I really hate the phrase "American Exceptionalism"

[Syrinx]

Why do we constantly have to tell ourselves that we are the best, baddest country in the world?

Can't we just get along, instead?

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

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[DailyGrind51]

2. "Hubris", on the part of nations, or individuals, invariably results in disaster.

[pinboy3niner]

3. "We're Number One!"

It bugged the hell out of me, years ago, when the VA began putting this phrase on all of its stationery: "We're Number One thanks to our veterans." I had to wonder, ARE we Number One? Clearly, in a lot of ways, we're not. And why do we have to BE Number One? Why do we have to distance and separate ourselves from people who happen to live in other nations?

That is the most misguided attempt to support veterans I've ever seen.

[CBHagman]

4. I feel the same as you do.

And I hate the posturing and pandering that politicians practice to promote it.

[mysticalchick]

5. I have long felt this way myself, Syrinx

What is the need to always "be better" than everyone else? Why can't we be the best United States we can be? (Sadly, we are not doing a very good job of that at all.) It just bugs the heck out of me to see that phrase.

[Davis_X_Machina]

6. The phrase was coined..

...not because it's an accurate description of any real-world fact, but to give historians, etc. a term to discuss a mind-set that has implications for the way the nation views itself, and acts.

The mind-set is a fact. The phrase isn't a policy prescription.

Me, I really hate the phrase 'colo-rectal' cancer, and want to know why can't we all just be healthy.

[pinboy3niner]

9. But colo-rectal cancer is an indisputable fact

An OPINION of American exceptionalism is not a fact.

There is a big difference between trying to describe something that is real and trying to describe an OPINION about what is real.

[whathehell]

12. Thank you for that. information..

It might forestall the predictable onslaught of self-disdain..:eyes:

[IDHow]

7. The Germans did the same, so did the British and others

All great powers throughout all times have had this lofty rhetoric about being the best in the world and a force for everything good. The US is no exception. It's part of the propaganda system of being the current superpower.

[randr]

8. Smug code for "American Exemptionalism"

We can do what we want and nobody will stop us.
Except, of course, a few radicals with a thousand dollar bomb.

[JoePhilly]

10. How do you get people to vote against their own interests ??

You tell them that they are "Exceptional" for doing so.
You tell them that they are the "Real Americans" for doing so.
You tell them that they are the "Most Patriotic" for doing so.

Its basically a masturbatory fantasy.

[Vinca]

11. Exceptionally bad is not necessarily good.

[robcon]

13. I think the U.S. is exceptional.

Bill of rights, prosperity, strength.

[seabeyond]

14. Can't we just get along, instead?... this would truly make us exceptional, right.

i mean a super power that didnt abuse the power.

[RoBear]

15. Me too

I've hated that phrase and "manifest destiny" since I was in high school. I went to a Catholic college where they taught me to think, and over the years (I'm seventy now and eking out a living on Soc Sec) I've become more and more liberal. Some of the nuns would be appalled, but more were very liberal and were happy to see their efforts at real education were rewarded with true freedom rather than the stifling so many experience instead.

I suspect my attitude is not shared by many! :shrug:

[sinkingfeeling]

16. I hate the idea behind the phrase.

[Angry Dragon]

17. WHAT!! ............. You hate your country??

Unless you think that America is better than everybody else you can not be a true American

OH, wait, that is a republican talking point.........