American Exceptionalism: A Double-Edged Sword
Seymour M. Lipset
American Exceptionalism: A Double-Edged Sword is a well-known piece of work that has significantly contributed to the study of American politics. Although the concept of American exceptionalism has been introduced since the beginning of Alexander de Tocqueville’s time, Seymour M. Lipset takes this research further by analyzing American exceptionalism with greater depth. As a scholar with great reputation, Seymour M. Lipset provides more insights that could aid the study of American politics. He observes the deeply held inarticulated beliefs that shape America’s society and thought. Generally, he describes American exceptionalism as qualitatively different from those of other …show more content…
Lipset question United States for having the highest crime rate, most persons per capita in prison, low electoral turnout rate, highest unequal income distribution as a developed nation, and many more. The United States is even considered to be the most religious country in Christendom. The United States has always been considered to be unique because it is unified by a set of ideals – liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, populism, and laissez-faire. As such, Lipset says that American exceptionalism is a double-edged sword because although it is an ideal democratic country with its own unique creed, the societal outcomes are not necessarily the most desired.
First, Lipset discusses the ideology, politics, and deviance of America in the early parts of his book. This portion of the book was one of the most important chapters as it served as the general basis for understanding the foundation of American politics and the characteristics of its citizens. Lipset provides his arguments by comparing the United States with other countries such as Canada, France and Britain. Unlike France and Britain, Tocqueville and Burke says that America is …show more content…
Lipset has explained that the five American creeds of liberalism, egalitarianism, populism, individualism, and laissez faire as the very basis for the foundation and development of America. Although American democracy is deemed to be the model to follow, the set of beliefs also has another edge to its sword. The negative traits shown in America is nevertheless a result of the very set of beliefs. Hence, although America is certainly exceptionally different from other countries, it does not necessarily mean that it is the best. It certainly is the global leader of the world, and its basis of exceptionalism is a long discussed theme, but it is yet to be observed whether U.S. will be the superpower in the long term, or its uniqueness will lead to its
Seymour M. Lipset
American Exceptionalism: A Double-Edged Sword is a well-known piece of work that has significantly contributed to the study of American politics. Although the concept of American exceptionalism has been introduced since the beginning of Alexander de Tocqueville’s time, Seymour M. Lipset takes this research further by analyzing American exceptionalism with greater depth. As a scholar with great reputation, Seymour M. Lipset provides more insights that could aid the study of American politics. He observes the deeply held inarticulated beliefs that shape America’s society and thought. Generally, he describes American exceptionalism as qualitatively different from those of other …show more content…
Lipset question United States for having the highest crime rate, most persons per capita in prison, low electoral turnout rate, highest unequal income distribution as a developed nation, and many more. The United States is even considered to be the most religious country in Christendom. The United States has always been considered to be unique because it is unified by a set of ideals – liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, populism, and laissez-faire. As such, Lipset says that American exceptionalism is a double-edged sword because although it is an ideal democratic country with its own unique creed, the societal outcomes are not necessarily the most desired.
First, Lipset discusses the ideology, politics, and deviance of America in the early parts of his book. This portion of the book was one of the most important chapters as it served as the general basis for understanding the foundation of American politics and the characteristics of its citizens. Lipset provides his arguments by comparing the United States with other countries such as Canada, France and Britain. Unlike France and Britain, Tocqueville and Burke says that America is …show more content…
Lipset has explained that the five American creeds of liberalism, egalitarianism, populism, individualism, and laissez faire as the very basis for the foundation and development of America. Although American democracy is deemed to be the model to follow, the set of beliefs also has another edge to its sword. The negative traits shown in America is nevertheless a result of the very set of beliefs. Hence, although America is certainly exceptionally different from other countries, it does not necessarily mean that it is the best. It certainly is the global leader of the world, and its basis of exceptionalism is a long discussed theme, but it is yet to be observed whether U.S. will be the superpower in the long term, or its uniqueness will lead to its