Revisit our conversation about Multiculuralism in "America: The Story of Us." Now, let's examine this historical framework, digitally before class on Monday. Define "American Exceptionalism"then interrogate it. Is America Exceptional? Does it help explain the way American History evolves or the decisions the government makes?
16 comments:
American exceptionalism is defined by the quote- "American exceptionalism refers to the special character of the United States as a uniquely free nation based on democratic ideals and personal liberty." through this defination i think America is in the process of being defined historically because personal liberty was not initially available for everyone. The fact that America is progressing which is proven through the change from the 1900s to now, makes america exceptional in my point of view.
-Kelly Mancho
As defined on wikipedia, "American Exceptionalism" is the theory that America is different from other countries. I agree with Kelly that indeed America is exceptional. Although we do share common traits with other nations, America has characteristics that sets it apart from it all. From economic liberty to personal liberty, America sheds distinct traits that proves it's difference in existance.
America exeptionalism is as defined on wikipedia as the country that is significantly different from other countries. I believe this definition is correct since America is going through drastic changes ever since it has evolved. From the birth of history America developed traits that are different such as liberty, equality, and individualism. This proves that America is exceptional.
American exceptionalism "is the idea that the United States and the American people hold a special place in the world, by offering opportunity and hope for humanity, derived from its unique balance of public and private interests governed by constitutional ideals that are focused on personal and economic freedom." with that being said, i believe american exceptionalism is not always positive for example "the US has been exceptionally bad, racist and violent."
American exceptionalism is how america approach it's dealings of all affairs. Meaning that deals with americas ways of handleing business to the extent that they are satisfied. Looking at history this definition helps us to understand the decisions america makes because when you look at certain deceions, such as the right to vote, it shows that american society only want men to vote. Since all the poiliticans are men, they put in place a law that prohibits blacks and women to vote. Clearly showing that if only white men are voting then everyone is happy.
American exceptionalism is a special character that separates America from other countries. Like what Lyrell states "...the special character of the U.S. as a uniquely free nation..." Yes, I do think America is exceptional due to America's history and how America has progressed into the modern world setting an example for other countries. The most significant event in the past that has made America exceptional was when American colonists were free from British control. Another reason why America can be considered exceptional was when they were advancing into the modern world and creating new inventions leading the rest of the world into the modern age. America is said to be a "model which should be emulated by the rest of the world" (Lyrell) this to me is what makes America exceptional.
America can be considered as exceptional when it comes to how quickly the nation progressed and all the land has to offer. As a nation we have an abundance of resources, especially oil at the time of the late 1800's to early 1900's. The use of oil has impacted the development of our society in many ways including, transportation, light, and heating. These developments occurred rapidly and definitely exceptionally all because of the fruits of our land. Although we are exceptionally positive, we are also exceptionally negative. We as a nation are greatly racist,violent and scandalous as a people. No other nation was lynching humans for the simple fact that their skin color was darker than their own. No other nation has most of their money in the hands of one percent of the population.
American exceptionalism is sometimes inferred from the nature of American political institutions founded in the 1776-89 period, which include the declaration of independence, revolution, constitution, etc. American exceptionalism may be important in explanations of how Americans think and how they have acted. "It is more akin to a cluster of stories that provides buttresses for pseudo-analytical judgments about American national identity". To me, America is exceptional because like Kelly have said: "American exceptionalism refers to the special character of the United Sates as a uniquely free nation based on democratic ideals and personal liberty", which reflects on America's progress over the centuries. America is a uniquely free nation that has democratic ideals and personal liberty, which is why more and more people are coming over to America because they see America as exceptional.
American Exceptionalism defined by Wikipedia is that the U.S. is "qualitatively different from other countries" and that American ideology is based on liberty...and individualism." this definition holds true to America of today and what it had to evolve into. The nation can truly be called "exceptional" considering there was a time when no other nation had liberty or the rights to express individualism. America's declaration of 1776 and the revolution that ended in 1783 brought America to a positive state. But also because of America's flaws such as violence and racism it brings down the positive image of the nation making it more "exceptional."
America exceptionalism is defined by the characteristics of the "uniquely free nation" of America by their ideals of liberty and democracy. Based by this definition of America Exceptionalism, I would say that America is an exceptionalist nation. However I think that America can grow to be a better and greater exceptionalsit country. I agree with Kelly's thought, that America is still progressing. For example America claimed to be a free nation while slavery was still intact. However as time went on the majority of America realized that claimed that attribute if they had slavery, therefore it was abolished. The same attitude is shown throughout the years such as granting women rights. Also a more revelant issue is gay rights. Slowly but surely gay people are earning more rights and I think that's a result of America exceptionalism. America is still progressing like as Kelly mentioned, and it can still get better, but America does fits the definition of exceptionalism
American exceptionalism is based on America democratic ideals and strides for personal liberty. This sort of helps people (wither citizens of the United States or forigeners) understand America's history and our way of going about certain events. Events that show exceptionalism in America are the Civil war and/or American revolution. Both involved personal ideals as the South believed in slavery while the North believed in abolishment (Civil). Or while in the American Revolution America believed in being a free nation, free from the control of the
British Parliment. This covers personal liberty now for democratic ideals one ideal that goes for both examples listed is equality or human rights. In the Civil War blacks "achieved" equality (over time). While in the Revolution, America as a whole achieved the kind of equality they wished for (over time). So yes the defintion of American exceptionalism does help explain they way American history and government has changed/ developed. For rules had to be made or changed to admit African Americans as real U.S. citizens or when America created their own sets of laws as an act of seperation from Britain.
American Exceptionalism does help explain the way American History evolves or the decisions the government make. As Kelly mentioned, personal liberty was not of equal treatment for everyone when America first began. The very first governments surrounded the slave trade market and as the years went by, slaves rebel and wanted for equal treatment. The many abolitonist movements threw out many ideas towards the equality of people in America. Under these circumstances, the government made a decision in allowed blacks to gain citizenship and allow them to vote. From that moment, segregation sparked and many other ideas.
American exceptionalism is defined as America's unique persona as a free country with democratic ideals. America is exceptional as far as the constitution goes, but in reality there are many flaws in American exceptionalism. For example America is supposed to be a nation open to immigrants as well as a democracy, but in history several laws have been made to restrict immigrants from places like china and mexico. Also capitalist America prevents everyone from having an equal say or be a "democracy" as people with more money or higher class have more say. American exceptionalism does explain the way American History evolves and decisions the government takes. American exceptionalism is a reason for why America gave Puerto Rico citizenship and helped the Phillipines gain infrastructure; because America's ideals of personal liberty and democracy influenced them to.
American exceptionalism are the “democratic ideals and personal liberty” of the American people. It includes the unique rebellious nature of its citizens and untilization of oppritunities chosen to be attained by one’s free will. It is Americans exploratory behavior which also aids the argument that we’re exceptional.
American’s exceptionalism influences how latter decisions are made and how technology exspands. The urge to be recognized and have social status plays out more as history evolves. It is a deep human pattern of self-expression and standing up to be counted for more than a vote that begins to take form. To control you own wealth through the “sacrifice of blood and treasure” as Brian Williams said about the Great Migration.
Americans have a history of challenging the status quo, challenging universal norms, and exceeding exspectations of other nations. For example the fight for America’s independence exceeded expectations of more dominant nations of the time. And through the industrial boom those once dominate nations, now relied on America to keep their economy stable.
Think about prohibition and the prohibition of alchol trading and sales. As the government’s complexity develops into an institution of great power, the people are finding ways around the system. Finding ways to manipulate the system to fit their needs, demands, desires. For example those who snuck in alchol or even the gangsters presented in the film. People were finding a way to achieve their goals and dreams in any way necessary. This mentality aids to the American exceptionalism.
American Exceptionalism is defined as the democratic ideals and personal liberties that make the nation unique. Based on the definition, I feel that America is exceptional. America has advanced in so many ways, as seen in the industrial revolution. The use of factories to produce products, such as clothing and cars which would have otherwise been made by hand, was a, accomplishment. The fact that the nation has been able to progress and keep making advancements is what makes it exceptional.
American Exceptionalism is the thought that america is like no other nation that has come before it or that will come after it and can not be compared to any of these nations. America is in fact exceptional in many ways. We are one of the youngest nations in the world and we have also become one of the most powerful. Our strive to fight for what w believe makes us different from any other place in the world. We as a country are willing to put ourselves on the line for what we believe in. Not only this, but we have become one of the fastest growing nations, in industry, business and other fields, we never stop trying or achieving. These few things are what add to the idea of American Exeptionalism and keep america on the pedestal that we have built and maintained for almost 300 years.
Post a Comment