American Exceptionalism

Originally published as a letter-to-the-editor in the Sioux City Journal, I wrote that for all of our faults as a country, we are still the greatest country in the world. Nowhere does that mean that there isn’t much work to do nor that we shouldn’t critically think of ways to improve and progress in the world. Here is my original letter. I am including Professor Guelcher’s response. He is a history professor at Morningside College and vice-chair of the Woodbury County Democrats. While I think Prof. Guelcher’s response is well-written, it’s fundamental flaw is that it doesn’t take into account that even Barack Obama acknowledged:

Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story, of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren’t well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to. It is that promise that’s always set this country apart… [my emphasis]

America is Exceptional (Jeremy Taylor)

SIOUX CITY–American conservatism is often derided by the left for exceptionalism, or the belief that as a country we’re different and exceptional, which sometimes leads to unilateralism. Two dangerous ditches exist: one is patriotic hubris blinding one to America’s faults while the other is self-deprecation which blinds one to America’s virtues. The ditch which the left all too often falls into is knee-jerk apologizing for America.

Now with the proper humility and balance, let me quickly dispense with the customary invocation which must precede, “I’m proud of America,” and that’s, “Of course, America isn’t perfect. We have our faults.”

But let’s take a look back. Collectively in the primaries, we saw a Kansas farmer, a Mormon business executive, a guitar-playing former Baptist minister, an Italian-American twice remarried prosecuting attorney, a decorated Vietnam veteran, a female lawyer, an African-American community organizer, a Hispanic gun owner. Now, the descriptors obviously are simplistic tags, but they aren’t meant to be reductionist or divisive.

The labels are meant to show that we have more social mobility in a diverse nation which cannot find compare even in Europe. Where else in the world can such diversity of candidates for executive office be found?

This year’s crop of candidates show that for all the supposed glass ceilings in American life, maybe the reason that the ceilings look clear is that they no longer exist the way they do in many parts of the world today.

American Exceptionalism: Superficial (Greg Guelcher)

SIOUX CITY — Exceptionalism, as any social studies teacher knows, portrays American history as a seamless story of inevitable progress and improvement.

American exceptionalism, however, makes for boring, superficial history. “Things have always been much better in America,” we’re told. Bad events such as slavery or racial segregation are explained away as mere anomalies destined to be overcome by the Great March of American Progress.

More worrisome, American exceptionalism is uncritical history. It skews the truth by privileging the positive and downplaying or ignoring the negative. A recent Letter writer’s example of exceptionalism is telling. Yes, it’s wonderful that such a diverse group ran for president in 2008, which suggests that America is generally more open and tolerant than many societies. However, an exceptionalist view too easily glosses over areas of needed improvement. Underlying distrust of Mormonism, for instance, arguably cost Mitt Romney votes among evangelicals who form much of the Republican Party’s base. Sexism helps explain our unproductive obsession with the clothing choices and physical appearances of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. Finally, who could discount that ugly racial and religious bigotry incited mock lynchings and fueled many baseless yet tenacious charges against Barack Obama, such as that he was secretly a Muslim, or an angry black nationalist, or even a non-citizen?

Unquestioning patriotism is the poorest form of patriotism. American citizenship demands informed self-reflection; it requires that we critically assess our successes and our shortcomings and learn from both. Otherwise, we invite the sort of hubris that excuses abuse and encourages arrogance.

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