The Tet Effect: American Exceptionalism in Popular Culture

Abstract

[""This research delved into the influence of the Tet Offensive on the development of American exceptionalism within popular culture. It centred around the following research question: How did the events of the Tet Offensive shape and transform American exceptionalism within popular culture in the period of 1968-1972? The relation between the Vietnam War and cultural expressions is a source of historiographical debate and research about the subject often focusses on singular explanations. As a result, this thesis attempted to clarify this intricate interconnection by studying the effects on the Tet Offensive on different types of cultural sources, while also keeping social-political developments in mind. In order to answer the central question of this research, the concept of exceptionalism was divided into three distinct features in patriotism, individualism and perceived cultural hegemony. The evolution of these elements was studied in American films, music and literature. These methods provided ample means to reveal the effects of the Tet Offensive on popular culture. The application of this research has shown that the efficacy’s of these elements developed in a dissimilar manner in the chosen time period. It depended highly on social-political context and the type of industry that was explored. One overarching statement that could be made however, is that the Tet Offensive had a profound impact on the evolution of all these elements within popular culture. It prompted musicians, film makers and authors to question the traditional notions of exceptionalism and consider the changing public opinion with regards to anti-war sentiment. Furthermore, it highlighted the need to examine ramifications of American foreign policy by exploring the narratives of communities that were affected by it. As this thesis focussed on a specific time period, its limitations were found in its ability to study the development of exceptionalism in the post-Vietnam period. Further research about the enduring effects of the Tet Offensive on popular culture could strengthen the findings of this inquiry.""]