A large part of American political rhetoric since before the constitution was even formed has been built around the concept of American exceptionalism. For centuries Americans have believed that the part of the North American continent eventually chiseled out to be The United States is a gift from god. This rhetorical device has come in handy over the years starting with European’s “right” to live here in the first place. Up until the constitution however, this concept could be attributed to Europe’s general sense of superiority that was used to justify imperialism. The concept of eurocentrism that existed then could be seen as a precedent for American exceptionalism.
When the constitution was first written, early American’s felt they had accomplished something without model. They had started a new nation on what they felt like was essentially an uninhabited continent, with much of it still not even explored. This new nation was meant to be true democracy and support individualism, laissez-fair capitalism, and egalitarianism. One often hears it called “The American Experiment.” From manifest destiny, to the Cold War, to the War on Terror, American exceptionalism has long been used as an excuse for action, even when the action is in contrast to popular American opinion. To me, the concept of American exceptionalism is no more than a nationalistic rhetorical devise implying that those in support are “true Americans” while those indifferent (or with more realistic global expectations) are considered unpatriotic. This inhibits free thought in a nation supposedly built upon libertarian ideals.
Although the concept of exceptionalism is used by both political parties in American, it is particularly endorsed by the right. In 2006, when Obama was asked if he believed in American exceptionalism, he stated “I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism.” This received considerable backlash from pundits on the right including Sarah Palin who stated that perhaps because of his lack of faith in American exceptionalism “we see a president who seems to be much more comfortable with an American military that isn’t quite so dominant and who feels the need to apologize for America when he travels overseas” Apparently America’s ability to kick anyone’s ass is what makes us exceptional.
It is not just our military that is cited as what makes us exceptional, it is every positive thing that one could conceive to attribute to a nation including, but not limited to: liberty, upward mobility, healthcare, education, innovation, and culture. The truth is, political rhetoric and unbridled patriotism blind many Americans from seeing the world as it is. Perhaps distancing itself from the tradition of religious and military superiority, and instead looking objectively at global relations, American could find a reason to be exceptional. Most political or historical qualms leave me thinking of particular folk songs. In the case of American exceptionalism, this song comes to mind, though i prefer the Bob Dylan version more.
Im in college and this blog is neccessary 