"Ohhh, America, you're so strong" - Let's talk American Exceptionalism

[polichick]

"Ohhh, America, you're so strong" is the title of Matt Miller's piece in today's WaPo - a piece that says a lot of the things I've thought about the idea of American Exceptionalism. The notion has always had a significant ick factor for me, an embarrassing narcissistic element that makes me cringe.

Here's how Matt's editorial begins - I really recommend reading the whole thing, which isn't long...


"Oooh, you're so strong, baby, so handsome. You're the greatest.

I'm talking about you, America. You're . . . why, you're exceptional!

Does anyone else think there's something a little insecure about a country that requires its politicians to constantly declare how exceptional it is? A populace in need of this much reassurance may be the surest sign of looming national decline."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/17/AR2010111703216.html?hpid=opinionsbox1


What are your thoughts about this piece and/or your take on American Exceptionalism?

[COLGATE4]

1. I think it's a dangerous notion. American 'exceptionalism' is highly

overrated, particularly in today's increasingly international world. Nothing wrong with feeling proud of yourself and your country. But to insist that we have all the answers and are somehow superior to other nations per se is dangerous and infantile.

[Billy Burnett]

3. I've always had a different view of American exceptionalism.

Every modern nation is quickly seeking alternatives to oil energy - except America.
Every modern nation has some form of national/universal health care system - except America.
Every modern nation ...

Well, you get the idea.

[polichick]

6. Makes me sad how far behind we're getting. Maybe they think we won't notice if...

...they keep saying how wonderful we are.

[polichick]

4. I agree - it's the perfect excuse to go around the world interfering in...

...other nations' business. I don't think it's our freedoms some people hate us for.

[phantom power]

2. Exceptionalism is a key ingredient of fascism.

On the topic of "needing reassurance" it reminds me a little of something that puzzles me about contemporary country music -- the constant "pride in my 'country-western/redneck identity'" theme.

I wonder if it's a coincidence that so much jingoism came out of the country western genre in recent years.

:shrug:

[polichick]

5. Good point! Hank Williams and others back in the day sang about lovin' and fightin'...

...and getting through rough times.

Don't know if they did all this lyrical flag-wavin' - wonder how far back that goes.