Formally, the term “American” refers to the land mass comprised of the two continents, North and South America, including the islands of the Caribbean. It is this general area people speak of when they say (inaccurately), “Columbus discovered America.” In general usage, the term “American” refers specifically to the United States of America. Many express problems with such a usage of the word. While I’ve heard Canadians (but never Mexicans or South Americans) object in principle to this exclusive usage, they however do not (for a number of reasons) travel about the world calling themselves “Americans.” When someone says “American music,” they clearly mean music from the United States; when people speak of “American foreign policy,” they aren’t thinking about Canada or Mexico.
I use the term “American Magic” to refer to magic as practiced in the historic and political entity known as the United States of America, from its origins beginning in the early 17th century with the establishment of English colonies in North America to its current status as a world power in the 21st century. This nation has had a measurable and irrevocable impact on this world and its development; just as it was once said the sun never set on the British Empire, there is no part of the globe untouched by American influence. It follows that America and Americans have left a similarly distinct mark in the history and practice of magic.
Not being a complete cultural chauvinist, I should mention that I have no intention of ignoring or otherwise neglecting the role of indigenous magic practiced on the continent prior to the arrival of English settlers. Throughout the progress of the white man’s dominance of the continent, the beliefs and practices of indigenous people were of varying importance and influence. This will be reflected in my study.
I use the term “American Magic” to refer to magic as practiced in the historic and political entity known as the United States of America, from its origins beginning in the early 17th century with the establishment of English colonies in North America to its current status as a world power in the 21st century. This nation has had a measurable and irrevocable impact on this world and its development; just as it was once said the sun never set on the British Empire, there is no part of the globe untouched by American influence. It follows that America and Americans have left a similarly distinct mark in the history and practice of magic.
Not being a complete cultural chauvinist, I should mention that I have no intention of ignoring or otherwise neglecting the role of indigenous magic practiced on the continent prior to the arrival of English settlers. Throughout the progress of the white man’s dominance of the continent, the beliefs and practices of indigenous people were of varying importance and influence. This will be reflected in my study.
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