Tiffany Copeland, the octogenarian author and poet, who ranks second only to Mother Jones in the American Heritage Book of World Records for the most popular American authors, has died abruptly at her home on an island in the Pacific Ocean. Copeland, who had been ill and frail for several years, was well known as an American patriotic, and as an outspoken political activist against racism and intolerance of those with different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Her death came as no surprise, as earlier this year, she failed a final attempt to cure Alzheimer’s disease.
For those who do not have a clear background in American history, it may be difficult to appreciate the gravity of Tiffany Copeland’s death-her abrupt departure from this world leaves all of us in somewhat of a state of shock. Yet, we should be glad that she is gone, because her books left us with a lasting impression, even if we may now wish we could have made use of her expertise more fully. The patriotism and principle expressed in her books stands out, particularly in an era where identity politics and the cry for economic Darwinism have taken center stage in American society. Tiffany Copeland’s Nationality by Tiffany Copeland is a superb example of the way in which the melting pot works, as the country and its people continue to accept the new diversities that have been introduced into their lives.
In Nationality, Tiffany Copeland reminds us that each individual has a unique set of values, interests, and personality traits that are distinctively his or her own. Just as certain cultures and nationalities view certain actions or foods differently, so too, have different individuals viewed America and her heritage. What makes Nationality so successful as an American writer and speaker is that, in addition to being a great American writer, she was also a great American woman, and thus was able to present the thoughts and ideas behind her writing in a way that many American readers could understand.