The United States of America was once a shining beacon of freedom, a defender of virtue and a pillar of strength. Despite the notion of American exceptionalism, the U.S. no longer sustains the comfort of being an “indispensable nation.”
We were a nation born of revolution, founded on the dogmas of individualism, egalitarianism and liberty.
The phrase “American exceptionalism” is traced back to the 19th century and is a still rallying cry for politicians. While America does have certain ideas and values other nations do not, implying America is the most powerful and honorable nation in the world is a delusion. It amounts to little more than patriotic chest thumping.
Another tenet of American exceptionalism is the belief that the rules do not apply to us. For example, use of nuclear and chemical weapons is heinous — except when we do it. Interference in another country’s political system is wrong, unless it’s the United States leading the charge.
American exceptionalism has evolved to mean America can do what it wants, when it wants as long as it’s under the guise of our “divine right” to spread democracy to the world.
Former- President Ronald Reagan once called America “a model and hope to the world,” implying the United States was distinctly virtuous. We have not had such an exceptional moment in nearly a decade. Politicians can barely agree on a budget, let alone adequately apply their power to effect change.
A brief look into history shows America is not a pillar of moral superiority. America is one of the most expansionist nations in history, knocking out nearly every native population, blocking its pathway to prosperity along the way. We dropped atomic bombs on Japan and dispensed Agent Orange in Vietnam. Until recently, U.S. interrogation methods included waterboarding and other forms of torture.
Not only is our country not as virtuous most Americans as tend to believe, our government is highly ineffective and patently dysfunctional. We faced two costly and unsuccessful wars, ineffective tax cuts and a financial meltdown stemming from corruption and corporate greed. We face persistent and mounting unemployment and wage gaps affecting 80 percent of the population.
To be clear, America was once exceptional. Our Founders created an unprecedented institution of government which still exists today. They created the Constitution, predicted the need for a separation of powers and created a nation promoting
individual liberty and prosperity.
The American belief in exceptionalism is not special to America, however. Ancient Greeks, Romans and modern day Russians also believe in the notion of their own exceptionalism. Thinking you’re special is the norm, not the exception, a point President Obama emphasized in a 2009 news conference.
“I believe in American exceptionalism just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism,” Obama said.
The President received harsh criticism for this commentary. Sarah Palin criticized many of our leaders for believing America “is just an ordinary nation, and so America should act just like an ordinary nation.”
Our nation has more potential for entrepreneurship and opportunity than any other
nation. We have a significant military presence and near infinite space for development and wealth. What we lack is a leader who possesses the power and prowess to adequately spread and apply our democratic principles to the people.
America is not the greatest country in the world, but it has the potential to regain its position as a model of hope and freedom for all nations.
Mariah Manuel is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Lake Charles, Louisiana. You can reach her on Twitter
@mariah_manuel.