American Exceptionalism: Reality or Myth
China Grant
English 101 w-08
16 April 2016
American Exceptionalism: Reality or Myth
As a country combined with a milieu of cultures, ethnicities and people of all walks of life and backgrounds, America does indeed stand out in a milieu of other nations as a true “melting pot.” Aside from its cultural distinction, America presents herself as a nation that sets its laws, politics, economy and international affairs differently from that of other global partners as well. According to Project Gutenberg, “American exceptionalism” is the theory that the United States is qualitatively different from other states and that America marches to a different drummer based on a variety of reasons that makes it very unique (“American Exceptionalism”). However, there exists dissenting views on whether or not this ideology is truly characteristic of America or if it is merely just a myth.
While many other countries and its citizens may view themselves as exceptional, it is fair to acknowledge that Americans are no different in regards to their self-identity with their own country too. Moreover, while some may argue that America is exceptional based off of its leadership in past (and currently relevant) historical events such as the Cold War and the War on Terror, the notion of “American exceptionalism” is a myth because common American values of civil rights, freedoms, and role of government have shown to be scaled back during times of challenge. In essence, “American exceptionalism” conjures up feelings of shame and disappointment due to America’s history of racism, slavery and social injustices.
If one were to trace the initial roots of American exceptionalism to the original values upon which America was founded, they would look to the American Revolution. America was considered a “new land, a country of nearly unlimited potential and opportunity that had outgrown the British mother country, and [values such as] religious freedom and liberty characterized the American Revolution in unique ways” (“American Exceptionalism”). By virtue, it is apparent that supporters of American exceptionalism believe that America is distinct merely by existing. This was what the nation was founded on when it seceded from British rule, and so to attempt to dissociate America from being inherently unique is not just, from the viewpoint of proponents of this idea.
An additional proponent of American exceptionalism was portrayed when former president Wilson was quoted stating in a campaign speech in 1912:“I believe that God planted in us the visions of liberty…[and] that we are prominently chosen to show the way to the nations of the world how they shall walk on the paths of liberty” (McCormick 4).
In stating this, Wilson loftily places America on a pedestal as the mother of all nations that is destined to direct all other countries to follow in her footsteps. While the intentions of viewing America as “exceptional” may be good, the consequences of placing such pressures on the nation may have counter effects. This increases expectations for America to be perfect in every way. For instance, Americans: “believe they have a special commitment to civil rights and freedoms they enjoy are embedded not only in the Bill of Rights but in American hearts and minds. But beliefs are credible only if tested. It is less clear that during times of challenge (for example, during the Cold War and the so-called War on Terror) these ideals are always honored” (Wilson).
In other words, during times of stress and the reality of challenges especially on the global stage, it becomes increasingly difficult for Americans to uphold certain civil rights, as it is with other nations. It is quite frankly no different. Likewise, while America attempts to make herself as self-reliant and as laissez-faire as possible with limited governmental roles, the politics of Democratic and Republican platforms makes that increasingly different (Wilson).
One blatant reason why America is not seen as exceptional is due to its history with slavery and racism. In Steele’s account of the use of the term “American exceptionalism,” she states: I thought this would be the easiest of points to make. And things were in fact going smoothly until I uttered the words “American exceptionalism.” Instantly—almost before I could get the words out of my mouth—quiet boos erupted from one side of the banquet room. Not loud ugly boos, but polite remonstrative boos, the kind that respectfully censure you for an impropriety. I was shocked. This was a young, bright, prosperous American audience reproaching me for mentioning the exceptionalism of our nation. It was as if they were saying, “Don't you understand that even the phrase ‘American exceptionalism' is a hubris that evokes the evils of white supremacy? It is an indecency that we won't be associated with” (Steele).