I've probably been living under a rock here in EU. January 6th, riots, proud boys rings a bell, but what is 1776? Is that the capitol address? A year reference? Some alt-right numerology?
The renewed interest and new mantra of 1776 is a backlash to the 1619 project.
This right leaning resource summarizes that point of view:
" the New York Times Magazine’s 1619 Project ... attempts to reframe our understanding of American history by alleging the central event in the founding of the United States was the first importation of enslaved Africans to Virginia in 1619 and not the Declaration of Independence in 1776." [1]
Counterpoint: I love america and loved 1776 references long before the 1619 project was a thing. There was no renewed interest on the part of me or my compatriots.
I believe your statements to be virtuous - but also fascinating that you felt the need to make the counterpoint.
The counterpoint stated allows the situation to be a dog whistle. It's a regrettable situation. (caveat, our personal beliefs don't matter here, they are not the reason why this issue is back into the popular culture. I'm trying to keep my commentary objective regarding the popular culture, these statements do not reflect my views nor a judgement of yours).
So... it's a pretty stark contrast to respond to one commission viewing American history through the lens of when slavery started with another commission that emphasizes freedom and independence (and significantly full freedom and independence only for white land-owning males).
Now, my brother, I assume nothing about you - please don't take the above to be any type of commentary about you, your opinions or your compatriots. I believe what you say at face value. Though, your counterpoint very concisely underscored why this is in the popular culture.
There is a gate-keeping mechanism at play here. If a person can't reasonably think such a (racist) contrast exists, and anyone who does think that contrast is racist is not a patriot and does not also love America - that seems to be gate keeping of who can be a patriot. It's concerning.
No doubt there are many long time lovers of history, of America, of 1776, but to those voices now are those who speak the very same words but as a dog whistle. Hence, it's more of a thing than it was, and why it's now more salient in the popular culture than before.
I think this back-and-forth highlights the very subtle details behind this issue, and in sum is a very complete answer to the question of why Americans are now generally (as far as the pop culture goes) so concerned about 1776. It's to an extent become a new litmus test for tribal identity, whether you are a patriot or not, part of the in-group or out-group. To those that are neutral on that litmus test, that feel they have other points of view, it is a disservice. So, just all in all a really good example of how Americans are becoming really divided for no good reason...
This right leaning resource summarizes that point of view:
" the New York Times Magazine’s 1619 Project ... attempts to reframe our understanding of American history by alleging the central event in the founding of the United States was the first importation of enslaved Africans to Virginia in 1619 and not the Declaration of Independence in 1776." [1]
[1] https://capitalresearch.org/article/architects-of-woke-the-1...