Exceptionalism In The United States

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Exceptionalism by definition is ‘an attitude toward other countries, cultures, etc. based on the idea of being quite distinct from, and often superior to, them in vital ways’ (“Exceptionalism”). This attitude is seen throughout history in various countries and cultures. Some of the most obvious examples are the ancient Roman Empire, the British Empire, and Hitler’s Germany. All of these nations were once great in their own ways, but they also experienced turning points in their own histories where their exceptionalism became unyielding ethnocentric imperialism, which eventually led to their collapse. The United States is of course another example of a great and powerful nation with ideological exceptionalism. The earliest account of the idea…show more content…
After having caused the 2008 'Great Recession,' [we] rapidly transformed ourselves from the world's greatest creditor to its greatest debtor, made fools of ourselves in Vietnam, Iraq, and now Afghanistan, parading a Navy that is easily defeatable by Chinese and Russian (possibly Iranian as well)…allowing our manufacturing sector to be hollowed out, and having the world's largest trade deficit, most expensive health care system, highest level of military expenditures, and a fumbling school system - who are we to tell anyone what to do?…show more content…
American exceptionalism, has played a significant role in several significant turns in history—from the birth of a unique republic and nation in the late 1700s and the spread of exceptional universal values throughout the world to occasional questionably imperialistic actions that have affected several nations and peoples. President Barack Obama said in a comment made while in the running for his second presidential candidacy, “I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism (Friedman).” This notion that most countries harbor an exceptionalist attitude to some degree is likely true, but many of these countries also do not have the power or position seemingly to impose their culture, values, etc. on
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