain collectively obsessed with the British Crown, while simultaneously elevating our own dynastic families—such as the Kennedys—to the status of nobility. We even cheered for American Meghan Markle, whose trajectory from actress to Duchess saw her penetrate the very institution our nation originally rejected. Meanwhile, in Hollywood, awards ceremonies function as endless promenades for pop culture kings and queens. If the concept of royalty is truly repugnant to the American spirit, why do we work so hard to create stand-ins? Who are the individuals we treat with the same reverence the British reserve for their sovereign, and what does this obsession say about American national identity in the 21st century?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Meet the Young Americans Who Want a Monarchy—But Not 'King Trump'" (The Times)
• "America’s Obsession with its Own Royal Family Hasn’t Abated. A Sexy New Show Captures Why." (Yahoo! News) 
• "America is Obsessed with the Royals. So We Make Our Own." (CNN) 
• "Trump's Obsession with the Royals and Their Golden Lifestyle Dates Back Decades" (NBC News) 

Required:

• MLA Style, including works cited
• 500 words (≈2 pages)

Due: Sun 4.19 (via Canvas) [Note due date]