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The concept of american exceptionalism
Qualities of American exceptionalism
Qualities of American exceptionalism
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What is American Exceptionalism? It is a concept, originally stated by Alexi De Tocqueville, that refers to how the United States and its people are special in the sense that they offer opportunity and are a symbol of hope based off democratic ideals and personal liberty (American Exceptionalism). The idea also considers the United States to be a model for the world and holds the divine right to lead. American Exceptionalism might have been a widely accepted term historically, but today no longer seems to holding as high a value as it used to. The notion of American Exceptionalism is no longer as effective due to the fact that the United States no longer stands on values such as freedom and hard work, but itself has become a vile brand focused …show more content…
Although the United States might not be as unique, it is still considered, generally, the birthplace for modern democracy. Where people came to seek for opportunities and sought for a place away from their rough pasts. It has also offered the world a wealth of popular culture thanks to brands such as Hollywood, Coca-Cola, NFL, etc. The US also receives tremendous amount of scrutiny because they are believed to be the sole contributors to globalization, however, that is not true as Porsche, Audi, Gucci, Armani, etc. are large scale brands based in other countries that have tainted their hands through cultural imperialism. The once great US was also the land where an individual is offered the most culture due to its diverse nature created by a welcoming environment. All these factor into why uninformed individuals still consider the US to be the heart of the world and where all noble ideas and action derive from. Well an educated and up to date individual would understand that the afore mentioned components have lost their taste. Popular culture now refers to profit greedy brands or inaccurately depicted media, and diversity and basic civic values are starting to emerge throughout the …show more content…
The country stands on the firm belief that it emerged from what was an inferior world (Unit 7 Text). These ideas helped create the concept of “American Exceptionalism,” and the belief that the United States had a divine right lead, however, is it justified that they are still the country that should be looked up to? The basis of the question is that other countries offer the same values as the United States. That makes the US less unique since a significant amount of other countries provide the same advantages and on many occasions the United States even falls short to other countries. According to a 2015 study, The US ranks 47th in press freedom, 10th in economic freedom, and 39th in income inequality (25 More Signs). The United States, according to it’s constitution, declares its strides in societal standards and sets benchmarks for other countries to live up to, however, is no where near the top. As it has now become obvious, the student is now the
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” –Marcus Garvey. The U.S. is a combination of many cultures and influences over the centuries and because of this we are alike to many of them. We could name many of these influences: the Greeks, the Chinese Dynasties but the Romans were particularly like us. We might see them as barbaric is some ways but the reality is that the U.S. takes pages from many areas of the Romans, and comparisons could be drawn between both of us. Examples include government, our religions, and in some ways entertainment. The U.S. is much like the old Roman Empire was more than a millennium ago
The myth of American(USA) superiority and exceptionalism has existed since the early foundation days. The rush towards the Pacific provided an easy way to sustain this theory, and for a long time it was assumed that westward growth was the best sign of success. In fact, some of the earliest films to hold captive the American citizens were spectacles of U.S. positivism, where good always triumphed over evil.
“If you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything” – Robert Zemeckis. Back to the Future is an American Classic that is on the minds of people around the world with images of Doc Brown’s shiny time travelling DeLorean. In 2007, The American government acknowledged the importance of the movie Back to the Future and its relativeness to American culture by introducing it into the National Film Registry. This award officially certified the movie in being a “culturally” important work that will be preserved for all of time, there by deeming it as a significant non-traditional “cultural media” in American society.
...United States once had amongst the world has lessened, which is also why seeing America as an ideal country would be thwarting a realistic view of the country. If the United States just takes a step back from trying to be the most dominant country, it can regain its status among other nations.
The primary purpose of this essay is stated in the title. It is to consider whether certain principles presented in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence and commonly referred to as human rights are supported by the authority of God 's word. A secondary goal is to consider how society might be influenced to establish and maintain laws which agree with God 's moral authority. Yet a third goal is to consider how free exercise of human rights might be impacted by obedience and disobedience to God 's moral authority.
The Bald Eagle soars across the land of the free, the strong, of beauty, and with longevity. It watches and caws as it calls for small, broken-wing pigeons if they need some help. He can fly high, but there is a limit to how high one can fly even for one of the greatest birds in existence. Once he reaches his breaking point, there is no going farther. He either stays there or flies lower. If he goes up more than he is supposed to, then he will crash and burn. The point here is that the Bald Eagle represents the United States of America, meanwhile the small, broken-wing pigeons represent the people in countries that are in need of assistance, such as Afghanistan and Israel. The United States can definitely take a huge part to helping others throughout the world, but there is a very fine limit that they can go. Although the US is very powerful, democratic, and influential, that does not make America exceptional. There is a difference between nationalism and American exceptionalism, with American exceptionalism being quite a narcissistic view. America, alone, does not have the moral responsibility to help the world through leadership and guidance, otherwise they would be dragged down. Basically, the entire world has this moral responsibility, therefore making all countries either “exceptional” or all being “non-exceptional”, which makes American exceptionalism an invalid concept.
The United States is not the greatest country in the world. However, for a very long time, people have believed that the United States tops the list. This is because of the classic lifestyle and technological advancements portrayed in our daily media. The United States is portrayed as a country of peace and optimum harmony. Consequently, we get the impression that United States is the best place to be. The younger generation seems to enjoy life to the fullest with almost no regrets. After all, most of us can drive a car at the age of 16; compare that to other countries at 18. We have access to pretty much whatever we need. Most adults are not constantly monitoring and hovering over their children. They have jobs and financial prosperity is huge compared to other countries. The security system of our country is depicted to be superb. In other words, nothing seems amiss. In fact, many citizens in the developing world have sought to stay in the United States with the belief that their life will be the best in the world. The search for green cards is ever increasing because of immigration. Statistics indicate that the American Embassies in most developing countries are among the busiest, which is a good thing right? Nevertheless, I believe that United States is not the greatest country. A close examination of various sectors of the country reveals that America lags behind in many aspects.
Exceptionalism of a country is the idea that it holds different, more ethical decisions, than all the other countries through time. Some believe the great experiment of america is one of these great exceptions. However, slavery, the industrial revolution, and the expansion of the federal government have all threatened this idea of greatness.
Americans through the years of existence have adapted well to the radical changes throughout the world. Technology, independence and social equality are some of the diverse concepts the United States have adapted to and developed in order to become a more unified country. Our nation believes that it is exceptional when it comes to other countries worldwide. As can be shown through the popular reference to America as the ‘shining city on a hill’. The term “American exceptionalism” is derived from ideals held by many Americans throughout history. Different people have analyzed American exceptionalism through multiple literary devices. Works such as A Model of Christian Charity, What is an American and Acres of Diamonds illustrate the sentiment that America is incomparable to any other country through different approaches. On the contrary, Democracy in America and How the Other Half Lives are two documents that argue against this theory through harsh yet meaningful remarks.
The presidency of William McKinley consisted of strict imperialistic policies that would benefit the advancement of American ideals. A new nation with new power began expansion both militarily and physically through an acquisition of influence in foreign territories. Under McKinley, these American influences spanned across borders in order to enhance the country’s ability to adapt to world change. These advancements in American society abruptly halted on September 6, 1901. As Leon Czolgosz assassinated President McKinley, America would reach a stalemate, and the future of the country would rest in the hands of former Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. While McKinley was one of the most respected presidents since Abraham Lincoln, Roosevelt attempted to further advance McKinley’s original beliefs through imperialism. While the assassination tragically impacted America’s forthcoming years, it
On the first day of class, I wasn’t so sure what the term “American Exceptionalism” meant, but by the end I have figured it out. American Exceptionalism is the notion that America is uniquely different from the other nations. The reason America is “uniquely different” from the other nations is because, the world expects America to lead, have values, pursue freedom, be diverse and open, and also practice democracy. Being a democratic nation makes us the city upon the hill. America is like a big brother, other nations look to us for help, guidance, and prosperity. The values and beliefs about politics and the government shape our American culture. The stress on a distinct national identity is appropriate within an increasingly diverse nation state and ever globalizing world. I agree upon this statement, because America deserves to be known as the “it” nation. America is more accepting, we are like a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities.
This is one of seven major articles that together provide a comprehensive discussion of the United States of America. For more information on the United States, please see the other six major articles: United States (Overview), United States (Geography), United States (People), United States (Culture), United States (Economy), and United States (Government).
American exceptionalism is a term suggesting that America was the best or superior; it was a term saying that it was different than any other place. Winthrop talks about the city upon the hill, which suggests America being a model or setting an example for other countries. We were supposed to be a beacon of liberty and freedom. During the founding of America, America was different than any other place. At its founding America was exceptional because it was different in the way people interacted with each other, different in the way the government worked, and different in its aspirations.
The American individual leads a life in a society that prides itself upon an equality that never existed, but fuels a highly prosperous country. In America opportunity is constantly open, and while these opportunities lead to competition, this immense amount of competition propels the countries advancements. The American man is one of a strong and independent country, built off of, and created for the unheard and the mistreated. This country was built for progress and that is exactly what Americans to this day strive for.
Although the term exceptionalism did not originate in America, it is a term which could be applied directly to American culture. Originally used as a term to show the superiority of the U.S. to Europe, exceptionalism is a term that is a huge part of American culture. “American exceptionalism is thus the notion that the United States was born in, and continues to embody, qualitative differences from other nations. Understanding other nations will not help in understanding it; understanding it will only mislead in understanding them” (Shaffer 446).The concept of exceptionalism relates to the superiority of America and how it stands alone as one of the only world super powers. Exceptionalism does not have one central definition, it relates to