Why is America exceptional?

Until America, the world was characterized by millennia of war, conquest, bondage, and birthright. While America is not perfect when it comes to those generalities, we are the exception to the historical norm. Thus the term American exceptionalism was derived. It doesn't mean we're better people, it just means that this county's founders decided to build something entirely new and base an entire society in the idea of all men being equal, with the freedom to have life, liberty, and pursue happiness. I hope that explains it to you in a clear way.

Americans believe they are exceptional because they are very insecure as a people. The United States is unique in that it was founded on ideals and not a common cultural heritage, a heritage that gives a people a sense of place and purpose, and contribute to a sense of security about their place in the world.

It's not ---but when you live in a bubble you will believe it.

Trendhouse-UAB you ask a very appropriate question in an appropriate manner. Thank you for that!

I'm an American. I consider myself a little left of middle so I'll get in front of that now. I want you and all to understand that not everyone who lives here thinks the USA is exceptional. I think we do some really great things and have had influenced freedoms that would not have otherwise been realized both home and abroad. Of that I'm really proud of the USA.

However, I think we've done some very bad things and have made some areas of the world (including our own area) worse. I too get very incensed by those who think America is exceptional.

I think of it like this, I'm proud of my kids and their accomplishments. But I'm also not naïve enough to think they are perfect or exceptional. And if they were exceptional I'd let their actions speak to it and not me as a parent telling everyone they are exceptional. Yet I know a lot of people who love to boast on their children for doing what I consider are things that are either average or not tremendously far from average in a way like they cured cancer. I listen politely and silently judge them because I too am an imperfect human.

I think there are many Americans that are like those second parents. They so badly want their kids to be looked at with such favor that they will taut their accomplishments with such grandiosity that it's annoying for others. We do the same thing with our country.

But here is the problem, none of them are lying!! They all believe what they are saying. Or at the root of it is a denial that the USA is not exceptional.

How would exceptional even be defined at this point? How do you determine whose kid is better than another? To me you don't. People or things that are exceptional need not express their greatness. It's just clear. My baseball analogy to that is simply this, if a player belongs in the Hall of Fame there should be no pause when asked if they should be in. If the USA is exceptional there should be no pause, which there clearly is and rightfully so.

The thing that scares me the most is that those who believe this become complacent and also begin to blindly defend the USA when it is critical analysis of the things you do not do well that needs to occur to get better. We are doing ourselves no favors by acting superior. We are doing ourselves no favor by acting as if the USA has it all figured out. We are stalling our progress as a people and as contributors to the world at large.

I can say this, I love my country but it certainly disappoints me at times. However, I am always willing to work on our relationship.

Bit long winded I realize. Even if nobody reads it felt good to write. It may be used against me at some point when I run for office but I'm willing to defend it.

Oh stewardess, I speak jive!!

America was the country that originated the phrase "to make money". America recognized that wealth is created not looted.

To the Original poster: For ONE, we saved your as s from the Nazis.
Grateful much?