Meaning: This quote by Stan Brakhage, a renowned avant-garde filmmaker, delves into the notion of American identity and its association with intrinsic and vulgar qualities. Brakhage, known for his experimental and non-narrative approach to filmmaking, often explored the essence of American culture and its underlying characteristics. In this quote, he suggests that the capacity to embody intrinsic and vulgar traits is a defining feature of American identity.

The term "intrinsic" refers to qualities that are inherent, essential, or fundamental to a particular thing or concept. In the context of American identity, this may allude to characteristics such as individualism, resilience, and a pioneering spirit. These intrinsic qualities are often attributed to the American ethos, reflecting the nation's history, values, and cultural narrative. From the early settlers forging westward to the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, the intrinsic qualities of American identity are deeply rooted in its historical and cultural fabric.

On the other hand, the term "vulgar" can be interpreted in various ways, ranging from its literal meaning of crudeness or lack of refinement to a broader notion of popular culture and mass appeal. In the context of Brakhage's quote, the term "vulgar" may encompass the unapologetic and unrefined aspects of American culture, including its mass entertainment, consumerism, and the celebration of the everyday. This interpretation suggests that the American identity embraces not only its sophisticated and highbrow aspects but also its unpretentious, down-to-earth, and sometimes brash characteristics.

Brakhage's assertion that the capacity to be intrinsic and vulgar is American invites contemplation on the complexities of national identity. It prompts a consideration of how a nation's identity is shaped by its cultural, historical, and societal influences. Furthermore, it challenges the perception of American identity as a monolithic or easily defined construct, highlighting its multifaceted and at times contradictory nature.

In the realm of filmmaking, Brakhage's quote can be seen as a reflection of his own approach to cinema. His avant-garde films often eschewed conventional narrative structures and sought to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of human experience. By embracing the intrinsic and at times vulgar elements of his subject matter, Brakhage's work challenged traditional notions of cinema and sought to uncover deeper truths about the human condition.

Moreover, the quote also raises questions about the intersections of art, culture, and national identity. It prompts consideration of how artists and filmmakers engage with and reflect upon the intrinsic and vulgar aspects of their own cultural milieu. By acknowledging and embracing these qualities, artists like Brakhage can offer unique insights into the complexities of American identity and its broader cultural significance.

In conclusion, Stan Brakhage's quote encapsulates a thought-provoking exploration of American identity and its relationship to intrinsic and vulgar qualities. By acknowledging the multifaceted nature of national identity and its cultural complexities, the quote invites contemplation on the essence of American ethos and its representation in art and popular culture. Brakhage's own contributions to the world of avant-garde cinema further exemplify his deep engagement with these themes, as he sought to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of the American experience in all its intrinsic and vulgar dimensions.