Analysis Of The Arrogance Of Power

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After reading an excerpt from William J. Fulbright's, “The Arrogance of Power,” the author argued that Americans were abusing their power during the Vietnam War by ignoring international law and twisting U.S. Foreign policies. This essay argues the point that power has a tendency to breed arrogance. Arrogance stems from a know-it-all attitude or “as a psychological need that nations seem to have in order to prove that they are bigger, better, or stronger than other nations, (Fulbright 1966).” Being too sure of oneself and looking down on others is a surefire way that an arrogant attitude causes offense. William J. Fulbright “holds the record as the longest-serving chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, from 1959 to 1974, (Fulbright 1966).” Senator Fulbright was opposed to the United States always involving itself in the affairs of other countries. To put it frank, he believed that Americans should mind their own business and stop meddling with the issues of other countries all of the time. The United States tended to intervene in the affairs of other countries even when not invited to do so. Almost like a big brother who just wants to protect his younger sibling every time a situation arises. When power is given to a country, boundaries and limits must be set as to how that power is to be utilized, because if Americans perceive they are better than others, then that power, will more than likely, be misused.
One of the arguments that Senator Fulbright makes a valid point on has to deal with perspective. “Having done so much and succeeded so well, America is now at that historical point at which a great nation is in danger of losing its perspective on what exactly is within the realm of its power and what is beyond i...

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...of Americans to go to other countries and act as if the people have to bow down to them. Helping other countries sometimes does not mean that the United States is better than that country. There may be times when foreign countries may be called upon to help America and there cannot be the attitude of, “there is nothing that you can do for me.” Americans are generally known as being nice people.
In conclusion, Senator Fulbright's argument is successful. He made many valid points and gave logical examples as to how arrogance had shown itself through Americans during the Vietnam war. Senator Fulbright gave warnings as to what could happen if the United States continued to misuse the power it already had in and against foreign countries. He simply wanted to make his point that there must be limits and restraints as to how Americans act and react to foreign policies.

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