Ad Americam https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Ad Americam: Journal of American Studies</em> is an open-access interdisciplinary journal edited once a year at Institute of American Studies and Polish Diaspora, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland. Ad Americam publishes double-blind peer-reviewed articles by scholars on North and Latin American history, politics, law, culture, sociology and comparative studies.</p> en-US journals@akademicka.pl (Department of Scientific Journals, Ksiegarnia Akademicka Publishing) journals@akademicka.pl (Author’s Support) Mon, 30 Dec 2024 13:11:51 +0100 OJS 3.3.0.15 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Front Matter https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6096 Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6096 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 Back Matter https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6109 Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6109 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 The Kosciuszko Foundation, Its Alumni and American Studies: The Purpose of the Special Volume https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6097 <p>The text explains the idea behind publishing a special issue of “Ad Americam. Journal of American Studies” dedicated to the Kosciuszko Foundation. It also discusses the role that the Foundation has played for Polish scholars, and focuses on its contribution to the continuous development of the field of American studies through the grants awarded to researchers specializing in American affairs. The text additionally discusses the initiatives undertaken by the Kosciuszko Foundation Alumni in order to promote the Foundation’s ideas, programs and knowledge acquired by its former grantees. The final section briefly presents the authors contributing to the volume and their research.</p> Paulina Napierała Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6097 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 A Short Introduction to the History of the Kosciuszko Foundation and Its Programs https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6098 <p>The text outlines the history of the Kosciuszko Foundation, paying special attention to the life of its founder, Szczepan Mierzwa, who came to the USA in 1910, at the age of 17. By 1925 he changed his name to Stephen Mizwa, became Assistant Professor of Economics at Drake University, and founded the Kosciuszko Foundation in New York City, which has been providing financial support to Polish scholars ever since. The text also gives an overview of all the programs that the Kosciuszko Foundation currently offers to Polish and American scholars and students.</p> Małgorzata Szymańska Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6098 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 Generous Virtues https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6099 <p>The classical Virtue Epistemology, one of the most interesting contributions of late 20th century American philosophy, proposed to analyze knowledge and epistemic evaluation in general in terms of intellectual virtues. In this approach, these virtues were understood as faculties or personal traits that contribute to the production of knowledge and other epistemic goods. However, the value of some plausible candidates for intellectual virtues, which can be called “generous virtues,” cannot be explained in those terms. This paper proposes a novel account of the general value of intellectual virtues that includes other‑regarding ones. To that end, it considers three strategies of socialization of Virtue Epistemology, and proposes original solution: Epistemic Social Environmentalism.</p> Dominik Jarczewski Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6099 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 Gorbachev – Reagan Geneva Summit, November 1985 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6100 <p>This article is a review of the negotiations between the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and the General Secretary of the CPSU, Mikhail Gorbachev, during their summit meeting on 19‑21 November 1985 in Geneva. The text is based on the thesis about the importance of direct contacts between the leaders of superpowers for developing fundamental changes in their security policy. It answers the research question about how negotiation tactics lead to defining differences and areas of understanding that significantly influenced the entire policies of the U.S. and the USSR. The available materials from the American perspective provide insight into the formation of the United States’ position and its efforts to understand Soviet policy. During the Geneva summit, the discussions lasted for hours. These negotiations confirmed the willingness of both sides to increase nuclear security but also highlighted irreconcilable differences of opinion. The most significant difference concerned the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) and its place in the security system. Although this issue could not be resolved, progress was made on several matters related to the direction of START and INF talks. The results of this summit provided a solid foundation for further discussions and mutual visits, leading to meetings in Reykjavik, Washington, and Moscow.</p> Andrzej Mania Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6100 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 Martin Luther King Jr.’s Theological Evolution and the Impact of the (Black) Social Gospel on His Political Views https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6101 <p>The aim of this article is to analyze Martin Luther King Jr.’s theological evolution and to present theological ideas that influenced his political views, paying special attention to the (Black) social gospel. The article also provides an overview of the academic debate among King scholars who differ in opinions on the importance of various elements of his theological outlook and their influence on his activism. Referring to Gary Dorrien’s definition and analysis of the influence of the Black social gospel, a tradition of the Black Church that was often omitted in earlier analyses, I will discuss his contribution to this debate.</p> Paulina Napierała Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6101 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 “Let’s All Be Americans Now” https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6102 <p>The purpose of the article is to present a brief overview of the Americanization movement during the Great War, which strongly impacted the national policy on this matter and its evolution. National unity became particularly important and urgent in the context of war, especially after the U.S. entered the conflict. This involvement led to vigorous efforts to Americanize “all Americans,” as advocated by key players. Consequently, considerable attention from the government, various agencies, state and local offices, and several organizations focused on the foreign‑born and unassimilated immigrants, who were expected to demonstrate full loyalty, contribute to the U.S. workforce, and engage in patriotic service for the adopted country. The war’s urgent demands for workers, recruits, and loyal Americans accelerated the implementation of new Americanization avenues and sped up the assimilation policy for immigrants and the foreign‑born. The government, businesses, philanthropies, and various organizations propagated, conducted and implemented numerous programs addressed to these groups. The primary aim was to educate and prepare them for their duties to their new country, particularly aiding the war effort. Many immigrants assimilated through English language courses and thus were better prepared for American life. They contributed to the war effort by Hooverizing, working on the home front, buying Liberty Bonds and enlisting in the U.S. Army. Immigrant women were also a focus, with programs designed to prepare them for American values and community life through education and patriotic initiatives.</p> Halina Parafianowicz Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6102 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 Polish Pioneer Communities in the Pacific Northwest https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6103 <p>The article explores four pioneer Polish American communities in Washington State: Pe Ell, Wilkeson, Aberdeen and Enumclaw. These small towns thrived on timber industry (Pe Ell, Aberdeen), coal mining (Wilkeson) and farming (Enumclaw). In each location, Poles established a lodge of the Polish National Alliance, and in three of these communities,they successfully opened a Polish Hall. In addition, they contributed to founding a Roman Catholic church in each town and successfully advocated for a Polish‑speaking pastorate. In Pe Ell, they also established and maintain the Holy Cross parish of the schismaticPolish National Catholic Church for many decades (1916‑1970). By presenting this information, the article aims to shed light on a lesser‑known aspect of Polish diaspora history in the United States.</p> Dorota Praszałowicz Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6103 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 Circular Water and Wastewater Management in State College, Pennsylvania https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6104 <p>In recent years, great attention has been paid to activities aimed at implementing a circular economy (CE) in the management of water resources around the world. One of the possibilities for the practical implementation of CE, based on the sustainable management of primary and secondary resources (waste), is the circular management of water and wastewater generated in urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This work presents examples of good practices in the implementation of CE in the college town of State College, Pennsylvania (United States of America). There are two WWTPs here – one belonging to Penn State University (Water Reclamation Facility) and another operated by the municipality (University Area Joint Authority). Both facilities implement CE goals through various initiatives dedicated to water, raw materials and energy recovery. The scope of these activities include using reclaimed water for irrigation of green areas, production of renewable energy, as well as recovery of biogenic components by processing sewage sludge in compost. This approach, where the university and municipality propose solutions in the environmental and social areas, is consistent with the idea of building social responsibility of units, which is a path to sustainability. Further actions to implement the CE model are expected to counteract ongoing climate change in various regions.</p> Marzena Smol Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6104 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 Much More Than an Image https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6105 <p>This essay explores the concept of nation branding and its importance in shaping a country’s image and reputation on the global stage. It discusses this concept using the example of two Latin American countries, Peru, and Mexico. As nations increasingly compete on the global arena, branding strategies have become essential for projecting a positive image that attracts investment, tourism, and international recognition. Moreover, nation branding is steadily growing in importance and more and more countries around the world are devoting resources to developing their nation brand. By exploring the cases of Peru and Mexico, this study shows the components of nation branding in practice. In addition, the essay discusses the potential benefits of implementing a nation branding strategy, especially in an increasingly connected and competitive world. This paper aims to shed light on the complexities of nation branding and encourages a critical examination of the strategies used by countries in defining their national identity on the global stage.</p> Żaneta Gdowik, Karolina Plewa Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6105 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 Risks of Using Artificial Intelligence in Creating the Image of Politicians and in Electoral Campaigns https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6106 <p>In the light of the rapid development of advanced technologies in recent years, many questions have been raised about the future application of available technological solutions in various spheres of life, including politics. An important issue that should be discussed in this field concerns the risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence algorithms in creating the public image of politicians and in electoral campaigns. This paper is based on the concept of eroded epistemics, which is a part of Existential Risk Analysis for AI research. Using the AI Safety Research perspectives of monitoring and systemic safety, it examines the potential risks of using AI in politics and ways to minimize them. The analysis is based on the examples of actions of American politicians. Firstly, the threats of using deepfake technology in creating and manipulating the image of politicians such as Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, are presented. The second part of the paper discusses user profiling and microtargeting strategies and how they may form opinions and influence voters’ decisions. Finally, examples of present‑day solutions that are being developed to combat these risks are described.</p> Helena Jańczuk Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6106 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 Cultural Chronicles – Uncovering the Legacy of Oppressive Black Architecture in Memphis and Other Cities https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6107 <p>Architectural structures and the spaces they create are not neutral; instead, they mirror the values and power dynamics of the societies in which they are constructed. This observation is particularly noticeable in the buildings African Americans inhabited throughout American history. Nevertheless, Black architecture has yet to be recognized as a culturally significant field within academia. To tackle this issue, this paper seeks to expand the architectural discourse by exploring what constitutes Black architecture. Specifically, we will investigate the histories of five houses that hold a particular place in African American historical architecture:<br />• The barrack,<br />• The slave cabin,<br />• The shotgun house,<br />• The housing projects,<br />• The Black suburban homes.<br />Our investigation will delve into the repercussions of each style, the societal goals in establishing each class, and the policies passed that instigated their creations. We will emphasize the connections between these styles and how each type has changed over time. This exploration will allow us to scrutinize Memphis’ architectural choices, placing them in the broader context of architectural trends at the national and regional levels. Exploring Black architecture’s evolution will also help us comprehend how architecture can contribute to racial inequality in our society. We aim to challenge the notion that architecture is only a symbol of beauty, shape, and form and instead recognize its potential to perpetuate subjugation, oppression, and control.</p> Esosa Osayamwen Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6107 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100 Józef Młot-Mróz https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6108 <p>Józef Młot‑Mróz, a Polish refugee living in Salem, Massachusetts, was an anti‑communist, an anti‑Semite, and a right‑wing extremist. His political activity was frequent and varied, and he is thought to have participated in hundreds of demonstrations and distributed over a million copies of a hate sheet he regularly edited. He considered himself a one‑man crusader against communism, and as such was a frequent counter‑protester to many progressive and left‑wing initiatives. As the founder and only president of the Anti‑Communist Confederation of Polish Freedom Fighters, Młot‑Mróz often used the organization as a mouthpiece for his own views. His obsession with fighting “Jewish‑Communism” was heavily influenced by the notion of the “Jewish conspiracy” and other common anti‑Semitic tropes. This made his activity somewhat of a concern for Jewish Americans in New England. Due to the erratic nature of his behavior, he received noticeable press coverage in various parts of the U.S., especially in the Greater Boston area, where he became quite recognizable. He was not recognized by the wider Polish American community, which suggests a lack of support for extremist ideas within that ethnic group during the Cold War.</p> Matylda Sobczak Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://journals.akademicka.pl/adamericam/article/view/6108 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100