American Exceptionalism – what does it mean? Does it imply American superiority? Actually, it means none of these things. Rather, the term, “American Exceptionalism,” refers to America’s unique qualities that separate it from other countries. America’s exceptionalism must be fairly viewed. In addition to highlighting America’s finer points, its faults must also be recognized. Charles Murray, in his book, American Exceptionalism: An Experiment in History, outlines and supports a compelling thesis that America remains exceptional, but not as exceptional as it used to be. Murray presents a strong case using America’s finest qualities, but also makes sure to uncover the problems in American society. The exceptionality of the United States
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The Founders attempted things that had never been done, contributing to the uniqueness of American thought. They believed that humans were given natural rights, not to be given, taken, or withheld by the State . As in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These words were “an expression of the American mind .” The Founders also knew that men were naturally power-hungry, which led them to place limits on governmental power . As with the geography, America’s ideology flawed. Many Americans owned slaves. Are all men are created equal? The lack of the citizens’ concern about this fact demonstrated slight moral backwardness . Though unique, America’s beliefs were not …show more content…
The neighbors to the North and South of the United States are still peaceful, but the country must be defended against rising numbers of illegal immigrants and terrorists, raising the need for military readiness . Not many people, especially those in politics, believe in the Founders’ idea of limited government . With the exception of war-time years, America never spent more than four percent of the Gross Domestic Product . As of 2011, the government has spent twenty-five percent of the GDP . The number of religious people has declined also. In 1990, only eight percent of people claimed no religion and that number increased to eighteen percent in 2010 . These declines in founding principles, higher spending, and decreased religion all contribute to the erosion of American exceptionalism.
America remains exceptional, but not as it once was. It still attracts more immigrants drawn by the world’s largest economy, unparalleled military superiority, and more citizen power than other countries . These are all fine qualities, but higher spending, the decline in Constitutional beliefs, and most of all, decreased religion have quickly eroded America’s exceptionalism. As citizens, it is important to believe in American exceptionalism but also to realize that its qualities must be reintroduced to keep this nation strong. Without action, the decline will continue, changing the world
The Founders attempted things that had never been done, contributing to the uniqueness of American thought. They believed that humans were given natural rights, not to be given, taken, or withheld by the State . As in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These words were “an expression of the American mind .” The Founders also knew that men were naturally power-hungry, which led them to place limits on governmental power . As with the geography, America’s ideology flawed. Many Americans owned slaves. Are all men are created equal? The lack of the citizens’ concern about this fact demonstrated slight moral backwardness . Though unique, America’s beliefs were not …show more content…
The neighbors to the North and South of the United States are still peaceful, but the country must be defended against rising numbers of illegal immigrants and terrorists, raising the need for military readiness . Not many people, especially those in politics, believe in the Founders’ idea of limited government . With the exception of war-time years, America never spent more than four percent of the Gross Domestic Product . As of 2011, the government has spent twenty-five percent of the GDP . The number of religious people has declined also. In 1990, only eight percent of people claimed no religion and that number increased to eighteen percent in 2010 . These declines in founding principles, higher spending, and decreased religion all contribute to the erosion of American exceptionalism.
America remains exceptional, but not as it once was. It still attracts more immigrants drawn by the world’s largest economy, unparalleled military superiority, and more citizen power than other countries . These are all fine qualities, but higher spending, the decline in Constitutional beliefs, and most of all, decreased religion have quickly eroded America’s exceptionalism. As citizens, it is important to believe in American exceptionalism but also to realize that its qualities must be reintroduced to keep this nation strong. Without action, the decline will continue, changing the world