In "The Ground Beneath Her Feet," Salman Rushdie explores themes of identity and belonging within American culture. He suggests that individuals may struggle to express themselves correctly, but their miscommunication can quickly be adopted as part of American vernacular. This highlights the fluid nature of language and how new forms of expression can emerge from misunderstanding.

Furthermore, Rushdie reflects on a sense of alienation that is ingrained in American tradition. He proposes that not feeling like one belongs is a common experience, illustrating how this feeling is paradoxically woven into the fabric of American life. The idea of embracing ignorance as a cultural trait speaks to the complexities of identity in a diverse society.