Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently made headlines after delivering remarks that many see as a sharp critique of Western civilization and its cultural roots. In her comments, she described Western culture as resting on what she called a “thin foundation” and argued that concepts such as “whiteness” are socially constructed rather than concrete realities.
Her remarks came in the context of discussing relations between the United States and the European Union. Ocasio-Cortez advocated for a renewed transatlantic alliance built not primarily on shared cultural heritage or historical ties, but on what she described as mutual respect for international law and human rights standards.
For critics, these comments raise deeper concerns about how some leaders on the Left view America’s identity. The United States and Europe have long been bound together by common traditions—rooted in Judeo-Christian values, Enlightenment principles, democratic governance, and a shared commitment to individual liberty. To dismiss those foundations as fragile or insignificant strikes many Americans as not only misguided, but dismissive of the sacrifices that built the modern Western world.
Supporters of Ocasio-Cortez argue that her perspective reflects a more inclusive, global outlook—one that moves beyond race-based or culturally exclusive frameworks. They say international cooperation should be grounded in universal principles of law and equality rather than historic or ethnic ties.
Still, the debate underscores a broader cultural divide. For millions of Americans, Western civilization is not a “thin” concept but a hard-earned inheritance—shaped by faith, family, constitutional government, and a belief in personal responsibility. It represents centuries of struggle for freedom and ordered liberty, not an arbitrary social construct.
As conversations continue about the future of U.S.–EU relations, the fundamental question remains: Should America’s alliances be anchored primarily in shared heritage and values forged over centuries, or rebuilt around evolving global frameworks that downplay those roots?
That discussion is not just academic—it cuts to the core of how Americans understand their nation, its history, and its place in the world.
