America Within or Without

Foreigners scrutinizing the United States, such as non-American scholars of American studies, often meet raised eyebrows—even as the American Studies Association ASA , in theory and increasingly in practice, welcomes them. To study the United States, apparently, one must produce an intellectual green card, preferably presented along with an American accent, white-enough skin, and proper Western attire. "Why did you come to America" becomes "Why are you studying America," and both are questions I have been asked one too many times.