American Exceptionalism

[jackdale]

This graph is from an essay / blog in the Huff Post. I did not realize that the popular use of the term was that recent. I did know that Bush gave it his own interpretation.



The irony is that term originated with Stalin.

Jerome Karabel: 'American Exceptionalism' and the Battle for the Presidency

[erps]

This graph is from an essay / blog in the Huff Post. I did not realize that the popular use of the term was that recent.

Wasn't necessary to talk about it in the past. It was just understood. That it's being discussed now indicates to me that it has become an issue. Is the path we're currently on a threat to American Exceptionalism? Does it even exist? Did it ever exist?

It looks like the dramatic rise may coincide pretty closely to Obama's rise to power.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by erps

It looks like the dramatic rise may coincide pretty closely to Obama's rise to power.

Obama made the US exceptional?

[jackdale]

In another thread some one asked who made the US the world's policeman. Who did may be irrelevant considering the desires of the folks about who should be foremost in the world.

Newly updated digests of American and international public opinion polls reveal substantial consensus on concepts of world order. Large majorities support a world order based on international law and a stronger United Nations. American as well as international opinion favors the United States playing a less dominant but still active role in world affairs.

Review of Polling Finds International and American Support for World Order Based on International Law, Stronger UN - World Public Opinion

[erps]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Obama made the US exceptional?

Nope.

[LinekinBayCD]

I think what we and our ancestors have accomplished in the last 235 years is exceptional but I think the term has been used to characterize the criticisms of mistakes we may have made as being un-American. Exceptionalism does not mean we are perfect. Focusing on it is counterproductive in my mind. It sort of implies that everything you do in the future will be exceptional also. I think you need to work on it and continue to do great things. Exceptional people don't need to talk about. If you do maybe your not as exceptional as you think. As a coach the last thing you want to tell a team is how great they are before a game. Your only as good as your last game. Pride goeth before the fall.

[SloopJonB]

Originally Posted by LinekinBayCD

I think what we and our ancestors have accomplished in the last 235 years is exceptional but I think the term has been used to characterize the criticisms of mistakes we may have made as being un-American. Exceptionalism does not mean we are perfect. Focusing on it is counterproductive in my mind. It sort of implies that everything you do in the future will be exceptional also. I think you need to work on it and continue to do great things. Exceptional people don't need to talk about. If you do maybe your not as exceptional as you think. As a coach the last thing you want to tell a team is how great they are before a game. Your only as good as your last game. Pride goeth before the fall.

I think it's simply a modern revision of the old "American can do attitude" expression that dates back to at least WWII.

No matter if you love it or hate it, or how you want to qualify it, or criticize it, or promote it, or whatever, no-one can seriously deny that the USA has been an exceptional place since its inception.

It's never been and still isn't perfect - I truly despised that "My country, right or wrong" attitude back in the Viet Nam days - totally blind, stupid, faux patriotism - BUT, despite its faults, errors and blunders, no country has done more for individual freedom and the concept of TRUE democracy than the USA.

Just try to imagine where the Western, indeed world, democracies would be now had the USA never existed.

[Dirtboy]

I think it began with our ability to change leadership without spilling blood.

Then, as we encouraged immigration, it grew from the melding of ideas and ideals. That's what made us the "can do" nation; our ability and willingness to draw from other cultures.

But, then and now, the number one factor that makes America exceptional; (sorry tea party) our form of government. It has survived everything thrown at it for the last 235 years, or so. It has the ability to survive changing attitudes. It has the ability to change (slowly, thank you) as change is needed. The fact that the process can get messy is true but in the end our form of government has survived as it will survive this latest calamity we've gotten ourselves into.

Forever Optimistic,

DB

[Dirtboy]

Obama made the US exceptional?

No, but he's a great example of what makes us exceptional. Where else could a minority individual become head of a country through peaceful and legal processes? He is a poster boy for what is possible in this country that just isn't possible anywhere else. Could it be that's why we are leaders of the free world? We practice what we preach?

DB

[LinekinBayCD]

There is lot that makes the US a great nation, a lot of which can be credited to our founding fathers and the form of government they got started. I often wonder why we have so few leaders that take their cue from them. It would be nice to have a few that have a long term view, can work out agreements and compromise and have our long term interest at hart rather than their next reelection.

We have a lot of other advantages that all don't come together in any other nation in addition to our form of government: diversity of race and nationality in our people, size, temperate climate, abundant natural resources, large coasts on two oceans and a large gulf are a few that come to mind quickly. Our ability to move on from past wars and make allies of past enemies is a great advantage, not being tied down by past grudges from the thirteen century. I believe this can be attributed to our diversity.