Living in Washington D.C., its impossible not to be exposed to American Exceptionalism. Today, the idea has become tied up with the American ego; one nation under god, the one indispensable nation, even Donald Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again” evokes the idea in a twisted way.
But the idea takes its origins from a much more humble understanding of this country and its place in world history. When John Winthrop first spoke of a “city upon a hill,” he did not speak of America as a holy land, blessed by the lord. Rather, he understood the American experiment unfolding before him to be one that the rest of the world would watch with great interest. For the future of humanity, he recognized the enormous value of this experiment succeeding, not only for the prosperity of his fellow citizens, but as an example to likeminded individuals all over the world. In this way, America was exceptional not for its status as a favored nation, but for the massive and very public task before it. Accordingly, early American Exceptionalism was an idea of humility.
Somewhere through the course of history, Americans began to feel that they had fulfilled their nations ambition, and American exceptionalism took on the egotistical, chest thumping flavor it has today. I can’t argue that some of this chest thumping is unwarranted; this country has done great things, and we shouldn't shy away from that. But I do wonder if this is a useful way for Americans to think about themselves. Humility can guide a nation to greatness; most of American history has proven that. I’m not sure that cockiness can do the same thing.
- Luke Mesiano
No comments:
Post a Comment