> If you were born elsewhere, and could never get to America, would you be fine with American exceptionalism?
Sure. Why would I care what Americans think about themselves? Why would I care what Americans think about me?
And, on a more objective note, the argument for American exceptionalism isn't that America does so well, but that other countries do so badly.
After all, let's compare the stereotypical American with the stereotypical European and then look at the aggregate results. Some might argue that the stereotypes are wrong. Others give credit to the flying spaghetti monster. Maybe the Illuminati are to blame. And so on.
> Could you precisely define what you mean by "American exceptionalism"?
I'm okay with "American exceptionalis refers to the belief that the United States differs qualitatively from other developed nations, because of its national credo, historical evolution, distinctive political and religious institutions, ethnic origins and composition, or national ideals." from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_exceptionalism
You seem to think that non-Americans should be bothered by American exceptionalism. Why?
The one that bothers me is "better". The reason it bothers me is because that type of American exceptionalism is very close to nationalism, which, in turn, works to build mental walls of ethnocentrism and classism.
While we often hear how fascism is descending on the US, I'll note that it lands in Europe.
Or, if you intend "ethnocentrism and classism" in a less malign form, to the extent that it's bad, it will work to the US' disadvantage. Are you opposed because you want the US to succeed?
Sure. Why would I care what Americans think about themselves? Why would I care what Americans think about me?
And, on a more objective note, the argument for American exceptionalism isn't that America does so well, but that other countries do so badly.
After all, let's compare the stereotypical American with the stereotypical European and then look at the aggregate results. Some might argue that the stereotypes are wrong. Others give credit to the flying spaghetti monster. Maybe the Illuminati are to blame. And so on.