More handpicked essays just for you.
The concept of american exceptionalism
The concept of american exceptionalism
The concept of american exceptionalism
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
There exists a lot of controversy over the term “American Exceptionalism.” Not only was this debate prevalent many years ago, it also exists today. There are many aspects of American culture that can make it seem like the most superior country in the world, but also there exists many that make it seem otherwise. The term American Exceptionalism is a term that is used to strengthen a country. In times of peril and chaos, the most important action a country can do is to come together as one. Exceptionalism is not only a term for leaders to live by, but also is a term that equates to a sense of pride for the entire country.
This is exactly what political leaders during the time of the Cold War against the Soviet Union wanted citizens of the United States to do. In a speech that was meant to address the citizens of the United States, Ronald Reagan spoke out against communism and condemned the Soviet Union as the “focus of evil in the modern world” (Reagan). This is what Reagan and other political figures at the time were trying to do, as they were seeking ways for America to come together and form strong opinions against their enemy at the time. By speaking down to the Soviet
…show more content…
Dugan’s poem “The Significance of Corn in American History” talks about the time period of the Puritans in America. After taking a closer look at the poem, Dugan questions America’s superiority by bring up the way in which our whole country was found. Specifically, Dugan is referring to the fact in how our founding fathers relocated the Indian tribes before us and stole our land. By calling our country a country founded by “dirty crooks” Dugan is putting in to question American Exceptionalism with this term (Dugan, 15). Although Dugan makes a valid point about the manner in which our country is valid, this is not to say that the political leaders of today represent the values of dirty
America has always been looked at as “The New World” where people from all over come to fulfil their dreams. Their dreams may not have been exceptional, but only to have enough to survive, have a house where their children could be raised and feel free and protected. Now, according to Webster’s online dictionary Americanism is defined as a custom, trait, belief, etc., peculiar to the United States of America or its citizens, but to me it means so much more.
“If you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything” – Robert Zemeckis. Back to the Future is an American Classic that is on the minds of people around the world with images of Doc Brown’s shiny time travelling DeLorean. In 2007, The American government acknowledged the importance of the movie Back to the Future and its relativeness to American culture by introducing it into the National Film Registry. This award officially certified the movie in being a “culturally” important work that will be preserved for all of time, there by deeming it as a significant non-traditional “cultural media” in American society.
Cave, Damien. "What Does It Mean to Be American?" The New York Times. The New York Times, 2014. Web. 04 Sept. 2016.
What makes America great? To many it is the idea that everyone has an equal shot. Everyone is allowed the same chance at glory. But recently our way of life has come under fire by our own elected leader, Donald Trump. Our president has written in an executive order banning the immigrations of all citizen from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia. This goes against everything we have fought for, and our morals as americans. And when our morals are in check, we have to make our voices heard. We must show the world what we believe in, revolt and not let go until our country is better than it was before. It is this never ending fight that defines the greatest countries, and we are not going to let ourselves slip. Donald Trump’s travel ban wrong, not only morally but it is also illegal, unconstitutional, and most importantly against our beliefs as americans.
Manifest Destiny Ever since America has gained independence from Britain, America has been able to expand and claim territories mainly in the West. In the 1840s, it has become evident that many people supported the concept of Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny combines a belief in expansionism along with other common ideas of the era including “American exceptionalism and Romantic nationalism” (New World Encylopedia, 1). It has commonly held a belief in White supremacy; others might see it in a broader expression as a belief in Americans’ mission in the world.
On the first day of class, I wasn’t so sure what the term “American Exceptionalism” meant, but by the end I have figured it out. American Exceptionalism is the notion that America is uniquely different from the other nations. The reason America is “uniquely different” from the other nations is because, the world expects America to lead, have values, pursue freedom, be diverse and open, and also practice democracy. Being a democratic nation makes us the city upon the hill. America is like a big brother, other nations look to us for help, guidance, and prosperity. The values and beliefs about politics and the government shape our American culture. The stress on a distinct national identity is appropriate within an increasingly diverse nation state and ever globalizing world. I agree upon this statement, because America deserves to be known as the “it” nation. America is more accepting, we are like a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities.
American exceptionalism is a term suggesting that America was the best or superior; it was a term saying that it was different than any other place. Winthrop talks about the city upon the hill, which suggests America being a model or setting an example for other countries. We were supposed to be a beacon of liberty and freedom. During the founding of America, America was different than any other place. At its founding America was exceptional because it was different in the way people interacted with each other, different in the way the government worked, and different in its aspirations.
There are several arguments that I would make to support my thesis which are strong and well-supported. One argument is that just because people are doing bad things in the world does not mean immigrants should not be welcomed into the United States. Not all immigrants are terrorists, there are cruel people all over the world, not only in a specific country. There has been a lot going on between Isis and America in the past few months but that does not mean punish every immigrant for something someone did. "The U.S. federal government should implement whatever procedures are necessary to deny entry to anyone with terrorist connections, a criminal record, or any other ties that would indicate a potential to commit terrorist acts." This will
Immigration is the key to diversity in the United States. The United States (U.S.) opened its borders and shores many years ago, allowing foreign nationals into the country. Foreign nationals refer to the U.S. as “the land of opportunity”; this belief drives foreign nationals to migrate to the country. Foreign nationals must register with the U.S. government and obtain the proper documentation to become legal U.S. citizens. Illegal immigrants and/or undocumented workers are foreign nationals that do not register with the U.S. government upon entering the U.S., or they overstay the allotted time of their temporary nonimmigrant visas. Illegal immigrant and/or undocumented workers receive the same benefits as U.S. citizens such as health, public housing, and educational often while avoiding paying state and federal taxes. The U.S. government must do a better job of monitoring the status foreign nationals.
Everyday, the United States has issues with the society, government, political issues, and environmental issues. One important topic that stands out for everyone is illegal immigration. So why does the U.S have problems with illegal immigration? Thoughts and opinions are all generated around the fact that the benefits the United States offer for the surrounding countries attract legal and illegal immigrants. Health benefits, medical emergency care, and schooling are a few subjects these immigrants target in the U.S.
American exceptionalism is a belief that the United States is different from other nations around the world and as such superior; the term was coined by Alexis de Tocqueville in 1831, yet the philosophy of American superiority can be traced all the way back to the days before the United States was even an idea. They saw their new culture as “A city upon a hill” and sought to achieve moral and spiritual perfection. With this moral superiority the colonists, later Americans, saw a duty presented upon them by God and nature to instill such superior values into other cultures and the world. One such example can be clearly seen in the work of St. John de Crèvecoeur in Letters from an American Farmer where the narrator “Farmer James” states his belief
I always wonder the presidential election this year -- how did Trump get elected? In addition to the fake news stories and lies inundating social media, Trump’s political ads became another bullet hitting people’s hearts. Browsing through the website of political ads of 2016 presidential election, it seems that Trump’s ads always have absurd and intriguing covers with funny names, which reminds me of the “clickbait”, in some degree. Yet, the ad “Donald Trump’s Argument for America” really grasped my attention; it contains the technique of repetition with melodic music making sympathetic environment, which contrasts between normal people and the people in power and offers a simple solution towards the current national issue.
America claims to be a country of rights, freedoms, and equality, yet none are really granted. The right to pursue happiness that America so loudly advertises is a lie, if everyone truly had the right to pursue what makes them happy there would not be transgender people being beaten half to death for being who they are, or gay men being assaulted and ceaselessly harassed for who they love. If this country truly acted upon what it preaches then maybe it would be the great nation it claims to be.
First,I think it should be called President’s day cause you are not just celebrating George’s birthday you are celebrating George and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. This is my second reason why I think it should be called president day cause 50 states are changing it on their calendar to President’s day. Finally I think it should be called president’s day because you are not just celebrating on person’s birthday but all President’s birthday.
How many of you have tried Chinese food? Most of you have tried Chinese food at least once, but not many of you have traveled to China. Nowadays most people think that China is better than America, but in reality, America is far better than China. America is better than China regarding a job opportunity, freedom, and friendliness.