American identity during the Cold War (1947–1991) rested heavily on detesting the Soviet Union and the ideas, images, and icons that represented it. Performances of this hate validated one's citizenship, patriotism, and Americanness. Hollywood and television glorified the savior state (the United States), armed with the humanitarian mandate to vanquish a nemesis that threatened not only its own citizenry, but also the stability of the world at large. Freedom-loving soldiers like Rambo and fighting archetypes like Rocky battled rival communists in battleground nations, the boxing ring, or wherever the threat loomed and lingered. Being American during the Cold War rested largely on hating the Soviet Union and communism, and performing that hate through political rhetoric, associations, and opposition to anything affiliated with the Soviet Union. Our identity, as Americans, was defined by who and what we hated. And for those aspiring to become American, performance of this hate was a vital part of the process of becoming American.

Khaled A. Beydoun, American Islamophobia_ Unde…, loc. 220