The discussion in class about American Exceptionalism was really interesting to me, so I decided to write about that for this prompt. The idea of American Exceptionalism is that the United States is superior to the other countries of the world. At this moment in time, the United States is a hegemonic state, being the number one power in the world. We have been in this position ever since the end of WWII. It seems to be of popular opinion and through public and international policy that the United States is the top dog and is the best place in the world to live. The United States has its foot in numerous international organizations, often holding top positions in those organizations, such as the UN, NAFTA, and APEC. The United States has a history of using its power to get other countries to do what it wants, and it continues to believe that it can continue to do so. There seems to be an idea that the United States can take whatever it wants or do whatever it wants without resistance or consequence, which is not true.
Also, it does seem that the people of the United States believes that they deserve the "American Dream", living in luxury and excess. Despite the incredible debt that the United States is finding itself in right now, the citizens are resistant in giving up anything that they have or expect to have to help get the country out of debt, yet they complain to the administration about the economic crises. The idea that the United States is superior in all aspects of culture, policy, and lifestyle is mythical. We have issues with healthcare, crime, abortion, poverty, obesity, and even education. The United States is not the model country that everyone should idolize. It has its issues, just like everyone else.
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